Richmond Municipal Code § 15.04.303.070 Procedure for Designating Property

The purposes of the -H Historic Districts and -L Landmarks Overlay Districts and the regulations in this article are to serve as the City's Historic Preservation Ordinance and implement the General Plan. More specifically, this article is intended to:

A. Promote the general welfare by providing for the identification, protection, enhancement, perpetuation, and use of improvements, buildings, structures, signs, features, sites, places, and districts within the City that reflect important elements of the City's historical, architectural, archaeological, cultural, or aesthetic heritage for the following reasons:

1. Encourage public knowledge, understanding, appreciation, and use of the City's past;

2. Foster civic pride in the beauty and personality of the City and in the accomplishments of its past;

3. Enhance the visual character of the City by encouraging new design and construction that complement the City's historical buildings;

4. Increase the economic benefits of historic preservation to the City and its inhabitants;

5. Protect property values within the City;

6. Identify as early as possible and resolve conflicts between the preservation of historical resources and alternative land uses;

7. Conserve valuable material and energy resources by encouraging continued or adaptive re-use and maintenance of the existing built environment;

8. Provide a procedure for detailed application of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as it pertains to historic resources as defined in Section 21084.1 of the California Environmental Quality Act;

9. Maintain designation as a Certified Local Government under 36 CFR Part 61 and satisfactorily perform responsibilities delegated by the State of California;

10. Facilitate application of and compliance with federal legislation affecting historic properties, including Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (as amended);

11. Identify properties and maintain a system for the survey and inventory of historic properties;

12. Provide for adequate public participation in the application of public policy in historic preservation, including the process of recommending properties for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places, the California Register of Historical Resources, or the Richmond Historic Register;

13. Provide owners of historic properties reasonable economic uses and inform them of available economic incentives for historic preservation;

14. Provide a constitutional right of owners for due process for restrictions or proposed restrictions on the use of historic properties;

15. Provide for zoning flexibility, preservation easements, and use of the State Historic Building Code;

16. Deter demolition, destruction, alteration, misuse, or neglect of historically or architecturally significant districts, sites, buildings, structures and objects that are important to the city's past;

17. Foster development tailored to the character and significance of each historic district through a historic district conservation plan that includes design standards; and

B. Enable the use of the Mills Act to provide an economic incentive for the restoration and preservation of qualified historic properties by private property owners through reduced property taxes.

For purposes of this article, certain terms and words are defined in this section. If any of these definitions are in conflict with the provisions of Title 24, Part 2, of the California Code of Regulations, entitled the California Building Code, then the requirements of Title 24 shall govern.

Alteration. Any external change in the character, composition, or structure of a potential historical resource or historical resource.

Archaeological Resource. Any material remains of past human life or activities which are of archaeological interest, as determined under uniform regulations promulgated pursuant to the Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979.

Building. Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy. As used in this article and consistent with the California Health and Safety Code Section 18908(d) - State Building Standards, "building" does not include machinery, equipment, or appliances installed for manufacture or process purposes only, or any construction installations which are not part of a building or any goods movement equipment and facilities.

California Register of Historical Resources. The official listing of California's historical resources, including those of local, state, and national significance as defined in Section 5020.1(a) of the California Public Resources Code.

Certified Local Government. A city or town that has met specific standards enabling its participation in certain National Historic Preservation Act programs administered by the National Park Service and the State Office of Historic Preservation.

Character Defining Feature. The architectural, street and landscape features of a building, structure, object, or historic preservation district which help to convey historical significance.

Construction Installations. Materials installed temporarily to facilitate the construction of permanent structures and includes but is not limited to scaffolding, shoring, caissons, cribbing, diversion dams and formwork with an intended period of use, not exceeding three years.

Contributing Structure. A structure in an historic district that by its age, historical integrity, or historical significance is an essential part of the historic fabric of the district, or would reduce the integrity of the district by its inappropriate alteration or removal.

1. A building contributing to the historic significance of a district is one that by location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling and association adds to the district's sense of time and place and historical development.

2. A building not contributing to the historic significance of a district is one that does not add to the district's sense of time and place and historical development; or one where the location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling and association have been so altered or have so deteriorated that the overall integrity of the building has been irretrievably lost.

3. Ordinarily, buildings that have been built within the past 50 years shall not be considered to contribute to the significance of a district unless a strong justification concerning their historical or architectural merit is given or the historical attributes of the district are considered to be less than 50 years old.

Dangerous Building. As defined in Section 302 of the Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings, or by 2013 California Building Code, Title 24, Part 10.

Demolition. Any act or failure to act that destroys, destructs, or removes in whole or in part any element of a potential historical resource, an eligible historical resource, or designated historical resource such that its character, historical significance and/or integrity is materially altered.

Demolition by Neglect. The act of willingly allowing a structure or its components to deteriorate to a state that it becomes economically or functionally impractical to rehabilitate due to damage to structural components or those that define the essential historic characteristics (also see Chapter 9.22 of the Richmond Municipal Code, entitled Public Nuisances).

Exempt Alteration(s). Activities that do not require a City building permit and/or work that requires a building permit but that does not have potential to impair the historic significance of the historical resource, including plumbing, electrical, and mechanical improvements or repairs, and interior improvements (unless such improvements are contributing elements of the historic resource's historic significance).

