HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/01/2004, PH2 - CONSIDERATION OF CULTURAL HERITAGE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION TO REMOVE 541 BUCHON STREET FROM THE CI ADcouncil Mmum D� _ o4,
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CITY O F SAN LU I S O B I S P O
FROM: John Mandeville, Community Development Director
Prepared By: Philip Dunsmore, Associate Planner
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF CULTURAL HERITAGE COMMITTEE
RECOMMENDATION TO REMOVE 541 BUCHON STREET FROM
THE CITY'S LIST OF CONTRIBUTING HISTORIC PROPERTIES
(ARCMI 71-03).
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
As recommended by the Cultural Heritage Committee, remove the property at 541 Buchon Street
from the listing of contributing historic properties.
DISCUSSION:
Background
On May 30, 2003, an application to allow a substantial remodel to an existing residence at 541
Buchon Street was submitted to the Community Development Department. The application was
processed as a "Minor or Incidental Architectural Review", subject to review and approval by
the Community Development Director. Since the residence is on the City's list of contributing
historic properties and it is within the Old Town Historic District, the application was subject to
review by the Cultural Heritage Committee (CHC). The CHC recommended the Community
Development Director approve the modifications to the residence, and found that the remodel
was consistent with the Old Town Historic District (see Attachment 3 and 4, CHC meeting
minutes and staff report, 7-28-03). On a second motion, the CHC suggested a continued
discussion to consider removal of this property from the City's contributing list since the existing
residence does not retain significant historic characteristics.
On January 26, 2004, the CHC again reviewed the changes proposed for the property and
recommended the City Council remove it from the contributing list (see Attachment 6, CHC
meeting minutes and Attachment 7 staff report, 1-26-04).
Analysis
The attached CHC staff reports contain a complete analysis of the property and existing
residence. At this time, the property is considered a "contributing" historic property. A
contributing property is defined in the City's Historic Preservation Program Guidelines as a
building "built before 1941 that has retained its original architectural style as viewed in the
context of its surroundings, and contributes to the historical character of the area (City Council
Resolution No. 6424 (1988 Series)). Upon reviewing the property, the CHC made a
recommendation to remove the residence from the contributing list based upon the following
findings:
a ^ �
Council Agenda Report—(541 Buchon ARC MI 71-03)
Page 2
1. The house is not indicative of a type of construction or known architectural style in San
Luis Obispo, and
2. The house has been modified so extensively that it no longer retains its original
architectural character, and
3. The house does not significantly contribute to the historic character of the Old Town
Historic District.
The property owner agrees with the CHC's findings and wishes to remove the property from the
contributing list to allow the planned reconstruction of the residence (see Attachment 9, letter
from applicant's representative). As approved, the reconstruction would result in a more
functional residence and the new design is similar to a vintage "Craftsman Bungalow".
ALTERNATIVES
1. Continue the item for additional information or study, and specify the additional information
or analysis needed.
2. Determine that the existing residence is a significant historic resource and maintain the
properties contributing status.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Vicinity Map
2. Reduced scale Proposed project plans
3. July 28, 2003 CHC Meeting Minutes
4. July 28,2003 CHC staff report
5. Approval letter, ARCMI 71-03, August 25, 2003
6. CHC meeting minutes, January 26, 2004
7. CHC staff report, January 26, 2004
8. Draft resolution removing 541 Buchon from the contributing properties list
9. Applicant's representative letter.
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Attachment 3
CHC Minutes, Regular Meeting of July 28, 2003
Page 2
Condition:
a. Significant changes to building siting r architectural character shall come back to the CHC
for review.
Public Comment:
Mary Beth Schroeder noted that the public ad a right to speak on this hearing item before the
CHC took action and expressed concerns wi the project.
Chairperson Wheeler agreed and opened th ublic hearing. Ms. Schroeder felt that the CHC
was not listening to public comment and sai she did not support the project.
Seeing no further public comments, Chairp son Wheeler closed the public hearing.
qmmw�- 19
2. 541 Buchon Street. ARCMI 71-03. Addition to Contributing historic house. R-2-H
zone; Sheryl McIntyre and Jay Wallace,applicants.
