West Covina Municipal Code Div. 7 Historic Preservation Participation Incentives

To foster preservation of the city's cultural heritage, the following incentives for participation are available only to landmarks and buildings located in historic districts:

(a) State Historic Building Code. Any alteration made for preservation, rehabilitation, restoration, or relocation of such properties shall be made according to the requirements of the state historical building code pursuant to the California Health and Safety Code Section 18950, et seq.

(b) Mills Act contracts. The city council may authorize the use of contracts pursuant to California Government Code Section 50280 et. seq., also known as the Mills Act. Such contracts may be entered into at the sole discretion of the city council based on the recommendation of the planning commission in a form approved by the city attorney, for the specific intent to promote the continued preservation of historic properties.

(c) Fee relief. The applicable building permit fee shall be sixty (60) percent of the actual permit fee at time of issuance.

(d) Setback flexibility. One-story additions shall be allowed to maintain setbacks up to the line of existing encroachments, provided that all setbacks as required by the Uniform Building Code for new construction are maintained.

(e) Relief from nonconforming parking requirements. Single-family residences that are nonconforming due to substandard parking shall not be required to provide parking according to current standards provided that additional floor area does not exceed fifty (50) percent of the existing floor area in any twelve-month period. In multiple-family residential properties, adding units in accordance with existing zoning standards shall not be required to bring existing nonconforming parking into compliance with current parking requirements.

(f) Recognition. The planning commission shall establish a program to recognize historic properties with special plaques, signage, and other appropriate forms of recognition.

(g) Financial benefits. Owners of such properties are eligible to apply for local, state, and federal financial benefits as available.

(Ord. No. 2173, § 1(Exh. A), 3-4-08)