Expert Professional. A person who meets the Secretary of the Interior's professional qualification standards contained within 36 CFR Part 61. The professional qualifications define the minimum education and experience required to perform identification, evaluation, registration, and treatment activities. If the City deems necessary, the City shall have the discretion to require additional areas or levels of expertise depending on the complexity of the task and the nature of the historical resource involved.

Expert Technical Analysis. A written report by an expert professional that evaluates the potential historical and architectural significance of a resource or contributing resource based upon accepted criteria and findings of fact. The expert technical analysis may also identify potential impacts to a resource and activities or actions that would reduce those impacts to below a level of significance.

Exterior Architectural Feature. The architectural elements embodying style, design, general arrangement, and components of all of the outer surfaces of an improvement, including but not limited to, the kind, color, and texture of the building materials and the type and style of all windows, doors, lights, signs, and other fixtures appurtenant to such improvement.

Goods Movement Equipment and Facilities means equipment and facilities used to move, handle, and store raw and finished materials in solid, liquid, and gaseous forms and includes but is not limited to conveyors, cranes, hoppers, chutes, pipes, ducts, channels, flumes, pumps, tanks and their supporting structures.

Historic District. A geographically definable area within the City possessing a significant concentration, linkage, or continuity of sites, buildings, structures, or objects united by past events or aesthetically by plan or physical development. A district may also comprise individual elements separated geographically but linked by association or history (36 CFR 60.3). Buildings, structures, objects and sites within a historic district are normally divided into two categories, contributing and non-contributing. Included in this designation are all districts listed, at the time of or subsequent to adoption of the ordinance codified in this article, on the National Register of Historic Places or the California Register, including but not limited to:

1. Point Richmond Historic District.

2. Winehaven Historic District.

3. Richmond Shipyards Historic District.

4. Civic Center Historic District.

Historic Preservation Commission. The City of Richmond Historic Preservation Commission.

Historic Property. A district, site, building, structure or object significant in American history, architecture, engineering, archeology or culture at the national, state, or local level (National Park Service, Preservation Terminology).

Historic Resource. Any building, structure, sign, feature, site, place, area, or other improvement of scientific, aesthetic, educational, cultural, archaeological, architectural, or historical value to citizens of the City and designated as such by the Council pursuant to the provisions of this article, including Richmond historic landmarks, and contributing structures in historic districts. The fact that a resource is not listed in, or determined to be eligible for listing in, the California Register of Historical Resources shall not preclude the City from determining whether the resource may be an historical resource for purposes of this article. "Historic resource" is synonymous with "historic property".

HPC. Historic Preservation Commission.

Integrity. The authenticity of a property's historic identity, evidenced by the survival of physical characteristics that existed during the property's historic period.

Major Alteration. Those alterations that are not exempt or do not qualify as minor alterations, which include, but may not be limited to: a) demolition; b) installation or alteration of windows, doors, or other historic features where the original opening is proposed to be enlarged, reduced or altered; c) additions to a structure or site that exceed 499 square feet; d) new construction within a historic district; e) additions that exceed 499 square feet within a historic district; f) relocation; and g) reconstruction.

Minor Alteration. Alterations that require a building permit but do not affect the historic significance of the historic resource because they meet the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Treatment of Historic Properties. Minor alterations include: a) the installation of exterior features such as awnings and garage doors; b) installation or alteration of windows, doors or other historic features where the original opening will not be enlarged, reduced or altered; and c) additions that are less than 499 square feet.

National Register of Historic Places. The official listing of the United States' historic resources maintained by the Secretary of the Interior under the authority of the Historic Sites Act of 1935 and the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966.

Object. A construction that is primarily artistic in nature of relatively small scale and simple construction. Although it may be, by nature or design, movable, an object is typically associated with a specific setting or environment, such as a boundary marker, fountain, milepost, sculpture, or statuary.

Ordinary Maintenance and Repair. Any work, for which a building permit is not required by law, where the purpose and effect of such work is to correct any deterioration of or damage to a structure or any part thereof and to restore the same, as nearly as may be practicable, to its condition prior to its deterioration or damage.

Potential Historical Resource. Any resource 50 years or older that may, in the opinion of the Zoning Administrator, meet the findings of fact and criteria established in this article.

Preservation. The act or process of applying measures necessary to sustain the existing form, integrity, and materials of an historic property. Work, including preliminary measures to protect and stabilize the property, generally focuses upon the ongoing maintenance and repair of historic materials and features rather than extensive replacement and new construction. New exterior additions are not within the scope of this treatment; however, the limited and sensitive upgrading of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems and other code-required work to make properties functional is appropriate within a preservation project.

Process Equipment. Equipment used in the research, development or production of manufactured products and includes but is not limited to heaters, furnaces, reactors, incinerators, vaporizers, steam generators, boilers, pipes, ducts, pumps, pressure vessels, heat exchangers, compressors, and boilers.

Proposed Designation. Buildings, structures or areas nominated as Richmond historic landmarks, historic resources or historic districts by the Historic Preservation Commission.

Reconstruction. In accordance with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties, the act or process of depicting, by means of new construction, the form, features, and detailing of a non-surviving site, landscape, building, structure, or object for the purpose of replicating its appearance at a specific period of time and in its historic location.

Rehabilitation. In accordance with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties, the act or process of making possible a compatible use for a property through repair, alterations, and additions while preserving those portions or features which convey its historical, cultural, or architectural values.