Jeff Hook presented the staff report and responded to questions. Garth Kornreich, Architect,
described the project and explained design choices. Jay Wallace, owner, explained they had
sought and received neighbor approval for the proposed design changes, and preferred the
Craftsman Bungalow architectural style shown in the plans.
Chairperson Wheeler opened the public hearing.
Mary Beth Schroeder spoke in support of the project.
Seeing no further comment, Chairperson Wheeler closed the public hearing.
Commissioners generally liked the project and felt it was consistent with the character of the
surrounding historic district. They discussed at length whether the proposed changes were
consistent with the character of the existing Contributing Historic house, whether the project was
consistent with the Secretary of the Interior Standards For The Treatment of Historic Properties,
and whether previous building changes had made the property inappropriate for inclusion on the
List of Historical Resources.
On a motion by Committee member Crotser, seconded by Committee member Scotti, the
Committee took two actions:
1) The Committee forwarded to the Community Development Director a determination that
the proposed project is consistent with the Historic Preservation Program Guidelines and will
not impact the historic, architectural or aesthetic significance of the .Old Town Historic
District, and recommended that the Community Development Director approve the project;
and
a��
Attachment 3
CHC Minutes, Regular Meeting of July 28, 2003
Page 3
s
2) Continued consideration of whether to retain the property on the Contributing
Properties List.
The motion carried on a 4-1 vote (Committee member Wheeler voting no).
3. 804 Meinecke Street. ARCMITFcis
to allow an addition to a non-conforming
contributing historic structureces Lim and John Mori, applicants.
Jeff Hook presented the staff report, ; Applicant, explained the project.
Chairperson Wheeler opened the public h aring. Mary Beth Schroeder and several neighbors
spoke against the project, citing potential king, traffic safety and neighborhood compatibility
problems due to the property's likely use a student rental.
Arlene Zanchuck, 26 Chorro, described C orro Street traffic and potential problems caused by
more residents at 804 Meinecke entering d exiting the driveway on Chorro Street and lack of
parking. She said a Bird of Paradise s needed trimming near the corner of Meinecke and
Chorro to improve safety. She read a lett r from Doris Bryan, 32 Chorro, also concerned with
lack of parking for the proposed project. ara Delacy, 760 Meinecke, William McClinnen, 706
Meinecke, Joel Westwood, and Elizabeth icholsen, 30 Chorro, also objected to the project due
to its possible neighborhood impacts (par g, traffic, noise).
Committee members noted that the issues aised were planning issues and not within the CHC's
purview, but agreed with neighbors the pr ect needed to be looked at in a broader view.
. . a
On a motion by Committee member C tser, seconded by Committee member Breska, the
Committee voted 5-0 to forward to the C mmunity Development Director a determination that
the proposed addition was architecturally ompatible with the historic house and consistent with
the Secretary of the Interior's Standards r The Treatment of Historic Properties, based on the
following changes:
a) Exterior plaster finish and color, win ws and doors style and materials shall match existing
historic building.
4. 829 Murray Street. ARCMI 78-03. Addition to contributing historic house. R-1 zone;
Deborah Schlanser,applicant.
Jeff Hook presented the staff report, d Russell Hodin, Architect, described the project.
Chairperson Wheeler opened the public acing.
Mary Beth Schroeder opposed the projecl because it she felt it would introduce business uses into
the neighborhood and cause parking prob ems.
Seeing no further comment, Chairperson losed the public hearing.
Committee member Scotti stepped downue to a potential conflict of interest.
Q-9
Attachment 4
MEMORANDUM
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
TO: Cultural Heritage Committee
VIA: Mike Draze, Deputy Director Long Range Planning•17- �
FROM: Philip Dunsmore, Associate Planner
MEETING DATE: July 28, 2003
SUBJECT: Item # 2: ARC MI 71-03 (541 Buchon) — Addition and remodel to a
contributing historic residence in the R-2-H district.
This project has been forwarded to the CHC because the proposed remodel and additions involve
a contributing historic residence in the Old Town Historic District located at 541 Buchon.
Project Description
The applicant would like to do an extensive remodel to the existing residence adding Craftsman
details to an otherwise simple, "vernacular bungalow" dwelling. The remodel will include
additions to existing floorspace, a new enclosed front porch and the construction of a new office
behind the existing garage. The remodel will include the demolition of the existing brick
fireplace and relocation of the front door. New roof forms, stone veneer, open trusses at the front
and rear porch, and tapered columns are some of the features proposed to be added to stylize the
existing residence towards more of a Craftsman Bungalow.
