HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 2402-2684CITY OF PALO ALTO
CITY COUNCIL
Special Meeting
Monday, April 22, 2024
Council Chambers & Hybrid
5:30 PM
Agenda Item
12.Addition of 16 properties to the City’s Historic Resources Inventory based on Owner
interest. CEQA Status: Pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21065, the Historic
Designation of Properties is not a Project Subject to Environmental Review.
City Council
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: ACTION ITEMS
Lead Department: Planning and Development Services
Meeting Date: April 22, 2024
Report #:2402-2684
TITLE
Addition of 16 properties to the City’s Historic Resources Inventory based on Owner interest.
CEQA Status: Pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21065, the Historic Designation of
Properties is not a Project Subject to Environmental Review.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council:
1. Adopt the attached record of land use action (Attachment A) to add 16 properties
meeting specified criteria to the City’s Historic Resources Inventory, based on expressed
owner interest.
2. Direct staff to continue outreach to eligible property owners among the properties
discussed in this report and to place future additions to the Historic Resources Inventory
with expressed owner interest on the Consent Calendar.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In early 2022, the Council directed staff to review 167 properties throughout the City that were
previously identified as being eligible for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and
California Register of Historical Resources (CRHR); 1471 of those properties were found to still
exist and retain their historic significance and integrity2. Staff discovered one of the 147
properties had been placed on the Historical Resources Inventory (HRI) by Council action in
2014.
1 Link to consultant’s list and HRB hearing dates of 147 properties in the 2023 survey the HRB reviewed:
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/2/planning-amp-development-services/historic-
preservation/historic-inventory/property-groupings-for-hrb-hearings-hyperlinked-rev12052023.pdf
2 Link to 2023 Reconnaissance Survey Report: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/f6745b3d-6148-4678-99b3-
3c7dd712743b/2023-Reconn-Survey-Report_2023-09-28_RevisedDraft.pdf
Through an extensive public engagement process with outreach and hearings before the City’s
Historic Resources Board (HRB), 83 of the 146 property owners objected to their property being
listed on the inventory. Based in part on this feedback, the HRB decided not to recommend
nomination over a property owner’s objection. Accordingly, the HRB recommended the City
Council list 63 properties on the City historic resources inventory.
However, the HRB and staff have not heard from all the 63 property owners despite sending
multiple certified mailed notices to these owners. Three of the properties are City-owned and
discussed later in this report. Another eleven property owners have affirmatively requested
their property be listed on the City’s historic resources inventory. The remaining property
owners (and some are in trusts) may be unaware of the HRB recommendation, still considering
options, or ambivalent to being listed.
The attached record of land use action advances 16 properties for local listing on the City’s HRI.
Staff further recommends that Council authorize continued engagement to owners of the
remaining 47 properties. Properties for which the owners affirmatively express an interest in
being listed will be transmitted to the Council on the Consent Calendar.
BACKGROUND
The City of Palo Alto’s historic preservation program began in 1979 with a historic resources
survey3 that looked at pre-1940 buildings located primarily north of Oregon Expressway. The
survey identified the major styles of early Palo Alto and resulted in the local Historic Resources
Inventory (HRI) with a list of hundreds of individual properties. The survey identified potential
historic districts such as Professorville and Ramona Street Architectural District.
Between 1997 and 2001 another survey was prepared that built upon the 1979 survey and
covered all properties within the city limits that were built prior to 1947. The survey addressed
properties in relation to the national criteria for listing. Identified properties4 were placed in two
categories: 1) those that appear National Register of Historic Places It is these 165 properties
that are the subject of this report and associated with Council’s direction on March 21, 2022 to
advance Comprehensive Plan Program L-7.1.1, which in summary, encourages the City to
update and maintain its local HRI.
