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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 4a. 201 Buena Vista Ave. (HIST-0748-2021) CULTURAL HERITAGE COMMITTEE AGENDA REPORT SUBJECT: HISTORICAL PROPERTY PRESERVATION CONTRACT FOR 201 BUENA VISTA AVE. (KENNETH AND MARTHA SCHWARTZ HOUSE) PROJECT ADDRESS: 201 Buena Vista Ave BY: Walter Oetzell Phone Number: 781-7593 Email: woetzell@slocity.org FILE NUMBER: HIST-0748-2021 FROM: Brian Leveille, Senior Planner RECOMMENDATION Recommend to the City Council that the City enter into a Mills Act historic property contract with the property owners, to encourage maintenance and restoration of the historic property at 201 Buena Vista Avenue (Kenneth and Martha Schwartz House). 1.0 BACKGROUND The owner of the Kenneth and Martha Schwartz House at 201 Buena Vista Avenue (Figure 1) submitted an application to enter into a Mills Act historical property contract with the City. The Committee will make a recommendation to the City Council about the request, as provided in § 14.01.030(B) (8) of the City’s Historical Preservation Ordinance 2.0 SITE AND SETTING The property is on the north side of Buena Vista Avenue, at its intersection with San Miguel Avenue. It is developed with a single-family dwelling built in 1962, designed by Kenneth Schwartz, an active local architect and public servant, and occupied by him and his family, from its construction until shortly before his death in 2019. It was designated as a “Master List Resource” by the City Council in September 2021 (by Resolution No. 11274). 3.0 MILLS ACT CONTRACTS The Mills Act Program is a property tax reduction program for protection of cultural resources that encourages their maintenance and restoration (§ 3.6.2 of the General Plan Conservation and Open Space Element). Participation in the program is limited to M aster List Resources; the most unique and important historic resources in terms of age, Meeting Date: 11/8/2021 Item Number: 4a Time Estimate: 30 Minutes Figure 1: The Kenneth & Martha Schwartz House Page 9 of 69 Item 3a HIST-0748-2021 (201 Buena Vista) Cultural Heritage Committee Report – November 8, 2021 architectural or historical significance, rarity, or association with important persons or events in the City’s past (HPO § 14.01.050 (A)). The City and owners of a Master List Resource enter into an historical property contract under which the owners agree to restore, maintain, and protect the property in accordance with historical preservation standards. Owners may qualify for property tax relief, potentially realizing tax savings of between 40% and 60% per year. Contracts have a minimum term of ten years, and contain standard elements set out in the Mills Act (Govt. Code §§ 50280 – 50290), including: a provision for preservation (or, where necessary, restoration and rehabilitation) of the property in conformance with state historic preservation guidelines; periodic examination of the property for compliance with the contract; and a provision binding the contract upon successive owners. Automatic one - year extensions are provided, unless either party gives notice of non-renewal of the contract. On acceptance and recordation of the contract, the property is assessed using an “income approach” that values the property by an income capitalization method, following guidelines provided by the State Board of Equalization. 4.0 PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS Several improvements and maintenance items are identified by the applicant (Attachment 1) for completion during the term of the proposed contract. All of the items discussed appear to be relevant to the preservation and maintenance of this property and are included in Exhibit A of the proposed contract (Attachment 2). Additionally, any work undertaken on the property must, under the terms of the contract, be carried out in a manner consistent with the City’s historical preservation standards and guidelines and with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Treatment of Historic Properties, so as to retain and preserve original, character-defining architectural features and the historical character of the property. 5.0 ACTION ALTERNATIVES 1. Staff Recommendation: Recommend to the City Council that the City enter into a Mills Act historic property contract with the property owners, to encourage maintenance and restoration of the historic property at 201 Buena Vista Avenue. 2. Continue consideration of the request with direction to the applicant and staff. 3. Recommend to the City Council that the City not enter into the proposed historical property contract. This action is not recommended because the City participates in incentive programs that encourage maintenance and restoration of historic properties, (General Plan Conservation and Open Space Element, Program 3.6.2), and as a Master List Resource, this property is eligible for this program. 