Restoration. In accordance with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties, the act or process of accurately depicting the form, features, and character of a property as it appeared at a particular period of time by means of the removal of features from other periods in its history and reconstruction of missing features from the restoration period. The limited and sensitive upgrading of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems and other code-required work to make properties functional is appropriate within a restoration project.

Richmond Historic Landmark. One or more Richmond historic resources having significant scientific, aesthetic, educational, cultural, archaeological, architectural, or historical value to the citizens of the City and designated as such by the City Council. A Richmond historic landmark is deemed to be so important to the historical and architectural fabric of the City that its loss would be a major loss to the City. Included in this designation are all individual resources that at the time of adoption of the ordinance codified in this article, or subsequently, are listed in or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places or the California Register or listed as Registered California State Historic Landmarks, including but not limited to:

1. Alvarado Park, East Bay Regional Park District;

2. Carquinez Hotel;

3. East Brother Light Station, U.S. Coast Guard;

4. Ellis Landing Site;

5. Ellis Landing Shellmound Site;

6. Ferry Point Pier, East Bay Regional Park District;

7. Ford Motor Company Assembly Plant;

8. Giant Powder Works, East Bay Regional Park District;

9. Lower San Pablo Creek Archaeological District;

10. Richmond Museum of History (4th and Nevin);

11. Stege Mounds Archaeological District.

Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. The latest edition of the standards and guidelines provided by the National Park Service for preservation, rehabilitation, restoration, and reconstruction of historic properties.

Structure. That which is built or constructed. (Section 202 of Title 24, Vol. 1 of the 2013 California Building Code.) As used in this article, "structure" does not include machinery, equipment, or appliances installed for manufacture or process purposes only, any construction installations that are not part of a building, or any goods movement equipment and facilities.

Substantial Deterioration or Decay. Those conditions of the structure or property that are not so serious as to constitute demolition by neglect but nevertheless threaten the structural or historical integrity of the resource (also see Chapter 9.22 of this Code).

This overlay district shall be applied to identified historic resources, potentially historic resources, and other land property located within a historic district. Buildings, structures, or objects that have been designated a historic resource by the City Council (CC) or that are located within a historic district shall continue to be subject to all zoning regulations of this Article XV and State and federal laws and regulations that would apply to such buildings, structures, or objects if they were not so designated or located. By designating historic resources and historic districts, the Council shall not be construed to be repealing or waiving any other portion of the Municipal Code as it applied to the designated property.

(Ord. No. 30-18 N.S., § I(Exh. A), 12-18-2018)

A. An -H Historic Overlay District designation may be applied to any significant area or historic district, and an -L Landmark designation may be applied to any significant building on the Richmond Historic Register. These overlay designations may be combined with any base zoning district.

B. Each -H Historic District or -L Landmark designation shall be shown on the zoning map by adding an -H or an -L designator, respectively, to the base zoning district designation followed by the number of the Historic District or Landmark designation, based on its order of adoption with reference to the enacting ordinance.

A. An application for an amendment to the zoning map for an -H Historic District designation or -L Landmark designation may be initiated by the City Council, the Planning Commission, the HPC, or by any resident of the City.

B. Upon initiation, notice shall be provided in accordance with the provisions of Article 15.04.803 (Common Procedures). The Zoning Administrator shall post a Public Notice at the Richmond Civic Center and on the City's website and inform by mail all property owners that would be subject to the designation of the restrictions and incentives that will be placed on their property as a result of such designation, the language of this article, and how to avail themselves of a Mills Act contract and other incentives.

C. If the designation is initiated by a property owner, the application must be accompanied by such historical and architectural information as is required by the HPC to make an informed recommendation concerning the application, together with the required fee.

A. Upon the recommendation of the HPC and the approval of the City Council, a building, structure, object, site, or area not already designated as a historic or archaeological resource may be subject to a -H or -L overlay designation if it is found to meet any of the following criteria:

1. It exemplifies or reflects valued elements of the City's cultural, social, economic, political, aesthetic, engineering, archaeological, or architectural history;

2. It is identified with persons or events important in local, state, or national history;

3. It reflects significant geographical patterns, including those associated with different eras of settlement and growth, particular transportation modes, or distinctive examples of park or community planning;

4. It embodies distinguishing characteristics of an architectural style, type, period, or method of construction, or is a valuable example of the use of indigenous materials or craftsmanship; or

5. It is representative of the notable work of a builder, designer, or architect whose style influenced the City's architectural development.

6. A structure, site, or other improvement which meets any of the above criteria at the highest level, and whose loss would be a major loss to the City, may be designated a Richmond Historic Landmark.

Any geographic area of the city, a site, and/or a building structure, or object may be designated with the -H or -L overlay in compliance with the following requirements.

A. Eligibility for Designation of Historic Districts. A geographic area within the City that is included in the Richmond Historic Register may be designated with the -H or -L overlay if one or more of the designation criteria in Section 15.04.303.050 are met, as rigorously applied and supported by findings of historical or architectural significance.