3 1979 survey report https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/planning-amp-development-
services/historic-preservation/1979-inventory-and-report.pdf
4 Link to list of properties identified in the 1997-2001 historic survey:
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/agendas-minutes-reports/agendas-minutes/historic-
resources-board/2022/2001-survey-list-of-291-properties-evaluated-for-nrhp-resulting-in-165-nrhp-eligible-
properties.pdf
DISCUSSION
Staff engaged a historic consultant and worked with the HRB to evaluate the 165 properties in
accordance with state and federal criteria and local codes. Staff, with the HRB, supported an
extensive outreach effort to notify all properties that continued to meet eligibility criteria.
Similar to an attempt at the turn of the century to list historic resources on the City’s inventory,
this effort too was met with opposition from property owners opposed to listing. Over 55% of
the eligible property owners expressed their objection citing concerns over impacts to property
values, ability to make changes to their property or structures, and a lack of incentives, among
other concerns.
While the Council has the authority to list all eligible properties on the local registry, staff and
the HRB do not recommend advancing any properties over a property owner’s objection.
Moreover, staff is concerned that the City has not heard from most of the other property
owners remaining on the list. This may be because property owners are unaware of the
potential for nomination despite extensive outreach and certified mailing, or, less likely,
because owners are ambivalent to nomination. Accordingly, staff has drafted a record of land
use action that forwards properties for listing from owners that have affirmatively expressed
interest in being listed on the inventory. This differs from the HRB’s recommendation, which
supported listing all the remaining 63 properties that did not object to listing.
Staff seeks Council’s support to continue outreach to the remaining 47 properties in an effort to
determine their affirmative interest in nomination. If more property owners elect to proceed,
staff would return to the Council in the next few months with a new record of land use action
and present that to the Council on the Consent Calendar.
Properties Proposed for Nomination
The following is a summary of the properties proposed for nomination, the address, the local
criterion met for designation, and a brief description supporting the recommendation:
1. 731 Emerson Street5 is recommended for placement on the HRI as a Category 2 resource,
under local Criterion 2 (The structure or is particularly representative of an architectural style or
way of life important to the city, state, or nation), and Criterion 5 (The architect or building was
important). Built in 1896, it is significant as an early and notable example of the Queen Anne
style that was built by important local builder H.L. Upham.
5 Link to nomination form and evaluation for 731 Emerson:
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/planning-amp-development-services/historic-
preservation/historic-inventory/emersonst_731.pdf
2. 243-245 Webster Street6 is recommended for placement on the HRI as a Category 2
resource, under local Criterion 2. Built in 1904, it is significant as a property that embodies the
distinct characteristics of the Eastern Shingle style.
3. 330 Cowper Street7 is recommended for placement on the HRI as a Category 2 resource,
under local Criterion 1 (The structure or site is identified with the lives of historic people or with
important events in the city, state or nation). Built in 1904, with a period of significance 1930-
1948, it is significant as a residence lived in by a notable Black family who were both active in
the Black community of Palo Alto during a period of significant growth; and were rare Black
residents in the city at a time when de jure and de facto segregation limited the ability of Blacks
to reside within Palo Alto. 330 Cowper Street was constructed prior to the adoption of
restrictive covenants (based on race and religion) and was located outside of the previously
established small zone along Fife Avenue where Black families were allowed to rent property.
4. 541 E Crescent Drive8 is recommended for placement on the HRI as a Category 2 resource,
under local Criteria 2 and 5, and Criterion 6 (The structure or site contains elements
demonstrating outstanding attention to architectural design, detail, materials or
craftsmanship.) Built in 1928, it is a significant example of a Tudor Revival style building and a
notable example of the work of significant local architect Charles K. Sumner. It is also an
exemplar of craftsmanship by important local builder H.H. Dabinett. The building appears to
retain a high level of integrity.
