HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-06-23 - AGENDA REPORTS - STAR OIL HOUSE (2)Agenda Item: 13
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
AGENDA REPORT
PUBLIC HEARING
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL:
DATE: June 23, 2015
SUBJECT: STAR OIL HOUSE - REMOVAL OF HISTORIC DESIGNATION,
DONATION OF PROPERTY, AND DEMOLISH ALL STRUCTURES
LOCATED AT 24148 PINE STREET
DEPARTMENT: Community Development
PRESENTER: David Peterson
RECOMMENDED ACTION
City Council:
1. Conduct a public hearing and adopt a resolution approving the removal of the historic
designation from the Star Oil House. accepting the donation of the property, and adopting a
Ne.oative Declaration to allow for the demolition of structures located at 24148 Pine Street.
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute all documents related to the donation of property and
demolition of structures on the subject property, subject to City Attorney approval.
BACKGROUND
On January 8. 2013, the City Council of the City of Santa Clarita adopted amendments to the
Historic Preservation Ordinance (Ordinance). The purpose of the Ordinance was to designate
structures, primarily in the Newhall community, for preservation given their cultural and/or
architectural sig-nificance to the City of Santa Clarita (City). A total of 15 structures on nine
properties were designated under the Ordinance at that time. One of the structures is the Star Oil
House, located at 24148 Pine Street (subject property) in the community of Newhall. The Star
Oil I louse was built prior to 1900 and was determined to be historically significant because it
served as a residence for executives of the Star Oil Company who were overseeing the operation
of local oil fields near the turn of the century.
Project Site Description
The Subject property is located in the Old Town Newhall Specific Plan and carries a land use
designation of Urban General 2 (UG2). The UG2 zone is applied to locations within the specific
plan area that are appropriate for a mixture of residential and low intensity non-residential uses.
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The subject property is currently occupied by three structures: the Star Oil House; a second,
unoccupied residential unit, which is in a state of disrepair; and a small storage shed. There is a
large fallen tree on the property, as well as a variety of overgrown ground -covering vegetation.
Primary access to the Subject property is on Pine Street, with secondary access via a rear alley..
The lot size is just over one-quarter of an acre, with 1,588 square feet of living space, per the
County Assessor's Office.
Fire Damage
On November 2, 2014, a fire occurred at the subject property causing significant structural
damage to the home. City staff placed a yellow tag on the property on November 3, 2014,
disallowing permanent occupancy by the residents, but allowing occupants to remove belongings
from the home. A red tag was placed on the structure on November 4, 2014, and it was secured
against unlawful entry. The structure is considered to be a total loss.
Proposed Actions:
0 Removal oiHistoric Des�gnotio
Section 17.64.020.A of the Ordinance provides the ability for a historic designation to be
removed from a previously designated structure in cases where:
" ... the property relains no reasonable economic use, taking into account the condition of
the structure, its location, the current market value and costs of rehabilitation... "
The Ordinance requires a public hearing to consider the clesignation to be reinoved from
the structure. The Ordinance further states that any econornic incentives received by the
property owner during the structure's historic designation be returned to the City. The
owner has not received any economic incentives since the designation of the property.
Based on the extensive damage to the property, it is apparent the structure's historic
integrity has been compromised. Further, any reasonable economic use of the structure
has been removed, given the current market value and costs of rehabilitation.
Section I 7.64.020.A also specifies that the designation may be removed by resolution on
"...a date up to one year./rom thepublic hearing date..."
Donation of'subject Propertv
Shortly after the fire, City staff contacted the property owner to discuss potential courses
of action, given the property's historic designation. At that time, the property owner
offered to donate the property to the City. The offer of donation includes three adjacent
parcels (APNs: 283 1-019-003, 005 and 007) located under a single address of 24148 Pine
Street. The subject property isjust over one-quarter of an acre ( 12,240 square feet). A
Phase I Environmental Assessment (available in City Clerk's Reading File) was
performed and concluded that, other than asbestos and lead based paint, there were no
hazardous Substances present on the subject property. The property owner seeks to
receive a tax benefit by donating the subject property and is in the process of having the
property assessed.