6.0 ATTACHMENTS A – Applicant Request Letter and List of Improvements (Oct 26, 2021) B – Draft Historic Property Contract (201 Buena Vista) Page 10 of 69 Page 11 of 69 Page 12 of 69 Mills Act Contract / List of Improvements SCOPE OF FUTURE AND PRESENT WORK PROPOSED FOR 201 BUENA VISTA AVE. INSIDE Fix leaks in plate glass windows Replace wood floors in Kitchen & Living Room Install laminated safety film on non-tempered windows Install new curtain coverings Repair/replace low-voltage lighting Paint walls and re-stain original wood work. Replace or update lighting fixtures Electrical wiring repair Update HVAC system and water heater OUTSIDE Replace warped or dry rotted wood: siding Repair/replace tile on front steps to match entry Repair: Section 1 termite work Repair termite-ridden deck outside of the house (on west) Replace roof, add solar and photo-voltaics Replace rear patio Repair retaining walls Replace dead plants Renew landscaping Adjust and add new irrigation Page 13 of 69 Page 14 of 69 HISTORIC PROPERTY PRESERVATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO AND THE OWNER OF THE HISTORIC PROPERTY LOCATED AT 201 BUENA VISTA AVENUE, IN THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO, SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY, STATE OF CALIFORNIA. THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into this ________ day of ________ , 2021, by and between the City of San Luis Obispo, a municipal corporation (hereinafter referred to as the “City”), and Thom Brajkovich (hereinafter referred to as “Owner”), and collectively referred to as the “parties.” WHEREAS, Owner is the owner of that certain real property commonly known as 201 Buena Vista Avenue (APN 052-131-010), and legally described as shown in the attached “Exhibit B” (“Owner’s Property”); and WHEREAS, Owner has agreed to enter into an Historical Property Contract with the City for the preservation, maintenance, restoration, or rehabilitation of Owner’s Property, an historic resource within the City; NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the above recitals and in further consideration of the mutual benefits, promises, and agreements set out herein, the parties agree as follows: Section 1. Description of Preservation Measures. The Owner, his heirs, or assigns hereby agree to undertake and complete, at their expense, the preservation, maintenance, and improvements measures described in “Exhibit A” attached hereto. Section 2. Effective Date and Term of Agreement. This agreement shall be effective and commence upon recordation and shall remain in effect for an initial term of ten (10) years thereafter. Each year upon the anniversary of the agreement’s effective date, such initial term will automatically be extended as provided in California Government Code Section 50280 through 50290 and in Section 3, below. Section 3. Agreement Renewal and Non-renewal. a. Each year on the anniversary of the effective date of this agreement (hereinafter referred to as “annual renewal date”), a year shall automatically be added to the initial term of this agreement unless written notice of non-renewal is served as provided herein. b. If the Owner or the City desire in any year not to renew the agreement, the Owner or the City shall serve written notice of non-renewal of the agreement on the other party. Unless such notice is served by the Owner to the City at least ninety (90) days prior to the annual renewal date, or served by the City to the Owner at least sixty (60) days prior to the annual renewal date, one (1) year shall automatically be added to the term of the agreement as provided herein. c. The Owner may make a written protest of the notice. The City may, at any time prior to the annual renewal date, withdraw its notice to the Owner of non-renewal. Page 15 of 69 Historic Property Preservation Agreement 201 Buena Vista Avenue Page 2 d. If either the City or the Owner serves notice to the other party of non-renewal in any year, the agreement shall remain in effect for the balance of the term then remaining. Section 4. Standards and Conditions. During the term of this agreement, the historic property shall be subject to the following conditions: a. Owner agrees to preserve, maintain, and, where necessary, restore or rehabilitate the building and its character-defining features, including: the building’s general architectural form, style, materials, design, scale, proportions, organization of windows, doors, and other openings; interior architectural elements that are integral to the building’s historic character or significance; exterior materials, coatings, textures, details, mass, roof line, porch, and other aspects of the appearance of the building’s exterior, as described in Exhibit A, to the satisfaction of the Community Development Director or his designee. b. All building changes shall comply with applicable City specific plans, City regulations and guidelines, and conform to the rules and regulations of the Office of Historic Preservation of the California Department of Parks and Recreation, namely the U.S. Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and Standards and Guidelines for Historic Preservation Projects. Interior remodeling shall retain original, character-defining architectural features such as oak and mahogany details, pillars and arches, special tile work, or architectural ornamentation to the greatest extent possible. c. The Community Development Director shall be notified by the Owner of changes to character-defining exterior features prior to their execution, such as major landscaping projects and tree removals, exterior door or window replacement, repainting, remodeling, or other exterior alterations requiring a building permit. The Owner agrees to secure all necessary City approvals and/or permits prior to changing the building’s use or commencing construction work. d. Owner agrees that property tax savings resulting from this agreement shall be used for property maintenance and improvements as described in Exhibit A. e. The following are prohibited: demolition or partial demolition of the historic building; exterior alterations or additions not in keeping with the standard s listed above; dilapidated, deteriorating, or unrepaired structures such as fences, roofs, doors, walls, windows; outdoor