SAN CLEMENTE
Landmark Preservation Task Force
Meeting Minutes – 4/12/07
Definition for Landmark:
Vote to recommend the following definition for landmark:
A Landmark is a building, site, structure, object or improvement, manmade or natural, with special character or special historical, cultural, architectural, archeological, social or aesthetic value inherent to the heritage of the City of San Clemente, the State of California, and/or the United States.
In favor: 8
Opposed: 0
Passed unanimously
Criteria for Listing Landmarks:
Vote to recommend the following definition for the landmark criteria:
The criteria to be used in determining special historical, cultural, architectural, archeological, social or aesthetic character or value is that the Landmarks shall be on the Designated Historic Resources List and meet one (1) or more of the following criteria:
a. Associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of the history of the City, State or Nation.
b. Associated with persons significant in the history of the City, State or Nation.
c. Embodies distinctive characteristics of a style, type, period, or method of construction. Of primary importance to San Clemente is the Spanish Colonial Revival architecture.
d. Exemplifies the best remaining building type or architectural style in a neighborhood.
e. Is essential to the integrity of another Landmark.
f. Is integral to maintaining a natural or cultural landscape that strongly contributes to the well-being of the people of the City, State or Nation.
g. Has a unique location, unique physical characteristics, or is a landscape, view, or vista representing an established and familiar visual feature of a neighborhood, community or of the City.
Staff and task force discussion took place regarding the Western White House and its relation to the National Park Service eligibility and designation. Mr. Prime advised that there have been a lot of questions regarding voluntary vs. involuntary. Mr. Prime requested Mr. Goldfarb read the next to the last paragraph on page 10 of the staff report regarding voluntary and involuntary per Code 37361. Mr. Goldfarb read the code aloud for the benefit of the members of the public for clarification.
In favor: 8
Opposed: 0
Passed unanimously
Recommended List of Landmarks:
IN FAVOR OPPOSED
L.S. Frasier House 8 0
Cotton Estate Gate 8 0
San Clemente Hotel 8 0
Casa Romantica 8 0
Campbell House 7 1
Goldschmidt House 8 0
Ole Hanson Beach Club 8 0
Casino San Clemente 8 0
Beachcomber Motel 6 2
Municipal Pier 8 0
Casa Pacifica 8 0
Ole Hanson Room 8 0
Warner House 8 0
Bartlett Building 8 0
Oscar Easley Building 8 0
Ole Hanson Administration 8 0
San Onofre Inn 6 2
San Clemente Theater 7 1
Sea Cliff Villas 8 0
Old City Hall 8 0
Moulton House 8 0
418 Cazador 8 0
Ann Harding House 8 0
Regarding the Swigart House, Mr. Cotter asked if HRG (Historic Resources
Group) recommended this property. Mr. Pechous advised that this building was
recommended. Mr. Cotter also wanted to remind the task force that HRG
recommended nineteen landmarks based on whether or not they would
individually qualify for listing on the National Register. This property was
recommended for individual listing.
IN FAVOR OPPOSED
Swigart House 8 0
St. Clement Church 8 0
Mr. Eggleston advised that the City would need to obtain a letter of approval from
the rectory of St. Clement’s Church.
Landmark Task Force Recommendations for Incentives of Landmarks:
Vote for a wavier of all fees for Minor Cultural Heritage Permits and Cultural Heritage Permits.
In favor: 8
Opposed: 0
Passed unanimously
Vote for a Landmark Plaque program, walking tours of Landmarks would be given only with owner’s permission.
In favor: 8
Opposed: 0
Passed unanimously
Vote to provide a full time staff liaison trained in historic preservation to facilitate and help historic property owner go through the process.
In favor: 8
Opposed: 0
Passed unanimously
Vote to recommend a City-sponsored financial assistance to clean or improve a site:
?? $300 all historic structures and neighboring properties subject to CHP
?? $1,000 for Landmarks
?? Eligibility - maximum of once every three years.
The grants will only be available for long term improvements and that landscape not be included.
In favor: 8
Opposed: 0
Passed unanimously
Vote to create educational program that would provide educational brochures and programs in partnership with the Historical Society/Casa and considers the use of CLG/Preserve America grants to fund the programs.
In favor: 8
Opposed: 0
Passed unanimously
Landmark Task Force Recommendations for Protections of Landmarks: Vote to eliminate the task force’s previous recommendation of expanding the review area around designated historic structure to 300 feet when the project has a visual impact and 300 foot radius and is located on the same street.
In favor: 8
Opposed: 0
Passed unanimously
Vote to eliminate the previous recommendation of expanding the review area around Landmarks to 300 feet when the project has a visual impact.
In favor: 8
Opposed: 0
Passed unanimously
Vote to maintain the present Landmark Task Force recommendation of all abutting properties and 300 foot radius and is located on the same street.
In favor: 5
Opposed: 3
Passed with majority
Vote to recommend all modifications to the exterior of Landmarks require a CHP approval by the Planning Commission. Minor CHP review by the Zoning Administrator would not be allowed. Staff waivers granted for like for like repair and maintenance only.
In favor: 1
Opposed: 7
Failed with majority
Vote to recommend that the finding for Designated Historic Resources and Landmark be amended as follows:
a. For resources on the City’s Designated Historic Resources List, the proposed modifications, alterations or additions are in keeping with the Secretary of the Interior Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties and the San Clemente Design Guidelines and enhance the historic structure’s architectural and historical character.
b. For resources on the City’s Landmarks List the proposed modifications, alterations or additions are in keeping with the Secretary of the Interior Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties and retain all character defining features.
In favor: 8
Opposed: 0
Passed unanimously
Vote to Maintenance for Historic Properties. The Owner shall keep and maintain in good condition and repair their property in order to prevent the substantial deterioration or decay of any exterior portion and any interior portions whose maintenance is necessary to preserve any exterior portion.
In favor: 8
Opposed: 0
Passed unanimously
Vote to recommend that a section Maintenance for Historic Properties section of the code be added that requires property owners keep and maintain in good condition and repair their property in order to prevent the substantial deterioration or decay of any exterior portion and any interior portions whose maintenance is necessary to preserve any exterior portion.
In favor: 8
Opposed: 0
Passed unanimously
Amendment of the “Demolition of Historic Properties” Section: Vote to recommend that the demolition of historic structures section of the code be amended to be consistent with CEQA.
In favor: 8
Opposed: 0
Passed unanimously