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Potential residential uses include, but are not limited to, single family homes, multi-
family structures, and live work units. Potential non-residential uses include, but are not
limited to, day care centers, bed and breakfasts, restaurants, and schools.
A copy of the Grant Deed is attached. Maps and photographs of the Subject property are
attached.
Demolition
Pending acceptance of the subject property as donation and upon City Council approval, the City
would demolish all structures on the property. Prior to demolition, in accordance with the
building code and the conclusions of the Phase I report, additional investigations must be
conducted to determine the extent of asbestos and lead based paint present in the structures.
Based on these reports, reinediation of the materials would occur.
Environmental Revien,
An Initial Study was prepared in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA). The Initial Study determined all impacts related to the proposed projects are
considered to be less than significant. Therefore, a Negative Declaration was prepared in
accordance with Section 15070 of CEQA. The Negative Declaration and Initial Study (available
in City Clerk's Reading File) were made available during the 21 -day public review period. The
review period began on June 2, 2015, and continued through June 23, 2015. Documents were
posted in the City Clerk's Office at the City of Santa Clarita City Hall and the City of Santa
Clarita Library, Valencia Branch.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
Other actions as identified by the City Council.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total estimated costs for these investigations and demolition is $37,273. These funds are
available in expenditure account 13000-5161.00 1. Future use andlor sale of the property could
result in future revenues that are unknown at this time.
ATTACHMENTS
Public Hearing Notice
Resolution
Grant Deed
Site Maps and Photos
Phase I Environmental Assessment Report (available in the City Clerk's Reading File)
Initial Study and Negative Declaration (available in the City Clerk's Reading File)
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SXXTA
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
PROJECT TITLE: Master Case No. 15-051
APPLICATION: Request for Demolition of the Star Oil House
PROJECT APPLICANT: City of Santa Clarita
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: On November 2, 2014, the Star Oil House was involved in a fire. The
structure was red tagged by the City of Santa Clarita on November 4, 2014, and is considered a total
loss. The structure is currently designated historic by the City of Santa Clarita's Historic Preservation
Ordinance. The City of Santa Clarita is considering the following regarding the structures located at
24148 Pine Street in the community of Newhall: The removal of the historic designation from the Star
Oil House; accepting property as a donation from the current property owner; and demolishing the
residential structures currently on site.
PROJECT LOCATION: 24148 Pine Street
A DRAFT NEGATIVE DECLARATION has been prepared for this proposed project and is available
for public review. A copy ofthe Negative Declaration and all supporting documents are available at the
City Clerk's Office, located in the City Hall Building at 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Suite 120, Santa
Clarita, California. A copy of the Negative Declaration is also available at the Santa Clarita Library,
Valencia Branch at 23743 Valencia Boulevard, Santa Clarita, California.
The City of Santa Clarita City Council will conduct a public hearing on this matter on the following
date:
DATE: June 23, 2015
TIME: At or after 6:00 p.m.
LOCATION: City Council Chambers, City Hall, 23920 Valencia Blvd., First Floor, Santa Clarita, CA
91355
If you wish to challenge the action taken on this matter in court, you may be limited to raising only those
issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written
correspondence delivered to the City of Santa Clarita at, or prior to, the public hearing.
For further information regarding this proposal, you may contact the City of Santa Clarita, Department
of Community Development, 23920 Valencia Blvd., First Floor, Room 140 Santa Clarita, CA 91355;
Telephone: (661) 255-4330, David Peterson, Assistant Planner 11.
