RECOMMENDATION(S): (CONT'D)
3. REFER the designation to the Contra Costa County Historical Society for inclusion in the County Historical Resources Inventory (HRI);
4. DETERMINE that the proposed actions are categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA Regs, Section 15331, Class 31); and
5. DIRECT the Department of Conservation and Development to file a Notice of Exemption under CEQA with the County Clerk.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The applicant is responsible for application and processing costs for the nomination process. The designation and placement onto the County HRI would qualify 2067 Alameda Diablo for a Mills Act contract. If 2067 Alameda Diablo receives a Mills Act contract, there will be a reduction in the collection of property taxes for the subject property based on the calculations in the State Board of Equalization for use of assessing properties under the Mills Act.
BACKGROUND:
At the request of property owners, on November 30, 2016, the County Historical Landmarks Advisory Committee (HLAC) recommended that the Board of Supervisors designate the single-family residence located at 2067 Alameda Diablo as a historical resource and include it in the County's Historic Resources Inventory (HRI).The subject property, 2067 Alameda Diablo, is located within the boundaries of the Diablo Historic District. The Diablo Historic District was established and placed on the County's HRI by the Board in 2002. In a Design Review & Historic Assessment report dated August 31, 2016, prepared by architectural historian, Valerie Nagel, the residence has been assessed as a historic resource for its relevance within the Diablo Historic District. The residence was built in 1925 and is of the English Tudor Style of architecture. A design review application for an addition to expand the kitchen and living area and add a new bedroom to the residence is currently under review with the Current Planning Division of the Department of Conservation and Development. The proposed addition will be reviewed for consistency with the historical status of the residence and the Diablo Historical District. The property owner has also indicated that they would seek approval of a Mills Act contract for the building upon approval of the nomination of the residence onto the Historic Resources Inventory.
Historical Landmarks Advisory Committee (HLAC) Recommendation: At the HLAC meeting held on November 30, 2016, the HLAC recommended that the Board of Supervisors include the single-family residence at 2067 Alameda Diablo in Diablo onto the County's HRI. According to the background information provided for the creation of the Diablo Historic District, 2067 Alameda Diablo is one of the building that contributes to the Diablo Historic District.
According to the historical assessment prepared for this nomination, the building’s English Tudor Style remains intact. The previous alterations to the structure do not negatively impact its architectural value. The Design Review & Historic Assessment report prepared for the residence evaluated the proposed addition, and has concluded that the proposed development will follow the Secretary of the Interior Standards of the Treatment of Historic Properties and will further enhance the architectural integrity and preserve the resource.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
If the building of historical significance is not designated and placed onto the County HRI then the subject property cannot qualify for a Mills Act contract. If the subject property cannot be approved for a Mills Act contract the restoration, rehabilitation, and maintenance of the building’s historical and architectural integrity would not be monitored and may not be maintained by current or future owners of the property.
CHILDREN'S IMPACT STATEMENT:
None.