REPORT TO THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION September 26, 2022 FROM: JENNIFER CLARK, Director Planning and Development Department SUBJECT ..Title HEARING TO CONSIDER AND MAKE FINDINGS on application P22-03600 for the construction of a second single family unit at the J.H. Waller Home (HP#302) and adjacent to the Cowdrey Home (HP#33) located at 318 Park Ave. (APN 45914416). STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) take the following actions: 1. ADOPT a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to Sections 15331/Class 31 of the California Environmental Quality Act guidelines 2. APPROVE: Application P22-01922 for the construction of a new, two-story 1,129 SF single-family residence with a two-story, 728 SF detached garage on a portion of the J H Waller ..Body EXECUTIVE SUMMARY On behalf of the owner, Tim Hall of Tim Hall Custom Home Designs filed application P22-03600 on September 16, 2022. The applicant proposes to construct a new, two-story 1,129 SF single-family residence with a two-story, 728 SF detached garage on a portion of the J H Waller (HP#302) property located at 318 Park Ave. (APN 45914416). Staff recommends approval. BACKGROUND H.P. #302 J. H. Waller Home (1911) 306 N. Park Avenue Vernacular Greek Revival with Craftsman influences This home was originally owned and apparently constructed by J. H. Waller, who was a carpenter and stair maker. Other than a new front door, the house appears unchanged since it was first built. It is an excellent example of vernacular architecture constructed for working-class families. H.P. #33 Cowdrey Home (1903) 330 N. Park Avenue American Foursquare Project Proposal On behalf of the owner, Tim Hall of Tim Hall Custom Home Designs filed application P22-03600 on September 16, 2022. The applicant proposes to construct a new, two-story 1,129 SF single-family residence with a two-story, 728 SF detached garage on a portion of the J H Waller (HP#302) property located at 318 Park Ave. (APN 45914416). Project Analysis Senate Bill 9, passed September 16, 2021, allows for the ministerial approval of two units on a single-family parcel including duplex development, urban lot split, or second unit construction within a single-family residential zone. This is in addition to the two Accessory Dwelling Units already permitted under state law. There are exceptions to this ministerial approval including exceptions for the removal of affordable housing and those properties located within a historic district, included on the State Historic Resources Inventory or within a site that is legally designated or listed as a city or county landmark or historic property or district. HP#302 the J. H. Waller Home located at 306 N Park Ave (APN 459-144-16) is an individually listed historic resource on the Local Register of Historic Resources therefore the addition of a second unit is subject to review by the Commission pursuant to FMC Section 12-1617. The applicant proposes to construct a new, two-story 1,129 SF single-family residence with a two-story, 728 SF detached garage on the west portion of the parcel containing the Waller Home. Immediately to the north of the proposed site is an additional historic resource, the Cowdrey Home (HP#33). To be compatible with the infill location between two historic resources, the new home should be sited similarly to the adjacent properties and hold similar alignment, rhythm, and size of the window and door openings. New structure should use same or similar forms, materials, and color range of the historic properties but not duplicate the original, distinguishing the new from the historic resources. While not an addition to either home but a stand-alone structure, it should not attempt to duplicate the exact material, style or detailing of the historic building to ensure views from the public right of way can distinguish old from new. New construction should not visually overwhelm historic resources which could result in the diminution or loss of historic character. New construction should not be added in a way that obscures a character-defining feature of either historic building - along the primary elevation. The project as proposed consists of like massing, scale, and materials and is placed on the site to match the pattern of the Waller Home. The detached garage also matches the placement of the detached garage at the Waller Home; however, the new construction will be two stories instead of one. The primary elevation will be feature similar scale and features as its neighbors including porch detailing, window and door patterns, and trim details. There is no alley so no secondary elevation. The garage, while two story does not match the adjacent properties, is located at the rear of the parcel, and will not impact the primary elevation of either historic resource. The garage will feature similar trim details as the primary structure. Notice of Historic Preservation Commission Hearing In accordance with Section 12-1617 of the FMC, the Planning and Development Department mailed Notices of this Commission hearing to surrounding property owners within 2,000 feet. ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS The project is consistent with a Class 31 finding of exemption. 15331 Historical Resource Restoration/Rehabilitation can be applied to this project as it is consistent with the Secretary of Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties with Guidelines for Preserving, Rehabilitating, Restoring, and Reconstructing Historic Buildings (1995), Weeks and Grimmer. FRESNO MUNICIPAL CODE FINDINGS The Commission must make one of the following findings. Based upon analysis of the application, the required findings by the Historic Preservation Commission to approve application permit B22-10883 FMC Section 12-1617 (h) are as follows: FINDING 1 can be made because the proposed work is found to be consistent with the purposes of this article and the Secretary of the Interior's Standards, not detrimental to the special historical, architectural, or aesthetic interest or value of the Historic Resource. FINDING 2 is not applicable as the action proposed is not a correction of an unsafe or dangerous condition on the property. FINDING 3 cannot be made because there is no evidence that the denial of the application will not result in unreasonable economic hardship to the owner. FINDING 4 is not applicable because the site is not required for a public use which will directly benefit the public health, safety and welfare and will be of more benefit that the Historic Resource. FINDING 5 is not applicable because this is not an application for relocation of an Historic Resource. Staff Recommendation: Based upon analysis of the application, staff recommends approval of Application P22-01922 for the construction of a new, two-story 1,129 SF single-family residence with a two-story, 728 SF detached garage on a portion of the J H Waller (HP#302) property located at 318 Park Ave. (APN 45914416). CONCLUSION The appropriateness of the proposed project has been examined with respect to its consistency to the Fresno Municipal Code (FMC) Section 12-1617, The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation and The Secretary of the Interior's Guidelines for the Treatment of Historic Properties. The proposed project has been described and analyzed above and by the accompanying environmental assessment. Staff recommends that the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) approve Application P22-01922 for the construction of a new, two-story 1,129 SF single-family residence with a two-story, 728 SF detached garage on a portion of the J.H. Waller (HP#302) property located at 318 Park Ave. (APN45914416). Attachments: Exhibit A - HP#33 Cowdrey Home DPR Form Exhibit B - HP#302 J.H. Waller Home DPR Form Exhibit C - P22-01922 Elevations Exhibit D - P22-01922 Site Plan Exhibit E - Fresno Municipal Code Findings