Dated: June 2, 2015 Publish Date: June 2, 2015
Kevin Tonoian, City Clerk
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RESOLUTION NO. 15-
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE REMOVAL OF THE HISTORIC DESIGNATION FROM
THE STAR OIL HOUSE, ACCEPTING THE DONATION OF PROPERTY TO THE CITY OF
SANTA CLARITA, AND ADOPTING A NEGATIVE DECLARATION TO ALLOW FOR
THE DEMOLITION OF STRUCTURES LOCATED AT 24148 PINE STREET
WHEREAS, on January 8, 2013, the City of Santa Clarita (City) adopted Ordinance
No. 13-0 1, amendments to the City of Santa Clarita's Historic Preservation Ordinance
(Ordinance); and
WHEREAS, as part of the adopted amendments to the Ordinance, 15 structures on nine
properties within the City of Santa Clarita were designated as historic; and
WHEREAS, one of the structures designated by the Ordinance is the residence (Star Oil
House) located at 24148 Pine Street (Subject Site) (APNs: 283 1-019-003, 005, and 007); and
WHEREAS, the General Plan land use designation and zoning designation of the subject
site is Specific Plan (SP), and Urban General 2 (UG2) respectively; and
WHEREAS, the surrounding land uses include residential structures to the north, east,
and west, and a railroad right-of-way, as well as commercial structures, to the south of the
subject site; and
WHEREAS, on November 2, 2014, a fire occurred at the subject site causing significant
damage to the Star Oil House; and
WHEREAS, on November 4, 2014, the City of Santa Clarita placed a red tag on the
property and ordered it secured against unlawful entry; and
WHEREAS, following the fire, the property owner of the subject site approached the
City of Santa Clarita with the intent of donating the property to the City; and
WHEREAS, staff initiated Master Case No. 15-05 1 for the proposed removal of the
historic designation of the Star Oil House; and
WHEREAS, on June 23, 2015, a duly noticed public hearing was held before the City
of Santa Clarita City Council at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall, Council Chambers. 23920 Valencia
Boulevard, Santa Clarita; and
WHEREAS, at this public hearing, the City Council considered the staff report, staff
presentation, applicant's presentation, and public testimony.
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NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Santa Clarita does hereby resolve
as follows:
SECTION 1. CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT FINDINGS. Based
upon the foregoing facts and findings, the City Council hereby finds as follows:
A. An Initial Study and a Negative Declaration for this proJect have been prepared in
compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA);
B. The Initial Study has been circulated for review and comment by affected governmental
agencies and the public, and all comments received, if any, have been considered. The
Negative Declaration was posted and advertised on June 2, 201 5� in accordance with
CEQA. The public review period was open from June 2, 2015, through June 23, 2015;
C. There is no substantial evidence that the project will have a significant effect on the
environment. The Negative Declaration reflects the independent judgment of the City
of Santa ClaFita;
D. The docurnents and other materials, which constitute the record of proceedings upon
which the decision of the City Council is made, is the Master Case No. 15-051 project
file, and is located within the Community Development Department, and is in the custody
of the Director of Community Development; and
E. The City Council, based upon the findings set forth above, hereby finds that the Negative
Declaration for this project has been prepared in compliance with CEQA and hereby
adopts the Negative Declaration.
SECTION 2. REMOVAL OF HISTORIC DESIGNATION. Based on the foregoing facts
and findings for removal of an existing historic designation from a historically designated
structure as defined by Unified Development Code Section 17.64.040, the City Council hereby
determines as follows:
A. The subject site retains no reasonable econornic use, taking into account the condition of
the structure, its location, the current market value, and costs for rehabilitation.
Due to damage sustained by the structure due to fire, the City placed a red tag on the
structure on November 4, 2014. In addition, a Phase I Environmental Assessment was
conducted on the subject site and concluded that, as a result of the fire, the Star Oil
Flouse, was a total loss. All historic integrity of the property has been compromised.
The costs to restore the structure to its previous historic condition, as required by the
Historic Preservation Ordinance, are infeasible.
Section I 7.64.020.A of the Ordinance provides the ability for a historic designation to be
removed from a previously designated structure in cases where:
" ... the property retains no reasonable economic use, taking into account the condition af
the structure, its location, the current market value and costs qf rehabilitation..."
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Section I 7.64.020.A also specifies that the designation may be removed by resolution on
"...a date up to one ycar.from the public heoring date..."
B. The historic designation shall be immediately removed from the Star Oil House due to
the elimination of the historic integrity and reasonable economic use of the property.
SECTION 3. DONATION OF PROPERTY LOCATED AT 24148 PINE STREET.