5. 421 California Avenue9 is recommended for placement on the HRI as a Category 2 resource,
under local Criteria 2 and 5. Built in 1929, it is significant as a notable example of a commercial
building in the Spanish Colonial Revival style, and a rare example of the style in brick designed
by prolific Palo Alto architect Birge Clark. Despite alterations to the facade including removal of
6 Link to nomination form and evaluation for 243-245 Webster:
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/planning-amp-development-services/historic-
preservation/historic-inventory/websterstreet_243.pdf
7 Link to nomination form and evaluation for 330 Cowper:
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/planning-amp-development-services/historic-
preservation/historic-inventory/cowperstreet_330.pdf
8 Link to nomination form and evaluation for 541 E Crescent:
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/planning-amp-development-services/historic-
preservation/historic-inventory/ecrescentdr_541.pdf
9 Link to nomination form and evaluation for 421 California:
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/planning-amp-development-services/historic-
preservation/historic-inventory/californiaave_421.pdf
original wrought iron features, the building retains significance as a unique work by important
local architect Birge Clark.
6. 1401 Edgewood Drive10 is recommended for placement on the HRI as a Category 2 resource,
under local Criteria 1, 2, and 5. Built in 1938 with a period of significance 1938-1960, it is
significant for both its association with local Palo Alto resident Merritt C. Speidel and for its
Colonial Revival design by David Clark and Walter Stromquist. The building was constructed for
Speidel, who owned and operated a Palo Alto-based chain of eight newspapers that were
published across the nation. Speidel lived with his family at the subject building until his death
in 1960. Speidel’s personal residence is associated with his professional accomplishments as no
other known location reflects that history. The building is a rare Colonial Revival design to come
out of the office of prolific local architect Birge Clark, and was designed by his successors, David
Clark and Walter Stromquist.
7. 1474 Edgewood Drive11 is recommended for placement on the HRI as a Category 2 resource,
under local Criteria 2 and 5. Built in 1935, 1474 Edgewood Drive is significant for its Spanish
Colonial Revival style as designed by Birge Clark, who was one of Palo Alto’s most significant
and prolific local architects.
8. 2340 Tasso Street12 is recommended for placement on the HRI as a Category 2 resource,
under local Criteria 2 and 5. Built in 1933, it is significant as a property that embodies the
distinct characteristics of the French Norman and Storybook subtypes of the Period Revival style
and is one of the earliest known Palo Alto residences designed by the prominent local builder-
contractor William F. Klay.
9. 311 El Carmelo Avenue13 is recommended for placement on the HRI as a Category 2
resource, under local Criteria 2. Built in 1894, it is significant as a good and rare example of an
10 Link to nomination form and evaluation for 1401 Edgewood:
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/planning-amp-development-services/historic-
preservation/historic-inventory/edgewooddrive_1401.pdf
11 Link to nomination form and evaluation for 1474 Edgewood:
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/planning-amp-development-services/historic-
preservation/historic-inventory/edgewooddrive_1474.pdf
12 Link to nomination form and evaluation for 2430 Tasso:
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/planning-amp-development-services/historic-
preservation/historic-inventory/tassostreet_2340.pdf
13 Link to nomination form and evaluation for 311 El Carmelo Ave:
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/planning-amp-development-services/historic-
preservation/historic-inventory/elcarmeloavenue_311.pdf
early house type that was likely adapted from pattern book designs to incorporate two separate
entrances, and that demonstrates characteristics of the Queen Anne style.
10. 541 Bryant Street14 is recommended for placement on the HRI as a Category 2 resource,
under local Criteria 2, 5, and 6. Built in 1946, it is significant as an early example of a
professional office building in downtown Palo Alto at a time when such buildings were rare, and
as an early and successful example of the courtyard office building in Palo Alto that
demonstrates Midcentury Modern design. In addition, the building is a good example in the
career of Leslie I. Nichols, demonstrating his transition to Modern styles in the post-World War
II period.
11. 437 Kipling Street15 is recommended for placement on the HRI as a Category 2 resource,
under local Criteria 1, 2 and 4 (The structure or site is connected with a business or use which
was once common but is now rare). Built in 1902 with a period of significance 1902-1947, it is
significant for its use as a boarding house with a converted dress shop on the first floor. It is also
a unique building type that combines stylistic elements of Queen Anne, Foursquare, and
Colonial Revival.
