RES-8996 Amending and Revising Historic Preservation Design Standards for Old TowneRESOLUTION NO. 8996
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF ORANGE AMENDING AND REVISING THE
HISTORIC PRESERVATION DESIGN STANDARDS
FOR OLD TOWNE.
WHEREAS, on July II, 1995, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 8488, which
established the Historic Preservation Design Standards for Old Towne Orange, California; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission has recommended that the Historic Preservation
Design Standards for Old Towne Orange, California, should be amended to reflect the revised
boundaries of Old Towne, clarification of the types of projects requiring environmental review,
and a more complete description of the environmental review process for historic properties; and
WHEREAS, the City Council, after public hearing thereon, has determined that the
Historic Preservation Design Standards for Old Towne Orange, California, should be amended to
reflect the revisions recommended by the Planning Commission.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Orange
as follows:
I. Resolution No. 8488 is hereby amended as set forth in the following paragraphs.
2. Part I, Chapter I, Section A.3. of the Historic Preservation Design Standards for Old
Towne Orange, California (hereinafter referred to as "Standards") is amended to read as follows:
The following map (Exhibit I) indicates the four major components which
comprise the Old Towne District of Orange,
The Plaza Historic District
The Downtown Core
The Spoke Streets
The Residential Quadrants
This map also indicates those areas subject to specific plans.
Exhibit 2 identifies the boundaries of the national Register Historic District
contained within Old Towne."
3. Exhibit I of the Standards is amended as reflected on the attached Exhibit I.
4. The Standards shall be amended to add the attached Exhibit 2. Exhibit 2 shall be added
immediately following Exhibit 1.
5. The second paragraph of Part I, Chapter 2, Section B of the Standards is amended to read
as follows:
Within and near the present Old Towne boundaries as shown in Exhibit I, a
diversity of architectural styles, building types and neighborhood characteristics is
present. A strong commercial core, known as the Plaza Historic District, is
complemented by the surrounding residential neighborhoods."
6. Part II, Chapter I of the Standards is amended to read as follows:
A. Overview
In order to enhance and preserve its heritage, the City has established design and
development standards specific to the Old Towne District. These standards are
contained in Part III of this document. To assure compliance with the standards,
the City has implemented a project review and approval process, This process
includes design review, whereby all projects are evaluated for compliance with
these design standards, and environmental review, which considers potential
impacts of projects upon existing historic resources and the Old Towne District as
a whole. This process is explained in detail below.
B. Reviewing Bodies
1. The City's Design Review Board (DRB) is a body of five resident
professionals appointed by the City Council, and authorized by the Zoning
Ordinance to review design elements of all construction projects throughout the
City. The DRB reviews all projects in the Old Towne Historic District for
compliance with these Design Standards. Their role is largely advisory to the
Planning Commission, because the DRB does not have authority to take final
action on projects requiring environmental review, However, the DRB is
authorized to take final action on projects identified in item C. 2. below, when
environmental review is not required.
2. Planning Commission, The City's Planning Commission is a body of
five City residents, appointed by the Mayor with approval of the majority of the
City Council. The Commission is authorized by the Zoning Ordinance to review
land use, environmental and historic preservation issues. When projects in the
Old Towne Historic District require environmental review and/or land use
applications, they are subject to review by the Planning Commission, who will
also evaluate whether the project conforms to these Design Standards.
Reso. No. 8996x 2
3. City Council. The City Council has final review of all matters relating
to planning and zoning. Projects in the Old Towne Historic District will be
reviewed by the City Council upon appeal of a Planning Commission decision, or
when the project involves an Environmental Impact Report, or certain land use
applications (such as zone change, General Plan Amendment, tentative tract map,
etc.).
C. Design Review
In order to verify that any project in the Old Towne District complies with the
standards contained in this document, all projects are reviewed by the City. There
are various levels of review, as described below. Routine maintenance does not
require formal review, although staff consultation is recommended. Routine
maintenance includes painting of structures, and duplicating damaged or
deteriorated exterior architectural features. Painting of Plaza commercial
buildings shall be in accordance with the color palette approved in the Plaza
Facade Study (available at the Planning counter).
1. Staff Review
Those projects listed below are subject to review and approval over the
counter by staff in the following manner:
An applicant brings plans to the Planning Counter for review by staff.
