Reso 2004-062 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

are consistent with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation and any additional guidelines the City may adopt in the future. Structural upgrades or repairs, such as an earthquake retrofit or replacement of a sub-standard foundation, or exterior damage due to fire or earthquake may also be considered. Payment of Business fees: The City may pay the business license fees for commercial properties listed on the historic register. This could result in savings of $45 to $150 annually. Design Guides for Historic Buildings and Neighborhoods: Funds may be allocated for staff or a consultant to prepare guidelines to help property owners determine the types of alterations that are in keeping with the historic character of specific building styles and specific neighborhoods. The guidelines would also suggest architecturally and historically sensitive solutions to common property owner concerns such as window replacements. These guidelines would be available to the entire community. Historic Resource Library: The funds may be used to purchase books and materials regarding historic preservation for a historic resource library. Owners of properties on the historic register will have access to this library. Historic Plaque Program: The City may place plaques at sites of historic interest. The plaques would primarily highlight City designated historic sites. Plaques could also be placed at sites that are not on the historic register but that are considered to be historically significant (e.g. historic sites where the building has been significantly altered or demolished.) Initially, staff is recommending that the City Council allocate $25,000 for this fund from the General Fund for FY2004-2005. This initial and future allocations would be determined during the annual budget process and would be balanced with other priorities for use of General Funds. Mills Act The Mills Act is astate-sponsored legislation that grants local governments the ability to give private property owners property tax relief in return for restoring and/or maintaining their historic property. A contract would be made between the owner of a building on the historic register and the City Council. The contract guarantees a high level of maintenance and authentic rehabilitation (when and if the building is altered}, in exchange for lower taxes. The program allows these properties to be assessed at a lower value, which can result in tax savings of up to several hundred dollars a year. The contract has a minimum term of ten years, is automatically renewed on an annual basis and runs with the property. The City could cancel the agreement and impose a