The project requires CHC review because it includes an extensive remodel and new construction
on a residence that is classified as "contributing" and it is within the Old Town Historic District.
New construction should be reviewed for consistency with the Historical Preservation Program
Guidelines and the existing neighborhood.
Historic Background,existing status
The existing residence is an average example of the
vernacular style of dwellings that are common '
along Buchon Street. The residence is listed as a
contributing historic residence and is referred to a
as a Craftsman Bungalow, however its simple
appearance with a low foundation, simple porch
projection, and lack of detailing are more of a
unique vernacular style that probably does not fit
any distinct category. The residence is built on a
low foundation with a low pitch- composition
shingle roof, narrow clapboard siding, double hung "
windows with divided lights at the top, and a small Existing residence as it stands today
a^,7
ARC W 17-03 " Attachment 4
541 Buchon
July 28, 2003
gable roof porch that covers just the front door. It appears that the main rectangular floor plan of
the house was the original floor plan and additional rooms were added at the rear in
approximately 1953, creating an L shaped floor plan. The 1926 Sanborn map shows the original
rectangular configuration of the residence and the detached garage as it exists today. Research of
City historic records including telephone directories and patron's directories did not reveal
significant additional site history for this property. Perhaps the property does not currently
reflect a "Contributing" historic status since the residence has had previous modifications, and
the original style of the residence does not reflect any typical Craftsman Bungalow features.
Building Design
The proposed remodel attempts to alter the simple style of the house, adding exterior details and
porch treatment that might be reflective of a Craftsman Bungalow. Other than a re-orientation of
the interior space, the significant exterior changes include moving the location of the front door,
removing the existing brick chimney, adding an
entire new roof form to the center of the house, 4 s ,6
adding an enclosed front patio area, and adding a 4'
new office attached to the rear of the garage.
Additionally, the rear of the residence will receive a '
new bathroom addition and a new covered patio
will span the yard space between the house and :y, , ,
garage. A new outdoor fireplace and chimney
covered with stone veneer is planned for the --
outdoor patio. Fog
Existing Residence as viewed from Buchon
The new office attached to the rear of the garage is designed to replace a structure that is
currently used as a bedroom behind the existing garage. The current detached bedroom structure,
however, is too close to the property line and does not appear within the City's permit records,
nor is it an original component of the dwelling on the site. It would be demolished with this
proposal. The new 227 square foot office would be constructed in a similar location to the
bedroom, however it would be built to a conforming setback.
Project plans show a complete reconstruction of the mid-section of the existing residence to
include a new roof section, increased floor area at the sides and a complete interior re-
configuration. A new bathroom is proposed at the location of the existing brick fireplace,
therefore, the fireplace is proposed for demolition.
The proposed new porch structure
incorporates stone veneer, new wood steps,
new wood railing and an open gable roof -
with an exposed truss and false corbel. A —
new concrete and brick patio will connect the pp
porch to the City sidewalk. Instead of _ � � ® �Zn
creating a sense of symmetry, the new porch
is aligned to the right of the front elevation.
Proposed Residence as viewed from Buchon
a ^9
' ARC MI 17-03
Attachment 4
541 Buchon
July 28,2003
At the rear of the house changes include the addition of a porch overhang with a truss, false
corbel and stone veneer designed to match the front of the house. Sliding doors with grillwork
designed to match the existing window design are proposed for the rear porch area.
Neiehborhood Compatibility
The remodel and exterior architectural changes, if done correctly at this property, are likely to
enhance the property's appearance. However, any new construction at this site should be
carefully reviewed for consistency with the adjacent neighborhood and the City's Historical
Preservation Program Guidelines. According to the Guidelines, alterations and additions to a
historic building may be necessary to assure the continued use of the building, however such
alterations should not radically change, obscure, or destroy character defining spaces, materials
or finishes. In this case, the subject residence has few significant character defining features
other than the window detail, lap siding, and low pitch roof. All of these features will be retained
with the proposed remodel. The remodel will instead add additional architectural features in
order to fabricate a Craftsman Bungalow style.
