HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-07-2012 SS2 Historic Preservation ProgramFROM:
Prepared By
SUBJECT:
council
ac En bA nepoit
C I T Y OF S A N L U I S O B I S P O
Derek Johnson, Community Development Director
Phil Dunsmore, Senior Planner
Meeting De 2/7/12
Item Number S S 2
STUDY SESSION- HISTORIC PRESERVATION PROGRAM
RECOMMENDATION
Receive a presentation on the Historic Preservation Program.
REPORT IN BRIEF
The General Plan established policies on historic preservation beginning in 1976, however it
wasn't until the early 1980's that the City began to implement historic preservation policies and
began surveying properties to establish a historic resource inventory. This action was
synonymous with activities that were taking place nationwide as part of a movement to recognize
historic resources. In 1987, the City formalized the Cultural Heritage Committee, adopted
preservation guidelines, and formalized policies to recognize historic resources in the General
Plan.
Today, there are more than 700 historic resources in the City, and the City continues to survey
properties and encourage preservation by providing a variety of incentives and benefits. Staff and
the CHC continue to pursue training opportunities in an effort to remain up -to -date on the latest
trends in historic preservation by attending workshops, seminars, and communicating with the
State Office of Historic Preservation staff. A significant milestone last year was completion of
the Historic Preservation Ordinance which provided further guidance to the historic resource
inventory process and allowed the City to move forward with an application to become a
Certified Local Government (CLG).
As we move forward, we are continuing efforts to refine the City's historic resource inventory
while recognizing emerging trends in preservation. CLG status will forward these efforts as
potential grant funding becomes available. On the horizon, preparation of a historic context
statement will complete the City's policy documentation and greatly assist the review and
I dentification of historic resources.
DISCUSSION
Background
Historic Preservation was identified in the 2011 -2013 Financial Plan as Council goal to be
achieved as resources permit. Specifically, the goal is to "continue to promote historic resource
preservation opportunities and update the City's Historic Resource Inventory." This study
session outlines the City's Historic Preservation Program, where it began, where we are today,
and what the future holds - with a focus on the review process and program benefits.
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Council Agenda Report
Historic Preservation Program
Paqe 2
General Plan Policy Direction
The City's Land Use, Conservation and Open Space, Housing, and Parks and Recreation
Elements all provide policies that are specific to historic preservation. A complete list of
applicable policies has been included as Attachment 1.
Historic Preservation in the City- a brief history
The City incorporated Historic Preservation Policies in the 1976 General Plan, and in the early
1980s, the City initiated a citywide inventory of historic resources and moved forward with
implementing policies that addressed historic preservation. As with many areas of the country in
the 1970s and 80s, the issues of historic preservation in San Luis Obispo found a larger voice as
several projects threatened the fabric of some of the historic areas and neighborhoods. Special
interest was focused on the commercial downtown area and the Old Town neighborhood with its
representation of historic architectural styles.
Although the 1976 General Plan identified potential historic resources and buildings at risk it
wasn't until 1982 that the City initiated the first citywide inventory of historic resources. The
City hired a contract planner — Alondra Oubre -- to conduct the training and survey effort. She,
in turn, brought in outside experts to conduct training sessions for the 80 survey volunteers. One
of the experts was the late Carleton Winslow, an architectural historian. He trained the volunteers
in recognizing and describing historical building features and architectural styles. There were
training packets and exercises, with thousands of volunteer hours expended. In addition to the
initial architectural survey work, research work was done to evaluate the historic background of
each property. The survey evaluated 2,000 pre -1941 buildings and resulted in an inventory of
153 buildings. The inventory generated a Historic Resources list that is divided into two
categories:
1. Master List designation is assigned to those properties that are the most unique or
important resources in terms of age, architectural or historical significance, rarity or
association with important persons or events in the City's past.
2. Contributing Properties are identified as those historic resources that contribute either by
themselves or in conjunction with other structures to the character of an area.
By 1987, the City Council formally established three historic zoning districts, adopted the
Historic Preservation Program Guidelines and formally adopted the Cultural Heritage Committee
(CHC) as a continuing special purpose advisory body. The City's first three "historic districts"
were Downtown, Old Town and Mill Street. The CHC's primary role was, and continues to be,
the identification and preservation of historic resources in the city. This includes inventorying
historic resources in the City and recommending formation of new historic districts. This
remains a major component of the CHC's work program today. In addition, the CHC reviews
development projects that may impact historic resources, and advises City staff and the
Architectural Review Commission on ways to avoid or mitigate those impacts.
