I. RECOMMENDATION:
This was future agenda item requested by Mayor Pro-Tem Ramsey. Staff is seeking direction from the Council.
II. BACKGROUND:
At a previous meeting Mayor Pro-Tem Ramsey requested staff look into how the City could possibly declare the trestle bridge near Phelps Ave and Hannah Street an historical landmark. Staff has researched the process in how to submit a nomination to the State Historic Preservation Office and provided details on the discussion section of this report.
III. DISCUSSION:
California Historical Landmarks are sites, buildings, features, or events that are of statewide significance and have anthropological, cultural, military, political, architectural, economic, scientific or technical, religious, experimental, or other value. To be designated as a California Historical Landmark, a resource must meet at least one of the criteria listed below; have the approval of the property owner(s); be recommended by the State Historical Resources Commission; and be officially designated by the Director of California State Parks.
To be eligible for designation as a Landmark, a resource must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- The first, last, only, or most significant of its type in the state or within a large geographic region (Northern, Central, or Southern California).
- Associated with an individual or group having a profound influence on the history of California.
- A prototype of, or an outstanding example of, a period, style, architectural movement or construction or is one of the more notable works or the best surviving work in a region of a pioneer architect, designer or master builder.
Effects of the designation
- Limited protection: Environmental review may be required under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) if property is threatened by a project.
- Local assessor may enter into contract with property owner for property tax reduction (Mills Act).
- Local building inspector must grant code alternative provided under State Historic Building Code. Registration will be recorded on the property deed.
- Automatic listing in California Register of Historical Resources.
- Bronze plaque at site (underwritten by local sponsor) ordered through OHP; highway directional sign available through local Department of Transportation (Caltrans) district office.
Procedures for Designation
- Download and Complete the Nomination Packet, including, a Cover Sheet, and the appropriate DPR 523 forms.
- Obtain written consent from the property owner(s) for the nomination. Written consent from the property owner(s) is required for designation. If a plaque is requested, written permission of property owner(s) to place the plaque on his or her property must be stated in the letter.
- Complete application according to instructions.
- Submit cover letter, written consent from property owner(s), nomination, photographs, and maps to OHP for review.
- Nominations will be reviewed by OHP staff. Those that do not have written consent from the property owner(s), are inadequate or are not prepared according to the instructions will be returned to the applicant for further work.
- OHP notifies all applicants, property owners and appropriate governmental jurisdictions of the time and place of the SHRC meeting.
- If approved by the SHRC, the nomination is forwarded to the Director of California State Parks for final approval.
Here are some links to some additional resources: California Historical Landmarks Registration
IV. ALTERNATIVES:
California Points of Historical Interest
California Points of Historical Interest are sites, buildings, features, or events that are of local (city or county) significance and have anthropological, cultural, military, political, architectural, economic, scientific or technical, religious, experimental, or other value.
Points of Historical Interest designated after December 1997 and recommended by the State Historical Resources Commission are also listed in the California Register.
No historical resource may be designated as both a Landmark and a Point. If a Point is subsequently granted status as a Landmark, the Point designation will be retired.
The criteria, and designation effects are very similar to that of the CA Historical Landmark Designation
V. FISCAL IMPACT:
The fiscal impacts with submitting a nomination package is unknown as it may require improvements to the structure, environmental review, costs associated with acquiring owner consent, and staff hours to research eligibility. | | |