B. Optional District Historic Conservation Plan. Prior to filing an application for rezoning to apply an -H overlay, the applicant may prepare an optional Historic District Conservation Plan with the assistance of the Planning Department. Each Conservation Plan shall contain:

1. A map and a detailed description of the proposed district, including boundaries; number of contributing elements and non-contributing elements, the age, setting, and character of the contributing elements; a map or list of addresses of each contributing and non-contributing elements; an informative historic context of the district and any associations under which the district appears eligible for listing, urban design elements and streetscapes; major public improvements; and proposed objectives to be achieved;

2. A statement of the architectural or historical significance of the proposed district;

3. A list of specific alterations (such as the replacement of windows, remodeling of an entryway, addition of dormers to the roof, or construction of a deck or staircase) that shall be subject to design review in order to protect the architectural or historical character of the proposed district; and

4. A set of specific development guidelines for new construction and alterations necessary to preserve the character of the proposed district. The guidelines must include but are not limited to the following topics: architectural design, construction materials, height, setbacks, landscaping, roof details, and entry and window design.

C. Application Requirements.

1. Eligibility for Filing. An application for rezoning to apply an -H overlay zoning district or -L landmark designation may be initiated by the HPC, City Council, Planning Commission, or the property owner.

2. Fee A fee as established in the City's Master Fee Schedule.

3. Application Contents. The application shall include basic information on the proposed designation and the reasons justifying it and, in the case of an -H designation, the optional Historic Conservation Plan containing the information in paragraph B, above, and the application shall include evidence of the consent of the owner or authorized agent to the proposed designation. For purposes of this section, each condominium owners' association shall be deemed the property owner of common areas.

4. Additional Information May Be Requested. Prior to accepting the application as complete, the Zoning Administrator may request additional information, plans or materials deemed necessary to support the application.

D. Review and Approval.

1. Preliminary Review. The HPC shall consider the proposed designation and make a preliminary determination based on the documentation provided whether to proceed with the designation process.

2. Technical Assistance. The Zoning Administrator or Historic Preservation Commission may require and request the evaluation and analysis of a qualified preservation architect, archaeologist, architectural historian, or preservation landscape architect retained by the City. Such individual shall be appropriately licensed by the state in the profession pertinent to the type of project under consideration and shall have extensive experience in historic preservation, including the evaluation, nomination, qualification and rehabilitation of properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places. When applications are made by parties other than the Commission, the cost of technical assistance may be required by the Commission to be paid by the applicant.

3. Study Session. If the HPC determines that the process of designating a Historic District or Landmark should proceed, it shall conduct at a minimum, one noticed study session to explain the proposal and the amendment process to neighborhood residents and, in the case of an -H overlay designation, to present the proposed Historic Conservation Plan if one has been prepared. After taking public testimony at the study session, the HPC shall decide whether to recommend the -H or -L designation to the Planning Commission.

4. Public Hearing. If the HPC determines that an -H or -L designation may be appropriate and complies with the criteria of Section 15.04.303.050, the proposed district shall then be the subject of a public hearing before the City Council, noticed in accordance with RMC Section 15.04.970. In the case of a proposed historic district, notice of the date, place, time, and purpose of the hearing shall be made to owners of all properties within the proposed district, and to all property owners within three hundred feet of the proposed district boundary.

5. Required Findings. In addition to the findings for the approval of a rezoning, a rezoning to apply the -H or -L designation shall require that the HPC, the Planning Commission, and Council shall also find that the proposed district or landmark has a significant architectural historical or cultural character that can be preserved and enhanced through appropriate controls on new development and alterations to existing buildings, structures, objects.

6. City Council. Within thirty days of the close of the public hearing, the Historic Preservation Commission shall recommend approval in whole or in part or disapproval of the application for designation in writing to the Council, setting forth those findings that constitute the basis for the decision. The Council, within sixty days of receipt of the Historic Preservation Commission's recommendations concerning proposed designations, shall by resolution approve the recommendations in whole or in part, or shall by motion disapprove them in their entirety. Notice of the Council's decision shall be sent to all parties noticed of the Commission's hearing in accordance with [subsection] (b) above and any other interested or affected parties. Notice shall also be sent to the Building Official and to the Director of Planning and Building Services. Failure to Send Notice. Failure to send any notice by mail to any property owner where the address of such owner is not a matter of public record shall not invalidate any proceedings in connection with the proposed designation. The Historic Preservation Commission and Council shall also give other notice as they may deem desirable and practicable and as they may deem reasonable and necessary to ensure notice to all affected and interested parties.

7. Adoption of Historic Conservation Plan (Optional). An ordinance establishing an -H district may be accompanied by a resolution approving a Historic District Conservation Plan, in the form submitted or as revised by the HPC, the Planning Commission, or the City Council.

a. The development guidelines included within the Historic Conservation Plan may modify the development regulations of the base zoning district, but shall not change the maximum density or intensity standards of the base zoning district, nor alter the dimensional development standards by more than ten percent. When establishing modification to development regulations, special consideration shall be given to:

i. Transitional height, setbacks, and upper-story stepbacks for non-contributory buildings adjacent to contributory buildings, when height is a character defining feature of a district; and

ii. Parking requirements when a historic resource does not include on-site parking, and the zone has parking requirements.

b. A guideline shall be found to be a significant alteration of base zoning district regulations if it substantially prevents property from being used in compliance with the provisions of the base zoning district, or creates a substantial number of nonconforming uses or structures.

8. Amendment of Landmark Conservation Plan. An adopted Historic Conservation Plan may be amended by the HPC after holding a duly-noticed public hearing. Major amendments affecting land use and development regulations require approval of the Planning Commission at a duly-noticed public hearing.