In the late 1980's the CHC initiated the second citywide historic resource survey (Survey Il). The
City hired a consultant to complete this survey that began with 500 properties initially identified
by the CHC. The list was reduced to 400 properties that were forwarded to the City Council for
listing. Survey II was completed in 1992. More recently in 2006, focused area surveys were
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Council Agenda Report
Historic Preservation Program Page 3
initiated by the CHC to evaluate residential neighborhoods east of the railroad, and the
neighborhood known as Monterey Heights adjacent to Hwy 101 and Loomis Street. These
smaller surveys resulted in the addition of approximately 20 properties to the City's list of
historic resources.
The City underscored the importance of historic resources in the current General Plan by
including specific policies aimed at protecting these resources including provisions in the: Land
Use, Housing, Conservation and Open Space and Parks & Recreation Elements. Attachment 1
provides for a list of policies applicable to historic preservation. These policies are administered
by the Historic Preservation Program Guidelines and the Historic Preservation Ordinance (MC
14.01)
Historic Preservation: Where is the program now?
After nearly 30 years, the City of San Luis Obispo's historic preservation program continues to
reflect community values for historic preservation. The City's historic resource list recognizes
approximately 700 properties as either Contributing or Master List Historic Resources and the
number of historic districts has expanded to five with the addition of the Chinatown and Railroad
Historic Districts. The City's historic resource list continues to grow each year as property
owners and the CHC nominate properties for listing independent of citywide surveys.
Prompted by seismic retrofit requirements, owners of many of the historic buildings in the
Downtown have upgraded their buildings to increase their safety while retaining the integrity of
their materials and design, thus preserving the unique sense of place found in the Downtown.
The City has an established Mills Act Program which allows up to ten (10) contracts per year
where property owners of Master List resources are able to use property tax savings to help
restore and maintain their properties. Owners of historic properties are also able to use the
Historic Building Code when making changes to their historic resource which provides flexible
and alternative ways to meet code requirements, thus making it easier to restore historic
buildings.
The passage of the Historic Preservation Ordinance allowed the City to submit an application to
the State Office of Historic Preservation to become a Certified Local Government Program
(CLG). This program will provide the City with historic preservation technical support as well as
access to grants to further historic resource inventories and policy development.
Historic Resource Inventory: the review process today
The original and primary purpose of the CHC is to identify historic properties and districts and
cultural resources. They may be consulted in the review of development projects within historic
districts or on properties with historic or cultural resources. Typically a property owner will
initiate a request to add a property to the City's Historic Resource Inventory, however the CHC,
ARC, Planning Commission or Council may also nominate properties for listing. The process
itself is defined in the City's Historic Preservation Ordinance, and guided by historic significance
i criteria from the State Office of Historic Preservation and the National Park Service guidelines.
The City's Ordinance outlines criteria for listing based on Architectural Criteria, Historic Criteria
and Integrity provisions. A copy of the Ordinance (MC 14.01) has been provided in the Council
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Council Agenda Report
Historic Preservation Program Page 4
reading file.
When a property is nominated for historic listing, the nomination must be accompanied by
supporting information. Whether the information is prepared by a professional historian, or the
effort is performed by City staff or the CHC, the same criterion is utilized to evaluate each
resource. The typical review process for a potential resource includes the following:
Does the resource display distinctive architectural features?
The building or resource is evaluated for whether it reflects a notable or distinct style or follows
a particular theme that reflects a particular historical pattern or time of development in the City.
This may also be affected by the architect who designed the building, such as the case with Julia
Morgan and the Monday Club building.
Is the resource associated with people or events important to the history of the City?
Resources are evaluated for their association with historic events, historic persons, or with the
historic context. Staff relies on the City's historic resource library, testimony of property owners,
a review of previous property ownership, and known events that have occurred through history.
The historic resource library in Community Development is often a starting point for this
research. At a minimum, the library contains information such as early City maps (Sanborn
Maps), early phone directories, and volumes of historic resource background reports covering a
large range of properties.
Does the property maintain integrity?
Integrity is a key component when considering whether a property may be eligible for listing.
The National Register traditionally recognizes a property's integrity through seven aspects or
qualities: location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association.
Changes made to continue the function of a structure during its existence may acquire
significance in their own right. These changes do not necessarily constitute a loss of integrity.
Integrity of materials determines whether or not an authentic historic resource still exists.