12. 1275 Dana Avenue16 is recommended for placement on the HRI as a Category 1 resource,
under local Criteria 5 and 6. Built in 1935 with a period of significance 1935-1936, it is
significant for its unique architectural design, high integrity and retention of character, and as
the work of important local architects and builders W.F. Klay and H.H. Dabinett. It is also
significant as the residence of San Francisco architect Charles H. Sawyer, who designed an
addition in 1936 and occupied the residence through 1950.
13. 832 Kipling Street17 is recommended for placement on the HRI as a Category 2 resource
under local Criterion 2. Built in 1893, it is significant as a distinctive and stately example of the
Queen Anne style.
14 Link to nomination form and evaluation: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/planning-amp-
development-services/historic-preservation/historic-inventory/bryantstreet_541.pdf
15 Link to nomination form and evaluation https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/planning-amp-
development-services/historic-preservation/historic-inventory/kiplingst_437.pdf
16 Link to nomination memo and evaluation for 1275 Dana:
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/planning-amp-development-services/historic-
preservation/historic-inventory/danaave_1275.pdf
17 Link to nomination memo and evaluation for 832 Kipling:
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/planning-amp-development-services/historic-
preservation/historic-inventory/kiplingst_832.pdf
The following City properties were reviewed by staff from Administrative Services, Community
Services, and Utilities prior to the HRB nominations hearings; staff did not identify any
impediments to City operations or uses:
1. NW of Palo Alto Avenue & Hale Street (Cistern and Pump House): recommended for
placement on the HRI as a Category 2 resource18 under local Criteria 1 and 2. Built in 1924, it is
an important part of the Palo Alto municipal water system that was developed from wells
beginning in 1887. The subject building is significant as one of only two remaining early Palo
Alto decorated utility structures and as an important part of the Palo Alto municipal water
system that was developed from well sources beginning in 1887. The Cistern and Pump House
also represents an important Northern California building typology that emerged from the City
Beautiful Movement. It was designed to express pride in civic and public infrastructure.
2. 201 Alma Street (the water tower property): recommended for placement on the HRI as a
Category 1 resource19 under local Criterion 1, Criterion 4 (The structure or site is connected
with a business or use which was once common but is now rare) and Criterion 5. Built in 1910
with a period of significance 1910-1962, it is significant as a distinctive example of a decorated
municipal building that embodies the design principles of the City Beautiful movement. It is an
early example of reinforced concrete construction and is significant for its design by important
local builder Maurice Couchot. It also is associated with early municipal water retention
planning in Palo Alto.
When Council recently reviewed a park dedication ordinance for this site, Council recommended
staff endeavor to place the site on the National Register of Historic Places; staff estimates the
cost for consultant assistance on the task would be approximately $16,000. Additionally, staff is
targeting the May 9 HRB meeting to enable a discussion with CSD staff about naming the park
after an important person associated with Palo Alto Utilities, Fred Eyerly.
3. 2601 East Bayshore Road (The Federal Telegraph Company – Marsh Station): recommended
for placement on the HRI as a Category 1 resource20, under local Criteria 1, 4, and 5. Built in
1921 and with a period of significance 1921 - 1977, the former Federal Telegraph Company –
Marsh Station is significant for its remarkable contributions to the field of radio
communications that impacted the field nationally and were significant to the American war
18 Link to HRE for pump and cistern https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/planning-amp-
development-services/historic-preservation/historic-inventory/cistern-and-pump-house.pdf
19 Link to HRE for Water Tower site https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/planning-amp-
development-services/historic-preservation/historic-inventory/almast_201.pdf
20 Link to HRE for ITT site: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/planning-amp-development-
services/historic-preservation/historic-inventory/EastBayshoreRoad_2601.pdf
effort in World War II. The company, which was originally founded in 1909 in Palo Alto as the
Poulsen Wireless Telephone & Telegraph Company, was a pioneer in continuous wave
transmission and long-distance transmission. Marsh Station was the hub of all West Coast wired
communication (telegraph and telephone, and later ship-to-shore radio transmission) when it
was completed in 1921, and led the world in how many channels of communication could be
used simultaneously. While alterations have been made to the property with the removal of
several structures, the site’s significant association with national communication history remain
legible through the presence of its main surviving building within the vast open marshland and
the various concrete anchorage blocks that remain scattered throughout the site and once
supported a 626-foot-tall radio tower (present from 1921-1960).