If the project meets standards, approval is granted over the counter,
and the applicant applies for building permits (when necessary),
If staff determines that a project does not comply with the standards
contained in this document, approval will not be granted unless plans are
modified to meet standards. An applicant may appeal staffs determination
of non-compliance to the DRB. Such appeals shall utilize the
process enumerated in Section 17.08.050 of the Orange Municipal Code, but
shall be heard by the Design Review
Board.a. Minor exterior alternations, including installation,
change,replacement or removal of the
following:I) Doors, windows, columns, piers, siding
and architectural
trim 2)
Roofing 3) Maj or landscape
features 4) Installation and placement of air conditioning units
and new electrical service
meters 5) Chimneys, fireplaces, and masonry
piers 6)
Decks Reso. No. 8996
7) Modifications to accommodate access for the disabled
8) Accessory structures less than 120 square feet, such as
trash enclosures, storage sheds, etc.
9) The following when located in a front or side yard area,
or are visible from the public street:
Skylights, solar panels, greenhouse windows, and
roof mounted equipment
Hardscape and new flatwork
Arbors and fences
b, Installation of new signs upon buildings or which there is an
approved sign program, or routine maintenance of existing signs.
c. All projects wherein structures are enlarged by less than
20% of the existing floor area and such addition is not visible from the
public street.
2, Design Review Board Review
The projects listed below will generally be exempt from the provisions of
the California Environmental Quality Act, and subject to review and approval by
the DRB, unless there are specific or unusual circumstances, or the cumulative
impacts of successive projects of the same type over time is significant.
a. New signs and sign programs.
b. Any change or alteration of any facade within the Plaza Historic
District, when it can be shown that the changes will not have an adverse
impact on the existing structure, the surrounding area or the Historic
District.
c. External changes and facade renovations on unreinforced
masonry (URM) buildings undergoing seismic retrofitting as required
under the City's Seismic Strengthening Provisions for URM Buildings,
Chapter 15.55, when it can be shown that the changes will not have an
adverse impact on the existing structure, the surrounding area or the
Historic District.
d. Addition to a contributing structure, when the addition involves
the removal of a wall but no floor area, is not visible from the street,
increases the floor area of the existing structure by less than 20%, does not
exceed the height of the existing structure, and utilizes the same materials,
colors, roof pitch and architectural style as the existing structure. If the
Reso. No. 8996 4
building is designated as a cultural resource, and is individually listed on
or eligible for listing on the National Register, then any addition will
require environmental review by the Planning Commission.
e. Addition to a non-contributing structure, provided the
addition does not exceed a height of I Yz stories, the project involves the removal
of no more than 25% of the existing floor area, and it can be shown that
the changes will not have an adverse impact on the existing structure,
the surrounding area or the Historic
District.f. Any combination of alterations occurring within a 60
month period which result in a non-contributing structure being enlarged
by more than 20% ofthe original
floor area.g. New accessory structures, greater than 120 square feet
in size.h. Demolition of non-contributing
accessory structures greater than 120 square feet, when the replacement structure is
similar in function and size to the
structure being removed.3.
Planning Commission Review The projects listed below will generally require preparation
of a Negative Declaration or Mitigated Negative Declaration, and review and
approval by the
City Planning Commission:a. Partial demolition of a structure, when it can
be shown that there will be no significant adverse impact to
the structure, the surrounding area or
the Historic District.b. Demolition of a contributing accessory
structure greater than 120
sf in size.c. Demolition of a non-contributing structure,
when it can be shown that there will be no significant adverse
impact to the surrounding area
or the Historic District.d. Addition to a contributing structure, when
the addition is visible from the street, increases the floor area of the
existing structure by more than 20%, or exceeds the height
of the existing structure,e. Any addition to or modification of a
building designated as a cultural resource (individually listed on or eligible
for listing
on the National Register).
f. Any combination of alterations occurring within a ~ 60 month
period which result in a contributing structure being enlarged by more than
20% of its original floor area.
g. Additional units on a lot zoned for such purposes, when the
existing structure is retained in place, and it can be shown that the
additional units will not have a significant adverse impact upon the
existing structure, the surrounding area or the Historic District.