Workmanship is important because it can furnish evidence of the technology of the craft,
illustrate the aesthetic principles of a historic period, and reveal individual, local, regional, or
national applications of both technological practices and aesthetic principles. Although it is itself
intangible, feeling is dependent upon the structure's significant physical characteristics that
convey its historic qualities. A building may still retain its integrity even though it may have
changed since it was originally constructed.
The "recipe" for evaluating historic resources is described by the State Office of Historic
Preservation (OHP) and allows for a consultant, CHC or staff to use the same measurement
criteria, thereby ensuring consistency of evaluation.
The City's list of historic resources is one that designates properties that are significant at a local
level. Both the state and federal governments also have lists of historic resources that reflect
properties that are significant at a state or national level (California Register and National
Register respectively). Several properties appearing on the City's list of Historic Resources have
been recognized by the state and federal government — for instance the Jack House is included on
the National Register of Historic Places. Regardless of how the request for listing has been
initiated, the local process remains the same: the CHC reviews information regarding the request
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Council Agenda Report
Historic Preservation Program Page 5
and forms a recommendation that is considered by City Council for final determination.
CHC and Staff Liaison Training
Staff and the CHC are provided with training opportunities several times each year in order to
maintain skills applicable to historic preservation work. For example, in 2011 committee
members and staff attended a two -day historic preservation conference in Santa Monica and a
one -day conference on Historic Contexts in Norco. Staff recently held a 3 -hour workshop
presentation with the CHC which included Marie Nelson from the State Office of Historic
Preservation. Additionally, staff and one of the committee members recently attended a planning
conference in Santa Barbara where three sessions specific to historic preservation were attended.
Staff is also coordinating training with the City of Monterey to evaluate their historic
preservation program.
Published standards by the National Park Service (NPS) and the State Office of Historic
Preservation are used as reference sources for both staff and CHC members. In addition, the
resolution establishing the CHC specifies qualities of membership including knowledge of local
history, training or experience in structural rehabilitation and knowledge of architecture. The
Council reviews the qualifications of CHC members prior to appointment to ensure the advisory
body will have adequate representation and knowledge suitable to their mission.
Historic Preservation incentives and benefits
The City's updated Historic Preservation Program Guidelines provide for a comprehensive list of
preservation incentives. The discussion below highlights some of the more commonly utilized
benefits.
Mills Act
The City Council launched the Mills Act program as an incentive to encourage restoration and
preservation of significant historic properties. The Mills Act contract requires a property owner
to preserve and restore a property based on specific contract requirements that are tailored for
each property. In most cases, these contracts result in significant enhancements to properties and
contribute to the overall appearance of the neighborhoods. Up to ten properties per year may be
added to the program. The Mills Act Program is one of the only financial incentives the City has
to encourage the preservation of historic buildings. Attachment 2 provides an overview of the
Mills Act calculation and it's financing.
Historic Building
One of California's most valuable tools for the preservation of historic resources is the California
State Historical Building Code (CHBC), The CHBC is intended to save California's architectural
heritage by recognizing the unique construction issues inherent in maintaining and adaptively
reusing historic buildings. The CHBC provides alternative building regulations for permitting
repairs, alterations and additions necessary for the preservation, rehabilitation, relocation, related
construction, change of use, or continued use of a "qualified historical building or structure." The
CHBC does not relieve properties of ADA requirements; however it does allow the consideration
of historic features for accessible modification requirements. This includes resources that are
listed in the City's Contributing or Master List categories.
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Council Agenda Report
Historic Preservation Program Page 6
Modified Development Standards
If modifications to the zoning standards, such as setbacks, building height, or parking
requirements can serve to facilitate preservation or reduce impacts to a historic resource, the
resource may be eligible to use alternative standards. The review of the request to use
"alternative" standards is administered through the use permit process.
Heritage Tourism
Heritage tourism is one of several terms, including historic tourism, and cultural heritage
tourism, that describe tourism focusing on legacy or tradition. In a 2010 California State Parks
survey it was found that cultural and heritage travelers spend more, travel more frequently, seek
out educational cultural and heritage experiences, and are willing to pay more for lodging that
reflects the authentic experience. Well educated and affluent, they spend an average of $994 per
trip, and contribute more than $192 billion annually to the U.S. economy. They have high
expectations for authenticity, . uniqueness, experience, and value. In San Luis Obispo the
"Historic Downtown ", the Mission and the unique neighborhoods surrounding the downtown are
a significant attraction for heritage tourism. The City's Historic Preservation Program seeks to
protect the City's resources.