The HRB discussed this nomination on January 25, 2024. The question is whether listing on the
local inventory helps create opportunities for its reuse, so that if it is demolished in the future
there is some plan to do interpretive work preserving and highlighting the history conveyed on
the site so that the public could understand the significance of the site.
POLICY IMPLICATIONS
Nominating properties for listing on a historic inventory can be controversial for any
jurisdiction. While historic resources do benefit from certain zoning and building code
incentives, it may not be as meaningful for homeowners who have already improved or simply
plan to maintain their homes.21
Communities that have an incentive program that reduces property taxes in exchange for the
preservation and maintenance of designated historic resources, such as a Mills Act program,
are likely to see more voluntary requests for listing. Reduced property taxes, however, in places
like Palo Alto with high property values, may also impact revenue to the Palo Alto Unified
School District. The HRB has long championed a Mills Act program for Palo Alto. The City has
only one Mills Act contract but has not expanded this program. Expansion would require
direction from the Council and would need to be balanced to other Council and department
priority objectives.
Communities that preserve historic resources create a sense of place and identity and can
foster community pride as it celebrates its connection to the past. Robust preservation efforts
can support economic development and support environmental sustainability through
rehabilitation and reduced waste from construction.
21 Preservation incentives webpage: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Planning-Development-
Services/Historic-Preservation/Preservation-Incentives
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
There is no significant fiscal or resource impact associated with the recommendation in this
report; all expenses have been previously accounted for in the department budget.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
The City maintained a project website; provided certified mailing to property owners with
eligible historic resources; held a community meeting in April and again in October 2023
followed by several evening public hearings before the HRB. Notice of this hearing was
published in the Daily Post on April 12, 2024, at least ten days in advance of the meeting.
NEXT STEPS
Based on the recommendation in this report, staff would continue to engage property owners
whose properties are eligible for listing but who have not affirmatively expressed an interest in
listing for the next two months. Afterwards, if there are any additional properties identified for
listing, staff would advance that to the Council on the consent calendar.
For properties that are listed as part of the Council’s action, they would have six months to
reconsider and request their property not be listed on the inventory. After that time period,
properties would be included in the inventory.
As an alternative to the recommendation in this report, the Council could decide to direct staff to
return with a record of land use action to nominate all 63 properties recommended by the HRB.
If so directed, staff recommends rescheduling the item for a future public hearing.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Historic designation of properties is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) and CEQA Guidelines per Section 21065. Court cases have established that historic
resources do not need to be on a register to be protected under the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA) when a discretionary permit or approval is required. CEQA may, therefore,
require reviewing a project for potential historic status even if it is not on the local historic
inventory. This means that the City’s Historic Ordinance, local inventory, and procedures alone
will not make clear the requirements that a property may be subject to, especially pursuant to
CEQA.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Record of Land Use Action with Exhibit for April 22 2024 Inventory Update
Attachment B: List of 147 Properties Eligible for HRI in the 2023 Survey Report (one property is
already listed on the local HRI)
Attachment C: List of 14 Properties Removed from Eligibility in Survey Report
APPROVED BY: Jonathan Lait, Planning and Development Services Director
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ATTACHMENT A
ACTION NO. ------2024
RECORD OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO’S LAND USE ACTION (1) RECEIVING THE
RECOMMENDATION OF THE HISTORIC RESOURCES BOARD AND (2) PLACING 16 PROPERTIES
ON THE LOCAL HISTORIC RESOURCES INVENTORY WHOSE OWNERS POSITIVELY AFFIRMED
INVENTORY PLACEMENT
On April 22, 2024, the Council reviewed the recommendations of the Historic
Resources Board and staff regarding the placement of properties previously deemed eligible for
listing on the National Register of Historic Places and California Register of Historical Resources,
and approved the placement of the properties, for which no objections were received from the
property owners, on City’s Historic Resources Inventory, making the following findings,
determination, and declarations:
SECTION 1. Background. The City Council of the City of Palo Alto (“City Council”) finds,
determines, and declares as follows:
A. In 2022, the City Council directed the City to obtain consultant assistance (ID # 14189) and
the City’s consultant, Page and Turnbull, conducted the 2023 Historic Reconnaissance
Survey, finding 147 properties still extant with integrity and eligible for listing on the local
historic resources inventory.