E. Post Adoption Actions to Preserve a Site. Following an eligibility determination, in addition to the process described above, the HPC may take action within the scope of its powers and duties as it determines are necessary for the preservation of a designated site. Such actions may include, but shall not be limited to, consultation with the property owner, civic groups, public agencies, and interested citizens; recommendations for acquisition of property by public or private bodies or agencies; and exploration of the possibility of moving one or more structures or features.

F. Amendment or Rescission. The subject property owner, Historic Preservation Commission, or Council may initiate, amend or rescind any designation of an historical resource or historic district in the same manner and procedure as are followed for designation, if the resource no longer meets the designation criteria found to apply due to the subsequent discovery of information on the significance of the resource or the destruction of the resource by a catastrophic event.

While the HPC's public hearing on a proposed designation or the Council's decision on the Commission's recommendation is pending, the Council, upon the Commission's recommendation, may declare a permit or work moratorium on any project that would be affected by the proposed designation. Such moratorium shall be extended by the Council at the first regular Council meeting occurring after the Commission's public hearing, or the moratorium shall be automatically terminated. During the moratorium, any work that would require discretionary review by the Zoning Administrator or Planning Commission if the improvement were already designated an historical resource or if it were already located in an historic district shall not be carried out or granted a permit. The work or permit moratorium shall end at the time of the Council's decision to designate or not to designate an -H overlay or an -L designation on the project site, or earlier if the Commission so declares, but shall not exceed 180 calendar days in any event. A moratorium shall not be placed on work for which a permit has been issued unless the Council determines that the permit was issued in error based on false or misleading information provided by the applicant.

A. Recording of Historic Resources. Designations of historic resources (buildings, structures, objects or sites) pursuant to this article shall be recorded in the Richmond Historic Register. The Richmond Historic Register shall be maintained on file with the City Clerk, the Director of Planning and Building Services, the Building Official, the Richmond Museum Association, the Richmond Library, the State Office of Historic Preservation, the Contra Costa County Historical Society, and the Northwest Information Center at Sonoma State University.

B. Deletion of a Listed Structure Due to Demolition. When a listed structure has been demolished pursuant to any provisions of this Code, the City Clerk, upon notice thereof, shall cause such listed structure to be deleted from the Richmond Historic Register. Upon such deletion, the provisions of this title shall not be deemed to encumber or otherwise restrict the use of the subject remaining property.

A. General Requirements. Proposed development and new land uses within an -H or -L overlay zoning district shall comply with all applicable requirements of the base zoning district, except:

1. Where modified by another overlay zoning district;

2. Where the Planning Commission grants an exception to the land use regulations of the base district zoning through a conditional use permit approval after determining that the exception is necessary to permit the preservation or restoration of a historic or architecturally significant building, structure, object or site; or

3. In the event of a conflict between the requirements of the base zoning district or another overlay zoning district and the Historic Conservation Plan, the Historic Conservation Plan shall supersede.

B. Ordinary Maintenance and Repair; Repair for Public Safety. Nothing in this section is intended to prohibit ordinary maintenance or repair of any exterior or interior architectural features in or on any property subject to an -H or -L overlay district designation that does not involve a change in design, material or external appearance thereof. Nor is this section intended to prohibit the construction, reconstruction, alteration, restoration, demolition or removal of any such architectural feature when the Zoning Administrator certifies to the HPC that such action is required for the public safety, due to an imminent unsafe or imminent dangerous condition, which cannot be otherwise rectified or restricted until corrections can be made. If the condition of an unsafe or dangerous historical resource does not pose an immediate threat to life or safety, the City official exercising authority for correcting such a condition shall consult with the Historic Preservation Commission before carrying out corrective measures.

C. Preservation Easements. Preservation easements on the facades of buildings designated as a landmark may be acquired by the City or nonprofit group through purchase or donation pursuant to Civil Code Section 815.

D. State Historic Building Code. The California State Historic Building Code provides alternative building regulations for the rehabilitation, preservation, restoration or relocation of structures designated as cultural resources. Such work on designated landmarks and historic/architecturally significant buildings with an -H overlay district shall be subject to the provisions of the California State Historic Building Code rather than the Uniform Building Code.

To the extent allowable under state law, the Building Official shall apply the State Historic Building Code (CCR Title 24, Part 8) for alterations and additions to structures on the Richmond Historic Register, California Register of Historical Places, and National Register of Historic Places.

A certificate of appropriateness shall be required prior to development, exterior alteration, restoration, rehabilitation, or relocation of any structure in an -H district or subject to an -L designation.

A. Authority. The HPC shall have the authority to review and approve, approve with conditions, or reject a certificate of appropriateness pursuant to the procedures and criteria in this section.

B. Exemptions. No certificate of appropriateness is required for ordinary maintenance; interior modifications; work pre-approved in a Mills Act contract; and any development, alteration, restoration, rehabilitation, or relocation that is not specifically described in an application for Historic District designation or Landmark designation or in a Mills Act contract application as having historical or architectural value. However, Zoning Administrator review is required to confirm whether an exemption is warranted.

C. Criteria. To approve an application for a certificate of appropriateness, the HPC or the Zoning Administrator in the case of minor alterations and additions shall find that the proposed work conforms to the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties and more specifically:

1. Whether the proposed construction, reconstruction, or relocation is appropriate and consistent with this section and, if applicable, the Historic Conservation Plan for the historic district.

2. Whether the applicant has demonstrated that every reasonable effort will be made to minimize alteration of any contributory structure or designated landmark and preserve its integrity.