Historic Plaques
Both Contributing and Master List resources are eligible to receive a plaque that identifies a
resource's construction date and historical significance. The historic plaque program contributes
to pride of ownership while helping recognize historic resources. With the recent publication of
the City's first historic newsletter, requests for plaques have increased, and the community's
reception of the plaque program has been very positive.
Other Financial Benefits
In partnership with the State Office of Historic Preservation, the National Park Service offers tax
incentives for preserving historic properties. The program offers tax credits and benefits
associated with Historic Preservation easements. The tax credit is applied towards historic
building rehabilitation expenses and is designed to ensure that rehabilitation work complies with
the Secretary of Interior Standards for rehabilitation. A historic preservation easement is a
voluntary legal agreement that permanently protects an historic property. Through the easement,
a property owner places restrictions on changes to the historic property, then transfers these
restrictions to a preservation or conservation organization. A property owner who donates an
easement may be eligible for tax benefits, such as a Federal income tax deduction. Further details
on these benefits are outlined in the NPS website at http: / /www.nps.gov /tps /tax- incentives.htm.
The Future of Historic Preservation: Where are we going?
The City's historic preservation program retains considerable value as it continues to provide
incentives for preservation and guidance for the treatment of historic resources. The original
historic resource inventories of the 1980's are somewhat outdated and need to be reviewed, and
there are areas of the City that have never been inventoried. This section discusses current
survey work, the CLG application, and the need for the preparation of a Historic Context
Statement.
Historic Resource Surveys
The original City historic surveys were integral to identifying resources and establishing the
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Council Agenda Report
Historic Preservation Program Page 7
City's existing historic preservation districts. Although the process to list and evaluate these
properties was done with due diligence, nearly 30 years have passed and the CHC has identified
the need to re- evaluate these original efforts. This effort will take place in phases with the first
phase focusing on portions of the City that were missed in the original survey. Later phases
would re- evaluate the original survey areas to determine whether there are other resources or
whether conditions have changed that would impact the continued eligibility of resources on the
list.
At this time, the CHC is leading an effort to survey a ten block area in the neighborhood adjacent
to Johnson Avenue and the railroad tracks, including portions of Higuera, Marsh, Pacific, Pismo
and Leff Streets (Attachment 2) that was not covered in the original survey efforts. The results
of this initial survey will be evaluated at the February and March CHC hearings before a
recommendation is forwarded to the Council.
Certified Local Government Participation
In December, 2011 the City Council approved a resolution to allow the City to submit an
application to OHP to become a CLG. This "partnership" will open up the City to greater
information exchange and training opportunities and will allow the City to be eligible to apply
for grants to assist with historic resource inventories or preparation of policy documents and
other historic preservation activities. OHP is now in the process of creating a certification
agreement for the City's approval before the application is sent to the National Park Service.
This should allow the City to be eligible for the 2012 grant cycle that begins in April.
Historic Context Statement
One of the key elements currently missing from the City's historic preservation program is a
complete historic context statement. Typically, these statements are fairly comprehensive and
identify specific themes of development (with associated building types), social patterns, and
significant historic aspects that are associated with the community. The CHC has identified the
need to develop a historic context statement to guide future preservation efforts. For example, the
City's context statement might start by discussing the Native American period, followed by the
early patterns of Spanish settlements associated with the mission, and then continue through time
to discuss the community's agricultural, railroad, and university associations.
The City may wish to apply for grant funding through the CLG program to complete a historic
context statement with the assistance of a consultant.
CONCLUSION
San Luis Obispo has a rich cultural heritage and an informed citizenry and property owners who
have valued and protected that heritage. The stability of the City's economy and its popularity as
a tourist destination is due, at least in part, to its historic nature, character and appearance. It is
important to preserve and protect the City's significant historical resources of all types:
residential, commercial, and industrial. A successful program should assure that these resources
reflect the full spectrum of San Luis Obispo's cultural heritage — from the significant Mission
and City owned adobes to the ornate Victorian residences of prominent citizens to the modest
structures that served the railroads and the City's early patterns of development.
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Council Agenda Report
Historic Preservation Program
FISCAL IMPACTS
Page 8
No fiscal impacts are associated with this report as this is an overview of ongoing historic
preservation activities.
ALTERNATIVES
The City Council may suggest alternative approaches to the future of the historic preservation
program or suggest that staff return to the Council for an annual review of the program.