storage of junk, trash, debris, appliances, or furniture visible from a public way; or any device, decoration, structure, or vegetation which is unsightly due to lack of maintenance or because such feature adversely affects, or is visually incompatible with, the property’s recognized historic character, significance, and design as determined by the Community Development Director. Page 16 of 69 Historic Property Preservation Agreement 201 Buena Vista Avenue Page 3 f. Owner shall allow reasonable periodic examination, by prior appointment, of the interior and exterior of the historic property by representatives of the County Assessor, the State Department of Parks and Recreation, the State Board of Equalization, and the City as may be necessary to determine the Owner’s compliance with the terms and provisions of this agreement. Section 5. Furnishing of Information. The Owner hereby agrees to furnish any and all information requested by the City which may be necessary or advisable to determine compliance with the terms and provisions of this agreement. Section 6. Cancellation. a. The City, following a duly-noticed public hearing by the City Council as set forth in Government Code Section 50285, may cancel this agreement if it determines that the Owner has breached any of the conditions of this agreement or has allowed the property to deteriorate to the point that it no longer meets the standards for a qualified historic property; or if the City determines that the Owner has failed to preserve, maintain, or rehabilitate the property in the manner specified in Section 4 of this agreement. If a contract is cancelled because of failure of the Owner to preserve, maintain, and rehabilitate the historic property as specified above, the Owner shall pay a cancellation fee to the State Controller as set forth in Government Code Section 50286, which states that the fee shall be 12 ½% of the full value of the property at the time of cancellation without regard to any restriction imposed with this agreement. b. If the historic building is acquired by eminent domain and the City Council determines that the acquisition frustrates the purpose of the agreement, the agreement shall be cancelled and no fee imposed, as specified in Government Code Section 50288. Section 7. Enforcement of Agreement. a. In lieu of and/or in addition to any provisions to cancel the agreement as referenced herein, the City may specifically enforce, or enjoin the breach of, the terms of the agreement. In the event of a default, under the provisions to cancel the agreement by the Owner, the City shall give written notice of violation to the Owner by registered or certified mail addressed to the address stated in this agreement. If such a violation is not corrected to the reasonable satisfaction of the Community Development Director or designee within thirty (30) days thereafter; or if not corrected within such a reasonable time as may be required to cure the breach or default of said breach; or if the default cannot be cured within thirty (30) days (provided that acts to cure the breach or default may be commenced within thirty (30) days and shall thereafter be diligently pursued to completion by the Owner); then the City may, without further notice, declare a default under the terms of this agreement and may bring any action necessary to specifically enforce the obligations of the Owner growing out of the terms of this agreement, apply to any court, state or federal, for injunctive relief against any violation by the Owner or apply for such relief as may be appropriate. Page 17 of 69 Historic Property Preservation Agreement 201 Buena Vista Avenue Page 4 b. The City does not waive any claim of default by the Owner if the City does not enforce or cancel this agreement. All other remedies at law or in equity which are not otherwise provided for in this agreement or in the City’s regulations governing historic properties are available to the City to pursue in the event that there is a breach or default under this agreement. No waiver by the City of any breach or default under this agreement shall be deemed to be a waiver of any other subsequent breach thereof or default herein under. c. By mutual agreement, City and Owner may enter into mediation or binding arbitration to resolve disputes or grievances growing out of this contract. Section 8. Binding Effect of Agreement. The Owner hereby subjects the historic building located at 201 Buena Vista Avenue, San Luis Obispo, California, Assessor’s Parcel Number 052-131-010, and legally described as shown in the attached “Exhibit B”, to the covenants, reservations, and restrictions as set forth in this agreement. The City and Owner hereby declare their specific intent that the covenants, reservations, and restrictions as set forth herein shall be deemed covenants running with the land and shall pass to and be binding upon the Owner’s successors and assigns in title or interest to the historic property. Every contract, deed, or other instrument hereinafter executed, covering or conveying the historic property or any portion thereof, shall conclusively be held to have been executed, delivered, and accepted subject to the covenants, reservations, and restrictions expressed in this agreement regardless of whether such covenants, restrictions, and reservations are set forth in such contract, deed, or other instrument. Section 9. Notice. Any notice required by the terms of this agreement shall be sent to the address of the respective parties as specified below or at other addresses that may be later specified by the