h. Infill construction on a lot, in conjunction with demolition of a
non-contributing structure, when it can be shown that the construction
will not have a significant adverse impact upon the surrounding area or
the Historic
District.i. Infill construction on vacant property, when it can be shown
that the construction will not have a significant adverse impact upon
the surrounding area or the Historic
District.4. City Council
Review The projects listed below will generally require preparation of
an Environmental Impact Report, and review and approval by the City
Council:a. Demolition of a contributing structure, site or historic
feature.b. Partial demolition of a contributing structure, when it can
be shown that there will be a significant adverse impact to the structure,
the surrounding area or the Historic
District.c. Any infill construction, when it can be shown that
the construction will have a significant adverse impact upon the
surrounding area or the Historic
District.D. Demolition
Review Demolition review is a process as established in the demolition ordinance (
SectionI7.10.090 of the Orange Municipal Code) that provides for review and
approval ofreplacement structures prior to issuance of a demolition permit. Such review
is intended to assure that replacement structures are compatible with the
established character of the Old Towne District and individual structures, and conform
to adopted design standards. Demolition review is required whenever all or part of
a structure is removed from a site in Old Towne (either by relocation or
destruction)when such removal permanently impairs the architectural or structural integrity
of the
structure.Reso. No. 8996
Exception: Demolition review is not intended to apply to:
1. Demolitions ordered by the Chief Building Official or Fire Chief of the
city of Orange to remedy conditions determined to be dangerous to life, health or
property. Demolitions of structures in the Plaza Historic District require approval
of the State Historic Preservation Office.
2. Demolition of a non-contributing structure which has a floor area
less than 120 square
feet."7'. Part 11, Chapter 2 ofthe Standards is amended to read as
follows:A. Review
Criteria The Old Towne Design Standards are legally enforceable zoning
requirements designed for the long term protection of the architectural and historical
character of Old Towne
Orange.The Design Standards are intended to insure compliance in the implementation
of the City's General Plan, Historic Preservation Element's goals and
policies.While the Historic Preservation Element establishes the importance of
the preservation, rehabilitation and enhancement of the historical character of
Orange,the Design Standards provide specific implementation requirements
and considerations by which to evaluate individual
projects.In addition to the Old Towne Design Standards, the decision makers
shall consider the Secretary of the Interior's Standards and Guidelines
for Rehabilitation (see Appendix B) and the following general criteria in making
a project
determination:1. Compatibility of the project with surrounding development
and
neighborhoods:a. The development shall be consistent in size, scale and
context with surrounding
development.b. The development shall retain the historic relationship
between buildings, landscape features and open
space.c. Building design, colors and material shall be compatible
with the character of the existing structure and surrounding
area,Reso. No. 8996
d. Additions shall be designed and constructed so as to not
significantly change, obscure, damage, or destroy the character defining
features of an historic building or feature.
e. The development shall not erode or adversely affect an historic
resource or district.
2. Adequacy of screeninglbuffering:
a. Trash receptacles, storage and loading areas, and mechanical
equipment shall be screened from view of public streets, in a manner
which is architecturally compatible with the building.
b. Landscape areas shall be provided in and around parking lots to
break up the appearane of large expanses of paving,
3. Landscaping:
a. The type, size and location of landscape materials shall be
compatible with the scale ofbuilding(s) and property.
4. Signs:
a. All signage shall be compatible with the building design, scale,
colors and materials.
b. All signs within the Plaza Historic District shall be of a size and
style compatible with the historic building and shall not cover or obscure
significant architectural detailing or features.
c. Property addresses must be visible from street.
5, Streetscape:
a. Building facades shall be complementary and blend with
neighboring structures.
B, Conditions of Approval
The reviewing bodies may require reasonable conditions of approval to implement
the standards contained in this document.
Reso. No. 8996 8
C. Findings Required
The reviewing body shall make findings for all projects it reviews based upon
design criteria stated above. Specific findings shall be made as follows;
1. For all projects:
The proposed work conforms to the standards and design criteria
referenced andlor recommended by the Design Review Board or other
reviewing body for the project.
2. For projects located in the National Register Historic District:
The proposed work complies with the Secretary of the Interior's
Standards and Guidelines.
3. For building additions and modifications:
The proposed work will neither adversely affect the significant
architectural features of the building nor adversely affect the character of
historical, architectural, or aesthetic interest or value of the building, its
site, or the surrounding area.
4. For new constmction:
The use and design of any new constmction shall not adversely
affect, and shall be compatible with, the use and design of existing
buildings within Old Towne.
D. Environmental Review
All projects in Old Towne must comply with the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA)."
8. The first paragraph of Part III, Chapter 5 of the Standards shall be amended to read as
follows;
CHAPTER 5 - Residential Quadrants The
Residential Quadrants encompass a majority of the Old Towne District, and are
divided by the Spoke Street Corridors located along Glassell St. and Chapman Ave.
The residential quadrants generally extend outward from the boundaries of the
Downtown Core to the exterior boundaries of Old Towne."Reso.