ATTACHMENTS
1. General Plan Policies applicable to historic preservation
2. Mills Act-Contracts excerpt
3. 2012 Historic Resource Inventory map
Council Reading File: Historic Preservation Ordinance, Historic Preservation Program
Guidelines, Historic Resource Inventory 2012 workbook, Historic newsletter; 1976 General
Plan: Volume 1 of the 1983 Historic Resources survey; Historical and Architectural
Conservation Easement
G: \CD- PLAN\Pdunsmore \CHC \Study Session \CC rpt 2- 7- 12.docx
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Attachment 1
General Plan Policies Associated with Historic Preservation
Land Use Element Policy
4.12 Building Conservation and Compatibility
Architecturally and historically significant buildings should be preserved and restored. New
buildings should be compatible with architecturally and historically significant buildings, but
not necessarily the same style.
Conservation and Open Space Element Policies
3.3.1 Historic preservation.
Significant historic and architectural resources should be identified, preserved and
rehabilitated.
3.3.2 Demolitions.
Historically or architecturally significant buildings should not be demolished or substantially
changed in outward appearance, unless doing so is necessary to remove a threat to health and
safety and other means to eliminate or reduce the
3.3.3 Historical documentation.
Buildings and other cultural features that are not historically significant but which have
historical or architectural value should be preserved or relocated where feasible. Where
preservation or relocation is not feasible, the resource shall be documented and the
information retained in a secure but publicly accessible location. An acknowledgment of the
resource should be incorporated within the site through historic signage and the reuse or
display of historic materials and artifacts.
3.3.4 Changes to historic buildings.
Changes or additions to historically or architecturally significant buildings should be consistent
with the original structure and follow the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the
Treatment of Historic Buildings. New buildings in historical districts, or on historically significant
sites, should reflect the form, spacing and materials of nearby historic structures. The street
appearance of buildings which contribute to a neighborhood's architectural character should be
maintained.
3.3.5 Historic districts and neighborhoods.
In evaluating new public or private development, the City should identify and protect
neighborhoods or districts having historical character due to the collective effect of
Contributing or Master List historic properties.
Conservation and Open Space Element Programs
The City will do the following to protect cultural resources, and will encourage others to do so,
as appropriate.
3.6.1 Cultural Heritage Committee.
A. The City's Cultural Heritage Committee will:
4. Help identify, and advise on suitable treatment for archaeological
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Attachment 1
and historical resources.
5. Develop information on historic resources.
6. Foster public awareness and appreciation of cultural resources through means such as tours,
a web site, identification plaques and awards.
7. Provide recognition for preservation and restoration efforts.
8. Communicate with other City bodies and staff concerning cultural resource issues.
9. Provide guidance to owners to help preservation and restoration efforts.
10. Review new development to determine consistency with cultural resource preservation
guidelines or standards.
3.6.2 Financial assistance and incentives.
The City will participate in financial assistance programs, such as low- interest loans and
property tax reduction programs that encourage maintenance and restoration of historic
properties.
3.6.3 Construction within historic districts.
The Cultural Heritage Committee and Architectural Review Commission will provide specific
guidance on the construction of new buildings within historic districts.
3.6.4 Post - disaster Historic Preservation.
The City will be prepared to assess the condition of historic buildings that may be damaged by
disasters and to foster their restoration whenever feasible.
3.6.5 Archaeological resource preservation standards.
The City will maintain standards concerning when and how to conduct archaeological surveys,
and the preferred methods of preserving artifacts.
3.6.6 Educational programs.
The City will foster public awareness and appreciation of cultural resources by sponsoring
educational programs, by helping to display artifacts that illuminate past cultures and by
encouraging private development to include historical and archaeological displays where
feasible and appropriate.
3.6.7 Partnering for preservation.
The City will partner with agencies, non - profit organizations and citizens groups to help identify,
preserve, rehabilitate and maintain cultural resources.
3.6.8 Promote adaptive reuse of historic buildings.
The City will, consistent with health, safety and basic land -use policies, apply building and
zoning standards within allowed ranges of flexibility, to foster continued use and adaptive reuse
of historic buildings.
3.6.9 City -owned adobes and historic structures.
The City will preserve and, as resources permit, rehabilitate City -owned historic adobes and
other historic structures by aggressively seeking grants, donations, private- sector participation
or other techniques that help fund rehabilitation and adaptive reuse.
Housing Element Policy and Program
Housing Element Policy 3.5 Preserve historic homes and other types of historic residential
buildings, historic districts and unique or landmark neighborhood features.
