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survey for the older residential structures downtown, possibly expanding the city's Design Review authority to include the first floor of single-family homes in residential districts in the Downtown Specific Plan, and possibly installing signage to recognize the 5 historic downtown neighborhoods. Staff has worked with consultants Architectural Resources Group (ARG) to prepare a contract for the preparation of the requested survey for an approximate cost of $70,000. The survey would include all residential structures in residential zoning districts in the Downtown Specific Plan area constructed before 1942, of which it is assumed there are 189, to determine which of those structures are considered historic resources based on the definition approved by the Council. Once the survey is complete, a public meeting will be held to allow property owners, realtors and other interested parties to review and comment on the document before coming to the City Council for review. Currently, the city's Municipal Code requires an administrative Design Review process by the Zoning Administrator for additions to single-family residences that exceed 10 feet in height. With historic structures, changes that are 10 feet or less in height generally occur on the first floor and could significantly affect certain character defining features of the home such as windows, doors and exterior wall materials. The city does not currently have the authority to review those changes, which could result in the removal and/or permanent alteration of those features. Expanding this authority would require a code amendment, which could be limited to single-family residences in residential districts in the Downtown Specific Plan area and those structures that are considered historic resources as determined by the survey. If the Council wishes to pursue the amendment, it would go to the Planning Commission for review and comment before returning to the Council for final action. Staff has provided some sample language which can be modified to suit the Council's intent. Lastly, Councilmember Brown had inquired about installing signage to recognize the city's 5 historic downtown neighborhoods. Due to irregularities with the shape and application of these neighborhoods, staff struggled with identifying a method to place signage that would identify each neighborhood individually. One possible solution would be to install a series of generic signs indicating something such as a "Pleasanton Heritage Neighborhood" at key entry points to the downtown. Staff has identified several possible locations and design options, most of which are pole mounted to allow for their installation on existing poles to minimize costs. Staff recommends that the City Council authorize the City Manager to execute the professional services agreement to complete the resource survey, provide direction regarding the code amendment, and provide direction on whether to move forward with implementation of signage for the historic neighborhoods. Councilmember Narum requested clarification on whether the 189 structures mentioned reference the total number surveyed or the total number anticipated to be designated as significant. Mr. Otto said that is staff's estimate of the total number to be surveyed. Councilmember Narum said she was expecting that the Planning Commission would be able to explore several options regarding Design Review and the code amendment. Mr. Otto confirmed that anything could be discussed through the public hearing process and, if Council directs the matter forward, a variety of options will be presented for the Commission's consideration. Councilmember Cook-Kallio asked how many of the homes being surveyed are single story, noting that Design Review already applies to the second story and explaining that she was particularly concerned with rooflines. Mr. Otto did not have an estimate but pointed out that the amendment would also apply to the first story of two-story homes. City Council Minutes Page 20 of 22 November 18, 2014