Reso 2004-062 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Historic Preservation IncentivesBenefits Programs Historic Preservation Fund The Historic Preservation Fund would provide money for research of historic properties and assistance to owners of historic properties. Money used directly for improvements to a property, such as through the Design Assistance or Construction Rehab programs, would require an agreement from the property owner to maintain the property. The funds would be allocated by the Library Director or Community Development Director for the following purposes: Historic Research: The City may use this fund to hire a historical consultant. For properties that are believed to be of exceptional historical significance, the City could assist in hiring a consultant to research a currently designated site that is pursuing a state or federal historic designation. A consultant could also research significant properties and neighborhoods that are not currently designated, but whose owners are either interested in designation, or who are proposing demolition of a structure that appears to the Chief Building Official to have historical significance. Design Assistance: The City may give property owners design assistance when they are proposing an addition or other exterior improvements to a structure on the historic register. This would consist of architectural assistance from an approved design professional when designing changes to the structure. The alterations must maintain the character-defining features of the building and must conform to the United States Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation. This program would be based on the City's existing Commercial Design Assistance program. Staff is suggesting a limit of $2,500 for this assistance. Property owners would need to sign an agreement to maintain the property for five years. Construction Rehab: The City may provide a grant to assist property owners in maintaining or restoring the character-defining features of a structure listed on the historic register. Initially, staff is suggesting that this assistance would be limited to a 50 percent financial match of the cost of the project or $5,000, whichever is less. This program would be based upon several grant/loan programs that the City administers, including the Redevelopment Agency's Commercial Rehabilitation program and the Housing Services Division's Single-Family Rehabilitation Program. Any building on the historic register that is eligible for either of these City programs would receive priority consideration for that program. Property owners would need to sign an agreement to maintain the property for five years. Payment of Building and Planning fees: The City may pay the building permit fees or planning permit fees for designated City Landmarks, Merit Resources, and Historic Contributors. The improvements must be for exterior improvements that