With this proposal in particular, staff believes that the historic style of the neighborhood and an
accurate representation of a San Luis Obispo bungalow is more important than preserving the
simple features of this existing residence. This proposal does, however, preserve the residences
main forms- the roof pitch, the siding, the window style, and the basic footprint. The CHC
should review the proposed remodel for features that are reflective of a San Luis Obispo style
Craftsman Bungalow or consider the project as a "vernacular" style remodel. The stone veneer,
open trusses, and wood railing at the front patio are features that add architectural interest to the
front elevation of this residence, however these features may not reflect a true San Luis Obispo
Craftsman Bungalow style. A common feature of Craftsman Bungalows in San Luis Obispo for
example, would be a front porch and gable end that is wrapped with lap siding that matches the
main portion of the residence. The lap siding would be used instead of open trusses, wood
railing and stone veneer..
Action Alternatives
1. Determine that the proposed construction is conditionally compatible with the Historic
Preservation Program Guidelines, provided changes are implemented to insure the project will
complement the Old Town Historic District to reflect a San Luis Obispo Craftsman Bungalow.
Refer the matter to the Community Development Director with recommendations on changes
to the proposed design.
2. Determine that the proposed project is consistent with the Historic Preservation Program
Guidelines and will not impact the historic, architectural, or aesthetic significance of the Old
Town Historic District, and refer the project back to the Community Development Director
with direction to approve the project as proposed.
3. Determine that the proposed project will impact the historical, architectural or aesthetic
significance of the Old Town Historic District unless the project is redesigned to address
specific potential impacts.
^ t0
ARC MI 17-03 Attachment 4
541 Buchon
July 28,2003
4. Continue the item to a date certain for additional discussion or research.
Attachments:
Vicinity Map
Reduced scale Project Plans
Letters to CHC
Available at the hearing:
Colors and materials samples and color rendering
Full size project plans were distributed to the CHC and are available for review in the Planning
Division at the Community Development Department.
��I�OII��VI��IIIIIIIIII� : , Attachment 5
�Illll�pllll�pg III
� Cl y of sAn 1018 OBISPO
990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3249
August 25, 2003
Sheryl McIntire and Jay Wallace
6515 Via Venado
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
SUBJECT: ARC MI 71-03; 541 Buchon Street
Dear Sheryl and Jay:
On August 22, 2003 1 reviewed the plans to perform an addition and remodel, including a new
exterior porch and a new detached office at the contributing historic residence located at 541
Buchon Street. In considering that the Cultural Heritage .Committee has found that the
proposed project is consistent with the Historic Preservation Program Guidelines on July 28,
2003, and a Use Permit has been approved on August 15, 2003 to allow a reduced street yard
and conforming additions to a non-conforming structure, I have determined that the project is
minor or incidental, and will not require review by the City's Architectural Review Commission.
After a review of the plans I approved your proposed project based on findings and subject to
conditions.
Findings:
1. The proposed scale and design of the new additions will be compatible to the existing
structure since the exterior finish will be designed to match the existing structure on the
property and the primary architectural features of the existing building will be retained and
enhanced.
2. As determined by the Cultural Heritage Committee, the additions and remodel is consistent
with the Historic Preservation Program Guidelines and will not impact the Old Town Historic
District since the project includes architectural features that will enhance the style and
character of the residence.
3. The project will not create significant impacts to adjacent properties since the addition does
not create solar access issues, interfere with site distance or limit views.
4. The project is exempt from environmental review under Class 3, New Construction or
Conversion of Small Structures, Section 15303 of the CEQA Guidelines.
Conditions:
1. A building plan check submittal consistent with the following conditions of approval shall
be submitted for review and approval of the Community Development Department.
® The City of San Luis Obispo is committed to include the disabled in all of its services,programs and activities.
Telecommunications Device for the Deaf(805)781.7410. r1^ 1 D.
-�� Attachment 5
2. The plan check submittal shall indicate finish exterior materials and colors. New
construction shall utilize exterior siding that is consistent with the existing structure.
3. Where feasible, existing windows shall be preserved and used in the remodel. If new
windows are used, the windows shall match the design and style of existing windows.
Aluminum sliders or similar contemporary windows shall not be allowed.
4. The building plan check submittal shall include a complete landscape and irrigation plan
for the front yard area. Landscape plan shall indicate size, quantity and placement of
shrubs, trees and groundcover.