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Attachment 1
Housing Element Program 3.11 Identify residential properties and districts eligible for local,
State or Federal historic listing and prepare guidelines and standards to help property owners
repair, rehabilitate and improve properties in a historically and architecturally sensitive
manner.
ks and Recreation Element
Parks and Recreation Element Policy 3.19.3 The City will maintain the historic Rodriguez,
Butron, and La Loma Adobes, once restored, and any adjoining park lands in a manner
consistent with their restoration. The adobes shall be open and available to the public,
depending on the level of restoration.
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Attachment 2
Mills Act Contracts
Historic Preservation is an important goal of the City's General Plan, as described in
Conservation and Open Space Element policies 3.21.1, 3.21.4, 3.30.2 and Land Use
Element policy 4.12. By providing a financial incentive, the Mills Act Program is one of
the most effective preservation tools available to achieve these goals and encourage the
preservation of historic buildings. At this time, it is the only significant financial
incentive available for the restoration and preservation of historic properties in the City.
Commercial and residential properties on the Master List of Historic Resources are
eligible for the program. Mills Act contracts are prepared using standard language
provided by the State Historic Preservation Office. Standard features of the contracts
include:
1. The County Tax Assessor assesses the historic property's value using a
"Capitalization of Income" method. This assessment method can often result in
significant property tax savings, particularly for properties acquired after the 1990s.
If the contract is canceled, the assessment is gradually increased to market value
basis over the remaining contract term.
2. The property owner must promise to preserve the building and to use the tax savings
to maintain and /or improve the historic building to enhance its historical value,
exterior appearance, structural condition, or longevity. Each contract includes an
exhibit which lists the maintenance and improvement measures for which tax savings
will be used.
3. The contract is recorded, and is binding on subsequent owners, heirs, or assigns until
the agreement is canceled. There is a significant financial penalty for breach of the
historic contract.
4. Mills Act Contracts have a minimum 10 -year term. The agreement is self - renewing
annually for additional one -year terms, so there is always 10 years remaining on the
contract until the owner or City decides not to renew the contract. Once written
notice of non - renewal is given, the contract will remain in effect for the balance of
the term remaining since the original contract execution or since the last renewal
date, as the case may be. The agreement may be amended by mutual consent of the
City and property owner.
5. Building changes are possible under the contract; however changes must comply
with all City requirements and with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for
Historic Preservation Projects, with the guiding objective being the preservation of
the building's original historical character and significance.
FISCAL IMPACT
How the Assessor calculates Mills Act benefits
The County tax assessor calculates the final tax savings for each property under the Mills
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Attachment 2
act on a case by case basis using the "Capitalization of Income method ". This method is
defined in the Revenue and Taxation Code, Section 439.21. Mills Act contracts are
unusual among preservation incentives in that tax benefits are available not only for
income property but also for owner- occupied property.
Typically, there is a three step process the Assessor uses to calculate the Mills Act
property tax rate. First the Assessor determines fair rent or gross income. Then,
maintenance costs are estimated and subtracted from the rent or income. Finally, the
restricted capitalization rate is applied to determine the restricted value.
The Mills Act contract allows the use of restricted value for property tax purposes versus
current market value which often results in tax savings, especially for properties that have
recently changed ownership.
Citywide Fiscal Impacts
The Mills Act reduces the tax base liability and therefore reduces the annual tax payment
in exchange for Historic property maintenance and upgrades. Properties that have
recently changed ownership will obviously have a much larger tax base and therefore will
result in potentially larger fiscal impacts. For some properties, tax bills can be reduced by
as much as 50 %.
The current tax rate for properties in the City is approximately 1.1% The City receives
approximately 14.9% of this 1.1 % while the remainder goes to other resources such as
the County and the school district. For example, annual tax on a property with a base
value (land and improvements) of $600,000 would be approximately $6,000 and the City
would receive approximately $894 annually.
There were 52 Mills Act contracts as of December 2010. 5 of these contracts cover
commercial buildings and 47 apply to residential structures. The County assessor has
reported that the Tax Base property valuation for the 2010/2011 Tax Roll was reduced by
$18,002,020 due to City of San Luis Obispo Mills Act contracts. This resulted in a
reduction of approximately $26,000 in tax revenue to the City. While this may be
averaged to approximately $500 /contract as an estimate of reduction in yearly tax
revenue to the City, commercial buildings result in larger reductions than residential
structures because of the much higher property valuation involved.
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Attachment 3
Phase One Historic Resources Evaluation 2011
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