No. 8996 9
9. The definitions of "Demolition" and "Residential Quadrants" in Appendix A ofthe
Standards shall be amended to read as follows:
DEMOLITION - An act or process that destroys, moves, or razes in whole or in part
a building, structure, or site or permanently impairs its structural or architectural
integrity."RESIDENTIAL
QUADRANTS - that area encompassing a majority of the Old Towne District,
that is divided by the Spoke Street Corridors located along Glassell St.
and Chapman Ave. The residential quadrants generally extend outward from
the boundaries of the Downtown Core to the exterior boundaries of Old Towne."
ADOPTED this
25th day of August, 1998.ATTEST:71
l#.
4.<
1 CityClerk
ofth Reso. No.
8996 10
I hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was duly and regularly adopted by the City
Council of the City of Orange at a regular meeting thereof held on the 25th day of August, 1998,
by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: MURPHY, SLATER, COONTZ, SPURGEON, ALVAREZ
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE
Reso. No. 8996 11
r-=
fJ~
r-V<:</~ II I ~..~ ! i
I Iitlmimtwll 13~ .cTIiis ,[ ~f:>~ ' Y/ r ~-~ "I . ,g: br'U""lll'!Ut. ------::::--- _.---:::-/\ j ~ . -- ~ '
i ,~-LLL _":'-1~ rJ~~f~
JI-- d~tl'~~
I!' ~ , 'Irill I~mr-"p HJ ,;: ~
I, I . :::Jp= !:e-J' ~ I ~ ... .,......11 ~ ' .,
i~r.= ~ ~ "
I~: - ' ~.CC , ~ m ~f!
1 J
Fiiii I
r '
i Irnfllit1f1j~~~1i 'ILJ~II =: I...LAY J tLJ '.. .........- :-' woo~ f!L, . ... .J 0.- ~:'~ ~15 I~>- 'r"'" "'''
IIElW'liFWII~ ~ ~ ~ ;=;.....~ '. r= .:i.
V--
1== " ~..
Hf-i ":., ' 'rttii ',Iii' -. - .~ !~ .~q~ ,. ;. '*1~~:'mlm- ~ I~~ c1~-IL11 ,",Jc, II.~ ~ 0 "'Ii ! [::'fli
Fcr~t II I -
I ~~" IJmf1lJJ~illlli'''rnilif'Il'' ~ '" Cj Uk1NdMH I II ~I~ - ~ I
cT: . , ~ II'! m ~ 1ifuj lillW1JJJ;J
flffiJ1HtfiJ ~
IT
ON ~~n i:
i ,
mlIIJIII;
H',"~IWIII' ',~c-~I ! i'~III~ru!!lr. 1'11IHl'"
0. ~"
F=f=" ~ Ilam r
IJ
J =l Cllt4ll!~"' Ii Ifhi cTITfllll 'li 1111" "He..,,, it:Wt!li:! ~J ir= 0. ~ i;; eJ'" I . ~7 ~'cnHIIIIIIR(r= ~ I~ ~ [J.. c.: (t ". " ~~ I
I I I I
I~
IIII!'
IJ::lJJ= · .f'.'.F- f- 2 i _.Y "'= ~/~ ", I i jJ fi.<~~ ~ . $
L...../, .
UKEDltr!
i i ,/1-5
r::: i wmmm t])n..)
SPOKESTREEI'
nAZ4 IHSIVRIC DISTRICTDEPOTAREASPEUFlCPlANGfAPMANUNlVER<ilTYSPEUFlCPlANNW*E
S
DOWNIVWNCORE JlJ)
TOWNE
BOUNDARY
L_.__EXIllBITl
lT~~,i;/~:j J
rl~1J LL".
r-:~~I J
fI I
f ( D
I] Cl~~1
rl~
J ~:tt11 !J
1
i
IJ~11
v. ,(~_~~
1 CULJoERArE:--, ~
L_ ~~~:ic-==
tT-=-~
tj _~~L~
VITAAI'
E,~ I
tl 1TJUROS,UYE.
J
I '
I ~
I ~
i.=._ -----, .--' )/cj,,-O I
j II! ~u 1,-----
1 _" I
II~~~~
i
I ~ .."
i I"
U<
ED/l1 i~C~".
F~nR t_~ /_~
1 !-~~;:--~/~/ :
OLD
TOWNE msroRIC
DISTRICf
U) WWNE
DISIlCl'N
W+
E NATIONAL REGISTERHJS]'()
R/
C
DlSIRICl'
s L____EXIllBIT2