5. A covenant shall be required for the new office structure prior to final occupancy (See
Use Permit conditions).
6. The project may be subject to additional code requirements upon submittal of a
construction permit application.
My action is final unless appealed within 10 calendar days of the date of this letter. Anyone
may appeal the action by submitting a letter to the Community Development Department within
the time specified. Appeals will be scheduled for the first available Architectural Review
Commission meeting date. If an appeal is filed, you will be notified by mail of the date and time
of the hearing.
While the City's water allocation regulations are in effect, the Community Development
Director's approval expires after three years if construction has not started. On request prior to
the expiration of the original approval, the Community Development Director may grant a single
one-year extension.
If you have any questions, please contact Philip Dunsmore at 781-7522.
Sincerely,
Ro ald Whisen d
Deputy Director of Community Development
Development Review
cc: San Luis Obispo County Assessor
Architectural Review Commission Chairman
Attachment 6
CHC Minutes, Regular Meeting of January 26, 2004
Page 2
2. 762 Rougeot Place. ARCMI 158-03. Remodel and addition to a Contributing
Property in the Mt. Pleasanton Squar olm neighborhood, R-1 zone, Terry and
Julie Bauer,applicants.
Buzz Kalkowski presented a slide show and taff report, and noted that revised architectural
plans before the Committee were received sh ly before the meeting. Terry and Julie Bauer,
property owners, and Robert Pence, building signer, described the project. They explained
they were interested in retaining much of the home's original architectural character and had
decided to redesign the project after discussi the matter with City staff. One neighbor, Vic
Waytek (756 Rougeot Place), expressed con ms with loss of privacy, the proposed house's
architectural massing and possible construct an effects at the property line on his home's
foundation and sewer lateral. Comrnittee tuber Breska felt the project was changing the
house's original Mission Revival character o "Mediterranean," but that there were other
examples of this architectural style in the nei hborhood. Committee member Schrage had no
problems with the addition. Committee met iber Wheeler felt that the addition should more
closely follow the original architectural charac r, as called for in the City's Historic Preservation
Program Guidelines and the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Treatment of Historic
Properties. Chairperson Carr felt the revise I architectural design was much improved, and
agreed with Committee member Wheeler th t architectural dealing (particularly roof details)
needed additional work to follow the original use design.
On a motion by Committee member S'chrag , seconded by Committee member Wheeler, the
Committee determined that the proposed ho a remodel and addition was consistent with the
Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the reatment of Historic Properties and the Historic
Preservation Program Guidelines, and dete ed that the project would not adversely effect the
historic, architectural, or aesthetic significanc of the Contributing historic property, and referred
the project to the Community Developmen Director to approve the project, subject to the
following direction to staff:
1) Staff is to work th the applic t and nei ors to address privacy/overlook,
foundation, and sewer c Gems, and
2) Staff is to work with the app ' ant to xplo additional roof detailing at the second story
to more strongly relate to the o ' in ho e
The motion carried, 5-0.
3. 541 Buchon Street. ARCMI 71-03. Consideration of removal of property from the
Contributing Properties list. R-2-H zone; Sheryl McIntire and Jay Wallace,
applicants.
Jeff Hook presented the staff report. Applicant Jay Wallace and architect Garth Kornreich
explained the project and affirmed they had no objections to removing the property from the
Contributing Properties List. There were no public comments. Committee member Wheeler
noted that, in reviewing the photo-documentation for this property, the photos were in color. He
,q ,iL -
' Attachment 6
CHC Minutes, Regular Meeting of January 26, 2004
Page 3
asked the applicant to provide the photos in Black & White, following the revised photo-
documentation standards prepared by former CHC member Matt Whittlesey.
On a motion by Committee member Baer, seconded by Committee member Carr, the Committee
recommended that the City Council remove the property located at 541 Buchon Street from the
Contributing Properties List, finding that:
1) The house is not indicative of a type of construction or known architectural style in San
Luis Obispo, and
2) The house has been modified so extensively that it no longer retains its original
architectural character, and
3) The house does not significantly contribute to the historic character of the Old Town
Historic District.