parties hereto. To City: Community Development Director City of San Luis Obispo 919 Palm Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 To Owner: Thom Brajkovich 201 Buena Vista Ave San Luis Obispo CA 93405 Section 10. General Provisions. a. None of the terms, provisions, or conditions of this agreement shall be deemed to create a partnership between the parties hereto and any of their heirs, successors, or assigns, nor shall such terms, provisions, or conditions cause them to be considered joint ventures or members of any joint enterprise. Page 18 of 69 Historic Property Preservation Agreement 201 Buena Vista Avenue Page 5 b. The Owner agrees to hold the City and its elected and appointed officials, officers, agents, and employees harmless from liability for damage or from claims for damage for personal injuries, including death, and claims for property damage which may arise from the direct or indirect use or activities of the Owner, or from those of his contractor, subcontractor, agent, employee, or other person acting on the Owner’s behalf which relates to the use, operation, maintenance, or improvement of the historic property. The Owner hereby agrees to and shall defend the City and its elected and appointed officials, officers, agents, and employees with respect to any and all claims or actions for damages caused by, or alleged to have been caused by, reason of the Owner’s activities in connection with the historic property, excepting however any such claims or actions which are the result of the sole negligence or willful misconduct of City, its officers, agents, or employees. c. This hold harmless provision applies to all damages and claims for damages suffered, or alleged to have been suffered, and costs of defense incurred, by reason of the operations referred to in this agreement regardless of whether or not the City prepared, supplied, or approved the plans, specifications, or other documents for the historic property. d. All of the agreements, rights, covenants, reservations, and restrictions contained in this agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties herein, their heirs, successors, legal representatives, assigns, and all persons acquiring any part or portion of the historic property, whether by operation of law or in any manner whatsoever. e. In the event legal proceedings are brought by any party or parties to enforce or restrain a violation of any of the covenants, reservations, or restrictions contained herein, or to determine the rights and duties of any party hereunder, the prevailing party in such proceeding may recover all reasonable attorney’s fees to be fixed by the court, in addition to court costs and other relief ordered by the court. f. In the event that any of the provisions of this agreement are held to be unenforceable or invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, or by subsequent preemptive legislation, the validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions, or portions thereof, shall not be affected thereby. g. This agreement shall be construed and governed in accordance with the laws of the State of California. Section 11. Amendments. This agreement may be amended, in whole or in part, only by a written recorded instrument executed by the parties hereto. Page 19 of 69 Historic Property Preservation Agreement 201 Buena Vista Avenue Page 6 Section 12. Recordation and Fees. No later than twenty (20) days after the parties enter into this agreement, the City shall cause this agreement to be recorded in the office of the County Recorder of the County of San Luis Obispo. Participation in the program shall be at no cost to the Owner; however, the City may charge reasonable and necessary fees to recover direct costs of executing, recording, and administering the historical property contracts. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the City and Owner have executed this agreement on the day and year written above. OWNER ____________________________________ ______________________________ Thom Brajkovich Date CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO ____________________________________ ______________________________ Mayor Erica A. Stewart Date Pursuant to authority conferred by Resolution No. XXXX (2021 Series) ATTEST: ____________________________________ Teresa Purrington City Clerk APPROVED AS TO FORM: ____________________________________ J. Christine Dietrick City Attorney ALL SIGNATURES MUST BE NOTARIZED Page 20 of 69 Historic Property Preservation Agreement 201 Buena Vista Avenue Page 7 EXHIBIT “A” MAINTENANCE AND IMPROVEMENT MEASURES FOR THE DANA//BARNEBERG HOUSE LOCATED AT 201 BUENA VISTA AVENUE, SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA Owner shall preserve, maintain, and repair the historic building, including its character-defining architectural features in good condition, to the satisfaction of the Community Development Director or designee, pursuant to a Mills Act Preservation Contract with the City of San Luis Obispo for property located at 201 Buena Vista Avenue. Character-defining features shall include, but are not limited to: roof, eaves, dormers, trim, porches, walls and siding, architectural detailing, doors and windows, window screens and shutters, balustrades and railings, foundations, and surface treatments. Owner agrees to make the following improvements or repairs during the term of this contract but in no case later than ten (10) years from the contract date. All changes or repairs shall be consistent with the City’s Historic Preservation Ordinance and the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties:  