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19. Review of the Historic Preservation Task Force Status Report Community Development Director Dolan presented the staff report. Established in 2012, the task force has met 10 times in the last 15 months to review City policies and processes as they relate to the protection of historic resources. The task force process included the preparation of a Historical Context Statement by a contract consultant as well as the formation of a subcommittee to conduct outreach to the Pleasanton Downtown Association, Economic Vitality Committee and various property owners. As part of this effort, the task force received consistent feedback requesting that any programs and policies that come out of this exclude commercial properties so as not to hinder economic development in the downtown. After some consideration, the task force concurred and therefore the present discussion is focused on potential programs and policies that would affect only residential properties in the downtown area. The task force focused its discussion several areas where it found the City's current approach to merit further review and potential changes. These include: • Inadequate Standards of Significance — The task force is interested in exploring the possibility of developing a local standard for historic preservation that may be more far reaching than that established by the state. The task force feels that the City may be or potentially could lose some older structures because the state criteria do not recognize certain features that might carry local significance. Components of a local standard could include reliance on the Historical Context Statement, which identifies certain property types with features that the City might wish to ensure the integrity of, introduction of a fixed year of historical significant such as a time surrounding World War II, amendment of the California criteria to emphasize those buildings associated with local history, or implementation of a local Historic District. • Definition of Demolition — Current policies only prohibit demolition of those structures eligible for the California Register of Historic Resources and "demolition" is not well defined. There have been issues whereby almost all of a home is torn down with just a few walls left remaining and this is not considered a demolition. In other instances a home is essentially demolished through neglect. Staff and the task force questioned what is accomplished by prohibiting demolition if these situations do not qualify. The majority of the task force supports a definition that includes the removal of any physical element of the structure that, upon removal, would substantially diminish the structure's historical significance. Staff alternatively recommended another option that may be more practical in that it concentrates on protecting the front façade and roofline. • Design Review — The City currently has Design Review authority in most circumstances, with exception of any improvements below the first 10 feet in height on a single family home. With historic structures, proposed changes to the first floor often affect significant character-defining features such as the type, location, spacing and size of window and doors. The task force is suggesting that design review authority be expanded to include the first floor of structures on certain categories of homes. • Implementation of Existing Policies and Guidelines — The Downtown Specific Plan and Design Guidelines contain several policies and guidelines requiring new construction, remodels, and additions to be compatible with the historic character of the area. There has been some concern, however, that these policies and guidelines are either not specific enough on certain issues, inconsistent with community values or have not been implemented properly by the City. Examples include floor area ratio and a number of modernization/efficiency related features. City Council Minutes Page 5 of 16 June 4, 2013