Construction projects involving properties in one of the city’s four historic districts require a clear understanding of the historic construction methods, materials, and design features of the structures on the site.  In order to set applicants up for a smooth and successful project review experience with the City, there are new submittal requirements for projects involving historic properties or in a historic district.  These submittal requirements will be applicable to building additions, new infill construction, and accessory dwelling units (ADUs).  As part of an Land Use Application submittal, applicants will now be required to provide the following:

• For historic properties an evaluation of existing conditions and project compliance with the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and the applicable City historic preservation design standards. In the case of projects involving non-historic properties (non-contributors), the project shall be evaluated with respect to potential impacts on the integrity of the historic district. This report must be prepared by a historic preservation professional meeting the Secretary of Interior’s Professional Qualifications Standards. Consultants may be selected from the City’s list of qualified historic preservation professionals.
• In the case of accessory structures proposed to be converted to ADUs or other improved conditioned/habitable space, in addition to the evaluation above, the applicant shall submit an assessment of the existing condition of the structure describing the condition of siding, framing, windows, doors, and roofing demonstrating its feasibility to be rehabilitated and adapted to the new use.
  • Should the condition assessment conclude that the structure is not feasible to rehabilitate with existing historic building materials, construction methods, and character defining features preserved, the applicant shall be provided information about the demolition review process, and associated need to prepare a historic assessment of the structure that will be used to inform demolition review.  Demolition of the structure should be the last resort.
  • Should the historic accessory structure be of a condition where it cannot be rehabilitated, staff will work with the applicant to identify an alternative approach to the project involving construction of an ADU that does not involve the accessory structure.

Minimum elements that are to be included in the historic resource assessment report include:

• A brief description of significance/eligibility as a historic resource for those properties already identified as contributors to the historic district
• A description of the property and its current conditions
• A description of the proposed project
• Evaluation of project conformance with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Historic Preservation, particularly the Rehabilitation Standards
• Evaluation of project conformance with the Old Towne Historic Preservation Design Standards
• Additional recommendations, as deemed necessary by the consultant or staff

While the required assessment represents additional cost to property owners in the early stages of the project, it will inform development and feasibility of site planning and design features in order to ultimately streamline project review and shorten the timeframe for project approval.