3. With regard to any property located within an historic district but which is not a contributing structure, the proposed work does not adversely affect the character and integrity of the district.

4. Whether the distinguishing original qualities or character of a contributory building, structure, or object, or site and its environment will not be destroyed, and the removal or alteration of any historic material or distinctive architectural feature will be avoided, to the greatest extent reasonably practical.

5. Whether changes which may have taken place in the course of time are evidence of the history and development of a contributory structure or site and its environment and that such changes which may have acquired significance in their own right, will be recognized and respected.

6. Whether distinctive stylistic features or examples of skilled craftsmanship which characterize a structure or site will be retained, to the extent reasonably possible.

7. Whether any proposed project will have a minimal impact on any significant historical, architectural, or cultural material, and will be compatible with the size, scale, color, material, and character of the property, neighborhood, or environment.

8. Whether additions or alterations to contributory buildings, structures, objects or sites or designated landmarks will be done in a manner that, if such additions or alterations were to be removed in the future, the essential form and integrity of the building, structure, object, or site would be unimpaired.

D. Conditions. The Zoning Administrator may recommend, and the HPC may impose, all reasonable conditions to ensure compliance with the Historic Conservation Plan or maintain the integrity of the Landmark.

E. Amendment to Certificate of Appropriateness. A certificate of appropriateness may be amended, extended, or modified at any time over the life of the building, only in accord with the procedures and criteria established for its original approval.

(Ord. No. 30-18 N.S., § I(Exh. A), 12-18-2018)

A demolition permit is required for any structure subject to an -H or -L overlay district designation, listed in the Richmond Historic Register, or Federal, State register and any building, structure, or object more than 45 years old or older. The decision to issue a permit to demolish a building, structure, or object or alter a site subject to an -H or -L overlay district or listed in the Richmond Register is discretionary, subject to review under CEQA.

A. Application for a Demolition Permit. An application for a permit to demolish a building, structure, or object not listed in the Richmond Historic Register but is 50 years old or older shall include an eligibility evaluation on DPR523 series forms, as necessary, provided by the California Office of Historic Preservation (OHP), and prepared according to "Instructions for Recording Historic Resources" provided by the California Office of Historic Preservation. Based on an initial review of the form, the Zoning Administrator shall render an opinion within 30 days on whether the structure is eligible for listing as a historic resource.

B. Referral to HPC. If a structure is eligible for listing as a historic resource, the Zoning Administrator shall refer the matter to the HPC. The HPC shall review the completed DPR523 series form, and the Zoning Administrator's opinion, and determine whether the structure is eligible for individual listing or as a contributing element to a -H Historic Overlay District on the National Register of Historic Places, the California Register of Historic Resources or Richmond Historic Register. If the HPC's determination conflicts with the opinion of the Zoning Administrator, the City Council shall resolve the conflict and determine the final opinion.

1. If the determination is negative, no other action is required by the applicant.

2. If the opinion is positive, then the applicant shall submit a DPR523 series form completed and signed by an individual meeting the U.S. Secretary of the Interior's professional qualification standards for history or architectural history and the Director of Planning and Building Services, or his or her designee, shall refer the matter to Historic Preservation Commission. The Commission shall review the completed DPR523 series form and determine if the structure is eligible for listing individually or as a contributing structure in a historic district on the National Register of Historic Places, the California Register of Historic Resources or Richmond Historic Register.

3. If the building, structure, or object is determined to be eligible for listing either individually or as a contributing element, a Certificate of Appropriateness shall be required.

4. An eligibility determination for listing in the Richmond Historic Register may be appealed to the City Council. An eligibility determination for listing in the National Register of Historic Places or the California Register of Historic Resources may be appealed only to the State Historic Preservation Office.

C. Exceptions.

1. A demolition permit for any property within the area covered by the Project PRISM Historic Resource Survey Report shall not be discretionary or require a Certificate of Appropriateness unless the property is listed in the Project PRISM Historic Resource Survey Report as a potential historic resource on the National, California or Richmond Register.

2. Unless exempt from permit requirements by other laws or codes, a demolition permit shall be ministerial for the demolition of process equipment, goods movement equipment and facilities, and construction installations, as these are defined in this chapter.

A. Duty to Maintain. All property owners in -H Historic Overlay Districts and all property owners of buildings, structures, or objects assigned an -L Landmark designation shall have the obligation to maintain structures and premises in good repair, and no owner shall permit the building, structure, or object to fall into a serious state of disrepair so as to result in deterioration of any architectural feature that would, in the judgment of the HPC, produce a detrimental effect upon the character of the Historic District or the life and character of a Landmark. Structures and premises shall be considered in good repair if they do not present material evidence of disrepair or material variance in condition from surrounding structures that are in compliance with the provisions of this ordinance.

B. Ordinary Maintenance and Repair. Nothing in this article shall be construed to prevent the ordinary maintenance or repair of any exterior feature of any property covered by this article, so long as such maintenance or repair does not involve a change in exterior design, material, or appearance, or a technique that is contrary to the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Treatment of Historic Properties. A change in existing paint color is not construed as a change in appearance or design unless the paint color was reviewed and approved as part of a previous discretionary review.

C. Standards of Review. The standards of review for "good repair" and "disrepair" are as follows:

1. Good Repair. Includes and is defined as the level of maintenance that ensures the continued availability of the structure and premises for a lawfully permitted use, and prevents unreasonable deterioration, dilapidation, and decay of the exterior portions of the structure and premises, including exterior character-defining features.