The motion carried, 5-0. _
DISCUSSION ITEMS;�''�
4. Discussion the CHC role in the "two-step"process in developing Council goals.
Michael Draze p esented the staff report, explaining that the Committee was.being asked to
comment on the g setting method used in 2003 as part of Council goal-setting. Committee
members supported a "two-step" goal setting process and thanked Mr. Draze for his
presentation.
5. Margarita Area and Airport Area. SP/E ---M,, eview Cultural Resource
Mitigation Measures to be included in the Airport Arte�cific Plan and the
Margarita Area Specific Plan Environmental Impact Report.
Michael Draze presented the staff report and provided background on the Marganta d Airport
Area Specific Plans and EIR. Committee members discussed the Archaeological vestigation
Report prepared by Clay_Singer--in�:2000,—and.;geneWl. tthaLadd'tio. ' ` n, beyond the
two measure os'u i ed'in the staff report, was needed. Committee member Wheeler submitted a
memorandum he prepared outlining additional, detailed mitigation measures to protect the
archaeo)ogical site from damage during and after Prado Road construction (attached). He noted
that due to the possible presence of archaeological resources, sensitive site fencing was needed
during construction, the site work in the immediate vicinity should be monitored by a qualified
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archaeologist.
ASV
On a motion by Committe--member Wheeler, seconded by Committee member Baer, the
Committee determined the proposed mirigationnXasures would not reduce impacts to cultural
resources to less than significant levels, and recommen3e"8 additional mitigation measures as
outlined in Committee member Wheeler's.memorandum. The motion came , - .
a - ��
Y \
Attachment 7
MEMORANDUM
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
TO: Cultural Heritage Committee
VIA: Mike Draze, Deputy Director Long Range Planning
FROM: Philip Dunsmore, Associate Planner
MEETING DATE: January 26, 2004
SUBJECT: Item # 3: 541 Buchon (ARCMI 71-03) — Consideration of the removal of
541 Buchon from the Contributing Historic Properties list.
Background
This project was reviewed by the CHC on July 28, 2003 because the proposed remodel and
additions involve a contributing historic residence in the Old Town Historic District located at
541 Buchon. At the hearing, the CHC took two actions
1. The committee determined that the proposed project is consistent with the historic
preservation program guidelines and will not impact the historic, aesthetic significance of
the Old Town Historic District, and referred the project to the Community Development
Director with direction to approve the project as proposed; and
2. Continue the consideration of whether to retain the property on the contributing
properties list.
On August 25`s 2003, the Community Development Director approved the conceptual plans,
consistent with the CHC determination. The project included an extensive remodel to the
existing residence including additions to existing floorspace, a new enclosed front porch and the
construction of a new office behind the existing garage. Plans identified the demolition of the
existing brick fireplace and relocation of the front door. New roof forms, stone veneer, open
trusses at the front and rear porch, and tapered columns are some of the features to be added to
stylize the existing residence towards more of a Craftsman Bungalow. (See attached CHC staff
report and minutes,July 28, 2003).
Upon submittal of the building permit application and a review of the plans, staff determined that
the extensive remodel was more appropriately deemed a complete demolition. The proposed
design of the reconstruction, however, is unchanged from the design approved by the CHC and
the Community Development Director. Staff tentatively approved the plans since they were
consistent with the Architectural plans. Considering the extent of demolition of the existing
structure and the determination made by the CHC on July 28`h, 2003, staff is recommending the
CHC continue the consideration to remove this property from the contributing properties list. If
the CHC determines the property should be removed then the recommendation would be
forwarded to the City Council for action.
ARC Ml 17-03 _ Attachment 7
541 Buchon
January 26, 2004
Action Alternatives
1. Determine that the property should be removed from the Contributing historic properties list
since the existing residence is not indicative of a type of construction that reflects a known
historic style in San Luis Obispo, the property is not known to be associated with important
persons in history, and the primary structure of the original residence will be demolished in
order to perform the approved extensive remodel. Forward the recommendation to City
Council for action.