B. The Historic Resources Board (HRB) conducted four public hearings to consider the
eligible properties identified in the survey, on November 9 and December 14, 2023, and
January 11 and January 25, 2024; the HRB received the staff reports and conducted
public hearings where public comments were provided, and staff and the HRB received
many property owners’ written and oral objections regarding the recommendations.
C. Staff held many conversations with property owners, but most owners objected without
having conversations or attending the hearings. During and after the HRB hearings, staff
tallied the properties for which no objections had been received.
D. For the April 22, 2024 Council action, staff recommends Council place the properties on
the local Historic Resources Inventory properties whose owners have positively affirmed
the listing previously (unless they object during or prior to the City Council meeting);
staff is seeking alternative methods to certified mailings to reach out again to all ‘non-
objections’ properties requesting they contact staff prior to the April 22, 2024 meeting
to affirm the local inventory listing.
E. The City of Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan Program L7.1.1 states: “Update and maintain
the City’s Historic Resource Inventory to include historic resources that are eligible for
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local, State, or federal listing. Historic resources may consist of a single building or
structure or a district.”
F. The City of Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan Program L-7.2 states: Policy L-7.2 states “If a
proposed project would substantially affect the exterior of a potential historic resource
that has not been evaluated for inclusion into the City’s Historic Resources Inventory,
City staff shall consider whether it is eligible for inclusion in State or federal registers
prior to the issuance of a demolition or alterations permit. Minor exterior improvements
that do not affect the architectural integrity of potentially historic buildings shall be
exempt from consideration. Examples of minor improvements may include repair or
replacement of features in kind, or other changes that do not alter character-defining
features of the building.”
G. The City of Palo Alto is a Certified Local Government with the obligation to maintain a
system for the survey and inventory of local historic resources; the City of Palo Alto has
conducted three surveys and also prepares individual historic resource evaluations on a
case-by-case basis (when demolition is proposed or in response to property owner
request) to determine whether these are historic resources subject to the California
Environmental Quality Act.
SECTION 2. Environmental Review. Maintenance of the historic designation of
properties or reclassification of a historic designation of a property is not a project under the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and CEQA Guidelines per Section 21065.
SECTION 3. Designation Findings.
A. The following criteria, as specified in Municipal Code Section 16.49.040 (b), have been
used as criteria for designating historic structures/sites to the historic inventory:
(1) The structure or site is identified with the lives of historic people or with important
events in the city, state or nation;
(2) The structure or site is particularly representative of an architectural style or way
of life important to the city, state or nation;
(3) The structure or site is an example of a type of building which was once common,
but is now rare;
(4) The structure or site is connected with a business or use which was once common,
but is now rare;
(5) The architect or building was important;
(6) The structure or site contains elements demonstrating outstanding attention to
architectural design, detail, materials or craftsmanship.
B. Municipal Code Section 16.49.020 (b) provides definitions for the local historic resources
inventory categories:
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Category 1: "Exceptional building" means any building or group of buildings of preeminent
national or state importance, meritorious work of the best architects or an outstanding
example of the stylistic development of architecture in the United States. An exceptional
building has had either no exterior modifications or such minor ones that the overall
appearance of the building is in its original character.
Category 2: "Major building" means any building or group of buildings of major regional
importance, meritorious works of the best architects or an outstanding example of an
architectural style or the stylistic development of architecture in the state or region. A major
building may have some exterior modifications, but the original character is retained.