2. Disrepair. Includes but is not limited to unreasonable deterioration of exterior walls, plaster, mortar or vertical or horizontal supports; deterioration of roofs and exterior chimneys; ineffective waterproofing, including broken windows or doors; or the deterioration of any other exterior feature that would create a hazardous or unsafe condition.

D. Notice to Comply. If the Zoning Administrator determines that a historic resource or any other property in an -H District or any designated Landmark is being neglected and subject to damage from weather or vandalism, the Zoning Administrator shall meet with the owner or other person having legal custody and control of the historic resource or Landmark to discuss with them ways to improve the condition of the property. If no attempt or insufficient effort is made to correct any noted conditions thereafter, the Zoning Administrator may issue a Notice to Comply requiring the owner or other person having legal custody and control of the historic resource or Landmark to take action to require corrections of defects in the subject property in order that such historic resource or Landmark may be preserved in accordance with this section, except if the property owner can present clear and convincing evidence to the Zoning Administrator that his/her ability to improve the condition of the property is constrained by limited financial resources of other immediate and substantial hardship. If a financial or other hardship is found to exist, the Zoning Administrator shall make a written finding to that effect which specifies the facts relied upon in making such a finding and withdraw the order to comply until such time that the work needed can be accomplished.

E. Prevention of Demolition by Neglect.

1. General Obligation. The owner, lessees and any other person in actual charge or possession of an historical resource shall prevent demolition by neglect.

2. Approval of Demolition with Showing of Extreme Hardship. If the applicant for an alteration or demolition permit presents facts clearly demonstrating to the satisfaction of the HPC that failure to approve an application will cause an immediate extreme hardship because of conditions peculiar to the particular structure or other feature involved, the Commission may approve or conditionally approve such application even though it does not meet the standards set forth in this article. In determining whether extreme hardship exists, the Commission shall consider evidence which demonstrates that:

a. Denial of the application will diminish the value of the subject structure or property so as to leave substantially no value.

b. Sale or rental of the property is impractical, infeasible, or uneconomic, when compared to the cost of holding such property for uses permitted in this zone.

c. Improvement of the property in a manner which would preserve its character defining features is impractical, infeasible, or uneconomic.

A. Any person who violates a requirement of this article or fails to obey an order or permit issued pursuant thereto shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

B. Any person who constructs, alters, removes or demolishes a historic resource or Landmark in violation of this article shall be required to restore the building, object, site or structure to its appearance or setting prior to the violation to the extent such restoration is physically possible. Any action to enforce this provision may be brought by the City or any other interested party. This civil remedy shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, any criminal prosecution and the penalty or other remedy provided by law.

A. Purpose and Authority. Under the provisions of the Government Code (Section 50280 et seq., known at the Mills Act), the City may contract with the owner of any property listed on the National Register of Historic Places, California Register of Historic Resources or the Richmond Historic Register that are within an -H or -L overlay. The primary purpose for offering Mills Act contracts is to assist in the rehabilitation or restoration and long-term maintenance of historic resources in the City. Upon execution of the contract, the property owner will henceforth benefit from a potential reduction in property taxes, and the City will be assured via a regularly scheduled inspection of the exterior by the City for conformity, that the historic building is rehabilitated, maintained and preserved as necessary in a manner in compliance with the requirements of the State Office of Historic Preservation of the California Department of Parks and Recreation, the appropriate treatment approach outlined and described in the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties, and the State Historic Building Code.

B. Program Applicability. All properties listed on the City's Historic Register and within an -H overlay or designated as a Landmark with an -L designation are eligible for Mills Act contracts. Potential historic properties are encouraged to seek designation in order to qualify for a Mill Act Contract.

C. Term of Contract.

1. All Mills Act contracts shall have a term of ten years and one year shall be added to this term annually upon each anniversary date of the contract unless one or both parties have taken action to terminate the contract. The City Manager shall be authorized to initiate contract termination on behalf of the City based on recommendations of the HPC. The contract rights and obligations are binding upon all successive owner of the property during the life of the contract.

2. If the property owner or the City desires in any year not to renew the contract, that party must serve written notice of nonrenewal of the contract on the other party in advance of the annual renewal date of the contract. Unless the notice is served by the owner at least 90 days prior to the renewal date or by the City Manager at least 60 days prior to the renewal date, one year shall automatically be added to the term of the contract.

3. Upon receipt by the owner of a notice from the City of nonrenewal, the owner may make a written protest of the notice of nonrenewal. The City may, at any time prior to the renewal date, withdraw the notice of renewal.

4. If the City or the owner serves notice of intent in any year not to renew the contract, the existing contract shall remain in effect for the balance of the period remaining since the original execution or the last renewal of the contract, as the case may be.

D. Application.

1. Any person may file an application with the HPC to enter into a Mills Act contract. An application must be accompanied by the applicable application fee, which shall be non-refundable.

2. An application shall contain the following information:

a. Name and address of the applicant and of all owners of the subject property;

b. Evidence that the applicant is the sole owner of the subject property or has the written permission of all owners to make such application and the grant deed;

c. The location and legal description of the subject property;

d. Photos of the property demonstrating its historic significance;

e. A County Assessor's Parcel map;

f. The most recent property tax bill;

g. Evidence that the subject property is a qualified historic property (meaning a site/area/building subject to an -H or -L designation);

h. A proposed plan for the preservation and, when necessary, the restoration and/or rehabilitation of the subject property, including a schedule and cost estimates prepared by licensed businesses, for all construction and maintenance work proposed to be performed;

i. Evidence satisfactory to the HPC that execution of the Mills Act contract will result in the preservation and, when necessary, the restoration and/or rehabilitation of a qualified historic property; and

j. Such other information as the HPC may require.

