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a shape they are in. He supported Commissioner Pearce’s suggestion to direct staff to further review the matter. He added that it would be good to have more clarity on the matter. He indicated that he was involved in the restoration of the Alviso Adobe and that it was such a gain for the City. Commissioner O’Connor agreed with Commissioner Pearce, stating that when the report talks about a home being too dilapidated, by the same standards for the condition it was in, they could have said the same about the Kolln Hardware Store, which was worth saving. He indicated that it is difficult to determine where the line should be drawn. He noted that, as in the case of automatic fire sprinklers, it takes a long time to create an ordinance; he added that guidelines would be great if a full heritage ordinance is not adopted. Chair Olson noted that there is a National Historic Registry of homes. He commented that he and his wife have a home in Oregon that they cannot tear down but can refurbish, which would be a tax credit on their Federal return. He inquired if the City could attempt to get an area in the City on the Historic Registry, which would then protect those homes and provide a benefit to people if they want to improve the home. Mr. Dolan stated that he doubts there is anything in town that would merit a national level district, but there might be areas where a local district could be formed. He noted, however, that this has its pro’s and con’s and that there are some consequences, such as if they are eligible for tax programs, and standards of the Secretary of Interior must be complied with for historic preservation, which is something adopted at the Federal level. He added that if a City claims a local historic district, the City would be obligated to enforce those regulations, and approvals must be obtained for almost everything. He indicated that he has worked in two communities that have had historic districts, and they had to have an entirely separate commission just to deal with whether what is being proposed is consistent with the historic plan. He noted that it can be a very involved process. Commissioner Pearce reiterated that she would still like to have something in place that allows the City to control what happens to its old homes. She added that she would like to know where the City is at in this regard. Commissioner O’Connor stated that some cities, such as Palo Alto, have identified individual properties and districts for historical preservation. He noted that modifying a building along University Avenue is a major undertaking and would have to go through a heritage group before coming to the City. He indicated that he did not want to go to that extreme. Mr. Dolan stated that he would he happy to summarize what has occurred with the proposed ordinance and identify some history after the Specific Plan was adopted. Commissioner Pearce inquired if this could be agendized for a future Commission agenda. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, September 15, 2010 Page 21 of 23