HomeMy WebLinkAboutR-8589 Establishing Historic Property Tax Incentive ProgramRESOLUTION NO. 8589 (1996 SERIES)
A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
ESTABLISHING A HISTORIC PROPERTY TAX INCENTIVE PROGRAM AND
AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO INITIATE THE PROGRAM WITH THE COUNTY
OF SAN LUIS OBISPO.
WHEREAS, Article 1.9 of the California Revenue and Taxation Code provides for the
differential property tax assessment of certain enforceably restricted properties to encourage
historic restoration and preservation; and
WHEREAS, the City's General Plan policies encourage the use of talc incentives and other
means to encourage property owners to protect, restore and preserve historic buildings; and
WHEREAS, tax incentives for qualifying historic properties benefit the entire community
and improve the City's appearance by encouraging the preservation and restoration of heritage
buildings, fostering pride and reinvestment in neighborhoods, and by defraying a portion of the
costs of restoring and maintaining historic structures; and
WHEREAS, the City's Cultural Heritage Committee has considered the potential costs
and benefits of a property tax incentive program,, and has recommended the establishment of such
a program pursuant to State law; and
WHEREAS, this City Council has considered the Committee's recommendation and
desires to establish a tax incentive program in the City of San Luis Obispo, based on the findings
herein described;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of San Luis Obispo
as follows:
SECTION 1. Findings. The Council finds the following:
1. The proposed Historic Property Tax Incentive Program is consistent with the
General Plan, and will implement policies therein calling for the protection,
restoration, preservation and maintenance of historically significant structures; and
2. The proposed program will benefit the Public by enhancing the Community's
appearance and preserving historically significant buildings which help describe
and document the Community's heritage; and
3. Adoption of the proposed Program is exempt from environmental review under the
City's Environmental Guidelines and under Section 15308 of the California
Environmental Quality Act.
SECTION 2. Historic Property Tax Incentive Program Established. The Council hereby
establishes a pilot tax incentive program known as the "Historic Property Tax Incentive
R -8589
Council Resolution No. 8589 (1996 Series)
Page 2
Program ", to be administered by the Community Development Director, on advice and
recommendation of the Cultural Heritage Committee, subject to State Law and the
following local requirements.
1. The purpose of the pilot program is to encourage the restoration, preservation and
upkeep of historic structures in the City of San Luis Obispo, including both
residential and commercial properties, and to allow the City to evaluate the
program prior to establishing an on -going program.
2. Participating properties may be located anywhere in the City. Only those
properties listed in the "Master List of Historic Resources ", or those added to the
Master List by City Council action, shall be eligible to participate in the tax
incentive program.
3. To qualify for the program, owners of eligible properties must enter into a "Mills
Act" contract with the City of San Luis Obispo. The City Council shall review,
and where appropriate, authorize the Mayor to execute such contracts, subject to
the City's Historic Preservation Program goals, policies and preservation
guidelines, and subject to the requirements of State law.
4. Mills Act contracts shall include performance standards and /or descriptions of the
maintenance, restoration or repairs to be done by the property owner using the
expected property tax savings. Restoration and preservation activities shall
promote the City's Historic Preservation Program goals and principles.
5. The pilot program shall commence upon the date of execution of the first "Mills
Act" contract, and shall continue for one year. During the pilot program, up to 15
contracts may be executed the City Council. After one year of program operation,
the Council shall hold a public hearing to review the program to determine its
effectiveness and to decide whether to continue the program. A program status
report shall be presented to Council on or about their first regular meeting in
October, 1997.
6. Upon program review, the Council may amend or terminate the program by
resolution, after holding a public hearing and providing appropriate public and
property owner notice as required by law. Executed Mills Act contracts shall
remain in effect for the minimum term of 10 years, as provided by state law.
7. The Community Development Director shall establish application and review
procedures to administer the program. Participation in the program is optional,
and shall be at no cost to the property owner. The City may charge reasonable and
necessary fees to recover direct costs of executing, filing, and administering
historical property contracts.
Council Resolution No. 8589 (1996 Series)
Page 3
SECTION 3. Authorization to Initiate the Program. The Mayor is hereby authorized to send
a letter to the County of San Luis Obispo to initiate the program.
On motion of lice Mayor Williams , seconded by Council Member Roalmanand on the
following roll call vote:
AYES. Council Members Williams, Roalman, Romero and Mayor Settle
NOES: None
ABSENT: Council Member Smith (not participating)
the foregoing Resolution was passed and adopted this 1 st day of October, 1996.
Mayor Allen Settle
ATTEST:
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APPROVED:
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