2. Continue the item to a date certain for additional discussion or research.
Attachments:
Vicinity Map
CHC staff report and minutes, July 28, 2003
Available at the hearing:
Full size project plans
_ Attachment 8
RESOLUTION NO. (2004 Series)
A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
REMOVING 541 BUCHON STREET FROM THE CITY'S LIST OF
CONTRIBUTING HISTORIC PROPERTIES
WHEREAS, at a public hearing on January 26, 2004 the Cultural Heritage Committee
recommended the City Council remove the property known as 541 Buchon Street from the City's
Contributing List of Historic Resources; and
WHEREAS, the City Council conducted a public hearing on March 2, 2004 and has
considered testimony of interested parties, the records of the Cultural Heritage Committee
hearing and action, and the evaluation and recommendation of staff; and
BE IT RESOLVED,by the City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo as follows:
SECTION 1. Findinjzs. That this Council, after consideration of the 541 Buchon Street
property, finds that it does not meet.the Historic Resource Criteria For Building Evaluation and
Recommendations as listed in the Historic Preservation Program Guidelines, Criteria for Building
Evaluations,based on the following findings:
1. The house is not indicative of a type of construction or known architectural style in San
Luis Obispo, and
2. The house has been modified so extensively that it no longer retains its original
architectural character, and
3. The house does not significantly contribute to the historic character of the Old Town
Historic District, and
4. The property is not associated with any significant historical person or event.
SECTION 2. Removal of Contributin status.tatus. The property at 541 Buchon Street is
hereby removed from the City's Contributing Historic Properties list.
On motion of Allen Settle, seconded by John Ewan, and on the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
the foregoing resolution was passed and adopted this day of 2004.
Mayor David F. Romero
Attachment 8
Resolution No. (2004 Series)
Page 2
ATTEST:
Lee Price C.M.C.
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
City ney Jonathan P. Lowell
F:\GROUPS\COMDEV\CD-PL.AN\Pdunsmore\CHCWRC MI 7103(541 Buchon)\71-03 CC Reso.doc
Attachment 9
December 15, 2003
Mr. Ron Whisenand
Deputy Development Director
Planning Department
990 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Re: Demolition of the home at 541 Buchon Street, San Luis Obispo, CA
The City Planning and Building Departments have already approved the
proposed major remodel to the home at 541 Buchon Street except that the
project now needs a demolition permit and a subsequent Use Permit for side
yard setback exceptions.
This property is a contributing property on the City's Historical list and was
reviewed by the Cultural Heritage Committee and City Staff for Minor and
Incidental Architectural Review. The Cultural Heritage Committee deemed
the property historically insignificant and voted to allow the remodel.
The home is not a good candidate for moving for several reasons. The home
has had several additions and structurally is not as intact as an original
home. The current floor structure has a very low clearance from the soil
below and is subject to termite and moisture damage that is not easy to
inspect due to the inaccessibility of these areas. This was one of the main
' 5reasons we proposed to remove the floor structure in our schematic and
working drawing submittals to the City. To have a person clear this soil
CO UR[RaAL from below is extremely difficult and certainly not very economical. It is
RESIDEVIAL a much easier to pull the floor joists, of which many will probably be
damaged, and clear the soil from above. Given this information, the owners
elected to pull the joists and pour a concrete floor instead.
The roofing material is old and needs replacing. There are traces of termite
g P g•
and moisture problems throughout the house that will require fumigating the
. „ structure and repairing any damaged wood (see the attached termite report
dated 3/20/01). It is not possible to move the brick chimney. The basic part
° of the home that has any historical value is about 992 sf. The cost to move
the home to the outskirts of town and onto a new concrete foundation will
be about $40,000 to $50,000. In addition, there will be costs to repair all
4 existing damage and any new damage resulting from the move. Its location
in the center of town also contributes to the costs of moving the house.
Most likely, it will require a long haul to an available site outside of town
with the resulting bureaucratic red tape to move an intact home that far.
The owners and the contractor were planning on re-using many of the
°
a existing materials in the home. The original wood windows are in good
° me
a - 0o
Attachment 9
Demolition of the home at 541 Buchon Street
December 15, 2003
Page Two
condition and will be used on several other older homes as replacement
windows. The brick from the chimney will be re-used on the rear patio.
The doors that are in good shape will also be re-used. The owners can
donate or sell any of the old growth vertical grain fir or redwood removed
from the home. The house will surely be re-used as much as possible and
not just sent to the landfill.
If the demolition is approved we will do the required photo documentation
of the historical resource per the City standards.
Sincerely,
j.
Garth Kornrei
Kornreich hitects