Floor and carpet replacement  Window safety film and curtain coverings  Lighting repair and replacement  Painting interior walls; re-stain woodwork  Replacement of termite-damaged siding  Tile replacement  Roof replacement; solar and photo-voltaic installation  Patio replacement; retaining wall repair  Landscape replacements and renewal, including irrigation Page 21 of 69 Historic Property Preservation Agreement 201 Buena Vista Avenue Page 8 EXHIBIT “B” Legal Description For APN/Parcel ID(s): 052-131-010 THE LAND REFERRED TO HEREIN BELOW IS SITUATED IN THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO, COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO, STATE OF CALIFORNIA AND IS DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: [FINAL LEGAL DESCRIPTION PENDING]. APN: 052-131-010 Page 22 of 69 Historic Property Preservation Agreement 201 Buena Vista Avenue Page 9 State of California } County of San Luis Obispo } On________________, before me __________________________________________, Date Name and Title of the Officer personally appeared, _____________________________________________________, Name of Signer(s) who proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence to be the person(s) whose name(s) is/are subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledged to me that he/she/they executed the same in his/her/their authorized capacity(ies), and that by his/her/their signature(s) on the instrument the person(s), or the entity upon behalf of which the person(s) acted, executed the instrument. I certify under PENALTY OF PERJURY under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing paragraph is true and correct. WITNESS my hand and official seal. Signature __________________________________ Signature of Notary Public Place Notary Seal Above State of California } County of San Luis Obispo } On________________, before me __________________________________________, Date Name and Title of the Officer personally appeared, _____________________________________________________, Name of Signer(s) who proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence to be the person(s) whose name(s) is/are subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledged to me that he/she/they executed the same in his/her/their authorized capacity(ies), and that by his/her/their signature(s) on the instrument the person(s), or the entity upon behalf of which the person(s) acted, executed the instrument. I certify under PENALTY OF PERJURY under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing paragraph is true and correct. WITNESS my hand and official seal. Signature __________________________________ Signature of Notary Public Place Notary Seal Above A Notary Public or other officer completing this certificate verifies only the identity of the individual who signed the document to which this certificate is attached and not the truthfulness, accuracy, or validity of that document. A Notary Public or other officer completing this certificate verifies only the identity of the individual who signed the document to which this certificate is attached and not the truthfulness, accuracy, or validity of that document. Page 23 of 69 Historic Property Preservation Agreement 201 Buena Vista Avenue Page 10 State of California } County of San Luis Obispo } On________________, before me __________________________________________, Date Name and Title of the Officer personally appeared, _____________________________________________________, Name of Signer(s) who proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence to be the person(s) whose name(s) is/are subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledged to me that he/she/they executed the same in his/her/their authorized capacity(ies), and that by his/her/their signature(s) on the instrument the person(s), or the entity upon behalf of which the person(s) acted, executed the instrument. I certify under PENALTY OF PERJURY under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing paragraph is true and correct. WITNESS my hand and official seal. Signature __________________________________ Signature of Notary Public Place Notary Seal Above State of California } County of San Luis Obispo } On________________, before me __________________________________________, Date Name and Title of the Officer personally appeared, _____________________________________________________, Name of Signer(s) who proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence to be the person(s) whose name(s) is/are subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledged to me that he/she/they executed the same in his/her/their authorized capacity(ies), and that by his/her/their signature(s) on the instrument the person(s), or the entity upon behalf of which the person(s) acted, executed the instrument. I certify under PENALTY OF PERJURY under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing paragraph is true and correct. WITNESS my hand and official seal. Signature __________________________________ Signature of Notary Public Place Notary Seal Above A Notary Public or other officer completing this certificate verifies only the identity of the individual who signed the document to which this certificate is attached and not the truthfulness, accuracy, or validity of that document. A Notary Public or other officer completing this certificate verifies only the identity of the individual who signed the document to which this certificate is attached and not the truthfulness, accuracy, or vali dity of that document. Page 24 of 69