E. Inspection of the Property. After the HPC determines that an application to participate in the City's Mill Act Program is complete, the Zoning Administrator shall cause to be conducted, and the owner or owners shall allow, one inspection of the exterior and interior of the subject property and whichever features of the property are needed to substantiate the information and evidence contained in the application as determined by the Zoning Administrator, and to determine whether any proposed work is necessary for and will result in the preservation and, when necessary, the restoration and/or rehabilitation of the subject property. If after the inspection the Zoning Administrator identifies that work is needed for restoration and/or rehabilitations of the subject property, the Zoning Administrator shall provide written findings to the property owner with a list and explanation of the recommended restoration and/or rehabilitation.

F. Grant or Denial of the Application.

1. Grant of Application. The HPC may recommend that the City Council authorize the City Manager to grant an application if, after the inspection required, the HPC determines that the information and evidence contained in the application has been substantiated, and that the work proposed is necessary for and will result in the preservation and, when necessary, the restoration and/or rehabilitation of the subject property. Upon receiving Council approval to grant the application, the City Manager and all owners of the subject property shall execute a Mills Act contract containing all of the provisions required and including any required improvement plan as an exhibit, incorporating its provisions into the contract. An historical property contract shall not be effective for any purpose unless all owners of the subject property execute the subject contract and pay the applicable nonrefundable, contract execution fee. Within 20 calendar days after execution of the contract and prior to recording, the owner or owners shall pay all required inspection, recording, and other fees set forth in the contract.

2. Denial of Application. The HPC shall deny the application if it fails to contain the information and evidence required by applicable provision of the Government Code, or if the HPC determines that such evidence and/or information has not been satisfactorily substantiated following inspection of the subject property. The HPC shall also deny the application if he/she determines that granting the application would be inconsistent with any provisions of the Mills Act. At any time prior to denying an application, the HPC may suggest modifications or changes to the application that, if adopted by the applicant, would cause the application to conform to the requirements of this part.

3. No Administrative Appeal. The decision of the HPC to deny the application shall be final and shall not be subject to administrative appeal.

G. Exemption from Disqualification. Where a qualified historical property is ineligible to participate in the Program because of any provisions of this article or the Mills Act, the owner or other person authorized by the owner may file a request with the Zoning Administrator for an exemption from the disqualifying provisions pursuant to this section.

1. Requirements for Exemption Request. A request for an exemption shall be accompanied by the applicable application fee and the applicable exemption request fee. The exemption request shall include evidence that, notwithstanding the disqualifying provisions, the subject property is deserving of a Mills Act contract due to its exceptional nature, or because it is subject to special circumstances not generally applicable to other qualified historical properties. After the Zoning Administrator determines that the exemption request application is complete, the Zoning Administrator shall inspect the property and evaluate whether the exemption is warranted due to the exceptional nature of the subject property or because the subject property is subject to special circumstances not generally applicable to other qualified historical properties.

2. Zoning Administrator's Recommendation. Upon completion of his/her review of the exemption request and inspection of the subject property, the Zoning Administrator shall make a recommendation to the HPC to approve or deny the request based on the criteria set forth in in this article and the Administrator's evaluation of the evidence submitted to show that the subject property has an exceptional nature or is subject to special circumstances not generally applicable to other qualified historical properties that warrant the exemption.

3. HPC Decision. The HPC shall be presented with information regarding the application for a Mills Act contract in a Staff report. The HPC may grant the exemption request if it finds that the applicant has substantiated the information and evidence required, and that the work proposed as part of a plan is necessary for and will result in the preservation and, when necessary, the restoration and/or rehabilitation of the subject property. If the HPC grants the exemption request, the decision of the Zoning Administrator shall be considered overruled and the City Manager and all owners shall execute a Mills Act contract.

F. Required Provisions for Mills Act Contract. A Mills Act contract must contain all of the provisions required by sections 50280, 50281, and 50282 of the Government Code, including provisions that require:

1. That the preservation, and any restoration and/or rehabilitation of the qualified historical property, conform to any rules and regulations established or adopted by the City regarding the preservation, restoration, and/or rehabilitation of qualified historical properties.

2. An inspection of the interior and exterior of the premises by the Department every five years, or on any more frequent basis as the Zoning Administrator deems necessary, to determine the owner's or owners' compliance with the contract and a full report with images from HPC review is prepared.

3. The owner or owners to provide all information requested by the Zoning Administrator and/or the HPC, for purposes of determining the owner's or owners' compliance with the contract.

4. Such other terms and provisions as the Zoning determines are necessary.

G. Recordation of a Mills Act Contract. Not later than 20 calendar days after the execution of property Mills Act contract, the Zoning Administrator shall cause to be recorded with the County Recorder a copy of the contract, which contract must adequately describe the subject property. The Zoning Administrator shall provide all owners with a copy of the recorded contract.

H. Cancellation of a Mills Act Contract. A Mills Act contract shall be cancelled under the circumstances and pursuant to the procedures described in State law.