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Potential Future Code Amendment The draft Code amendment is only applicable to single-family homes in residential zoning districts in the Downtown built before 1942 that are determined to be historic resources. Two of the former Task Force members and a member of the public requested that design review authority be further expanded to also apply to the non-historic single-family homes built before 1942 or possibly all single-family homes in the Downtown Specific Plan Area, regardless of when they were built. These individuals argued that the non- historic homes need to be protected from unmonitored remodels in order for historic homes to maintain their value and to maintain the look of the neighborhood. The Planning Commission discussed this request at its hearing and unanimously agreed there was merit in further exploring this topic, although some Commissioners indicated they were unsure how they would ultimately vote on such an amendment. Therefore, the Commission recommended that the City Council discuss whether to pursue a separate Municipal Code amendment to expand design review authority to the exterior of non-historic single-family homes in residential zoning districts in the Downtown Specific Plan Area. Such a Code amendment would add time and cost to homeowners seeking to undertake minor exterior changes to non-historic homes. While it could ensure that the modifications to these building are compatible with the architectural style and detailing of the existing home, it may not have any significant effect or benefit on the surrounding homes that are determined to be historic. Furthermore, the criteria used to ascertain whether improvements are appropriate would be unclear. For instance, if a home built before 1942 was determined not to be a historic resource due to modifications made to the home, would future changes need to be consistent with the current or original style (assuming the original style could be determined)? Staff has concerns that subjecting non-historical homes to heightened design review could discourage homeowners from undertaking improvements and result in overly-prescriptive and uncertain design outcomes. Nevertheless, staff is supportive of pursuing this item if desired by the Council, and believes that these types of questions and issues could be vetted through the Code amendment process. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION The Planning Commission held a public hearing on October 14, 2015, to review the proposed Code amendment and survey. Detailed information on this meeting is provided by Attachment 4, draft excerpts of the Planning Commission minutes. Five members of the public spoke at the hearing (including two former Historic Preservation Task Force members). No one spoke in opposition to the Code amendment or survey. Two former Task Force members requested that design review authority be further expanded to also apply to the non-historic single-family homes built before 1942 or possibly all single- family homes in the Downtown Specific Plan Area, regardless of when they were built. One of the owners of a historic home asked if it would be possible to waive the $250 Administrative Design Review application fee (staff does not recommend such a waiver because of the relative modesty of the fee and the cost savings to homeowners provided by the City-funded historic resource survey). After receiving public testimony, the Commission recommended approval of the Code amendment as recommended by staff Page 6 of 8