Category 3 or 4: "Contributing building" means any building or group of buildings which are
good local examples of architectural styles and which relate to the character of a neighborhood
grouping in scale, materials, proportion or other factors. A contributing building may have had
extensive or permanent changes made to the original design, such as inappropriate additions,
extensive removal of architectural details, or wooden facades resurfaced in asbestos or stucco.
C.Designation of historic structures/sites is covered under section 16.49.040 of Chapter
16.49: Procedure for Designation of Historic Structures/Sites or Districts. Any individual or
group may propose designation as a historic structure/site or district. Such proposals shall
be reviewed by the historic resources board, which will make its recommendation to the
council. Designation of a historic structure/site or district must be approved by the city
council. The procedure for such designation is as follows:
(a) The historic resources board shall recommend to the city council approval, disapproval
or modification of an application for designation.
(b) The city council may approve, disapprove or modify a recommendation for designation
and, in any case where an application for a planning or building permit is pending
concurrently with the proposal for designation, such decision shall be made within
thirty days of the recommendation, if any, of the historic resources board.
(c) After approval of the designation of a structure/site or district, the city clerk shall send
to the owners of the property so designated, by mail, a letter outlining the basis for
such designation and the regulations which result from such designation. Notice of this
designation shall also be filed in the building department and the department of
planning and development services files.
SECTION 5. Placement on Local Historic Resources Inventory Approved. The City
Council approves the placement of the following properties whose owners have affirmed
acceptance with placement on the City’s Historic Resources Inventory:
1. 731 Emerson Street as a Category 2 resource, under local Criteria 2 and 5
2. 243-245 Webster Street as a Category 2 resource, under local Criterion 2
3. 330 Cowper Street as a Category 2 resource, under local Criterion 1
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4. 541 E Crescent Drive as a Category 2 resource, under local Criteria 2, 5, and 6
5. 421 California Avenue as a Category 2 resource, under local Criteria 2 and 5
6. 1401 Edgewood Drive as a Category 2 resource, under local Criteria 1, 2, and 5
7. 1474 Edgewood Drive as a Category 2 resource, under local Criteria 2 and 5
8. 2340 Tasso Street as a Category 2 resource, under local Criteria 2 and 5
9. 311 El Carmelo Avenue as a Category 2 resource, under local Criterion 2
10. 541 Bryant Street as a Category 2 resource, under local Criteria 2, 5, and 6
11. 437 Kipling Street as a Category 2 resource, under local Criteria 1, 2, and 4
12. 1275 Dana Avenue as a Category 1 resource, under local Criteria 5 and 6
13. 832 Kipling Street as a Category 2 resource, under local Criterion 2
14. NW of Palo Alto Avenue & Hale Street (Cistern and Pump House) as a Category 2 resource
under local Criteria 1 and 2
15. 201 Alma Street (water tower site) as a Category 1 resource under local Criteria 1, 4, and 5
16. 2601 East Bayshore Road (The Federal Telegraph Company – Marsh Station) as a Category 1
resource under Criteria 1, 4, and 5.
PASSED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTENTIONS:
ATTEST: APPROVED:
_________________________ ____________________________
City Clerk Director of Planning and
Development Services
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
___________________________
Senior Asst. City Attorney
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Attachment B
147 Eligible Properties Listed in Survey Report
The below list shows the addresses of 147 properties previously found eligible for the National
and State historic registers, that the City’s consultant found eligible for listing on the City’s local
historic inventory. Included in this list published in the survey report are properties for which
objections were received and for which no objections were received.
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Attachment C
Survey Report - Properties Removed
The City’s consultant found 14 properties have been demolished, and three were found to have
been altered enough to result in a loss of historic integrity and are thus no longer eligible
historic resources. Three properties were not awarded a final evaluation due to either ongoing
construction or damage. The properties identified as demolished, altered, or for which no
evaluation was made, are noted in the consultant report.