Based on the foregoing facts, the City Council her . eby determines as follows:
A. The subject site contains no evidence of contamination.
A Phase I Environmental Assessment of the property was conducted and concluded that
there is no observabi * e evidence of residual contamination or Subsurface impacts from
previous land uses or current site activities. The Phase I Environmental Assessment did
note the presence of asbestos and lead based paint within the structures on the subject
site. These materials were not uncommon.in structures of the time, are subject to further
examination, and can be remediated.
B. The City agrees to accept the Subject Site.
SECTION 4. DEMOLITION OF STRUCTURES LOCATED AT 24148 PINE STREET.
Based on the foregoing facts, the City Council hereby determines as follows:
A. The Star Oil House structure represents a Visual blight on the community and a threat to
public health and safety.
The fire that occurred on the project site on November 2, 2014, was significant enough
to require the structure to be red tagged by the City of Santa Clarita. The structure can
no longer be occupied for safety reasons. A Phase I Environmental Assessment has
concluded that asbestos and lead based paint are present in the structure. The structure .0
is currently sitting vacant and has been secured against illegal entry. The longer the
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structure remains in place, the more potential exists for the structure to be entered
illegally or occupied illegally. As such, the structure presents a visual blight on the
community and a threat to public health and safety.
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B. The demolition of the Star Oil House would not have an adverse change in the
significance of a historical resource.
The fire that occurred on the project site on November 2, 2014, was significant enough
to require the structure to be red tagged by the City of Santa Clarita. A Phase I
Environmental Assessment of the property concluded that the structure is a total loss.
The costs to restore the property to its former historic condition are infeasible. The
reasonable economic use of the property has been compromised. Damage from the fire,
combined with costs for restoration, has also compromised the historic integrity of the
property.
Because the fire significantly compromised the historic integrity of the property, the
demolition ofthe structure would not have an adverse change in the significance of a
historical resource.
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C. The remaining structures on the subject site have no historic significance.
In addition to the Star Oil House, a second, vacant residential structure and a small
storage shed also occupy the subject site. Neither of the structures are currently
designated as historic, nor have they been in the past. The structures also have no historic
significance that would potentially make them eligible for designation in the future.
Therefore, the demolition of these structures would have no impact regarding adverse
changes in the significance of a historic structure.
D. The Star Oil House and residential structures located on the subject site shall be
demolished.
SECTION 5. EXECUTION OF DOCUMENTS. Based on the foregoing findings of fact,
and as directed above, the City Council authorizes the City Manager to execute all documents
and take all actions necessary to execute the donation of the subject site and demolition of
structures located on the subject site.
SECTION 6. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Resolution.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this _'h day of _ 2015.
MAYOR
ATTEST:
CITY CLERK
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STATE OF CALIFORNIA
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ss.
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
1, Kevin Tonoian, City Clerk of the City of Santa Clarita, do hereby certify that the
foregoing Resolution was duly adopted by the City Council of the City of Santa Clarita at a
regular meeting thereof, held on the — th day of _ 2015, by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS:
CITY CLERK
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RECORDING REQUESTED BY:
City of Santa Clarita
WHEN RECORDED MAIL TO:
Kevin Tonoian
City Clerk
City of Santa Clarita
23920 Valencia Boulevard, Suite 120
Santa Clarita, CA 91355
Recording Fee: Exempt
(Government Code Section 27383)
Documentary Transfer Tax: Exempt
(Revenue and Taxation Code Section 11922)
TITLE (S)
this line for Recorder's use
DONATION GRANT DEED
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RECORDING REQUESTED BY:
City of Santa Clarita
WHEN RECORDED MAIL TO
Kevin Tonoran
City Clerk
City of Santa Clarita
23920 Valencia Boulevard, Suite 120
Santa Clarita, CA 91355
Recording Fee: Exempt Space above this line for Recorder's use
(Government Code Section 27383)
Documentary Transfer Tax: Exempt APNs2831-01MO3,2331-019-OOS& 2831-019-007
(Revenue and Taxation Code Section 11922) LOTS 5,6,7 & 8, Block 41, NEWHALL TRACT
Miscellaneous Records Book 53, Page 21
DONATION GRANT DEED
For A Valuable Consideration, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged,
DAVID L. RAMIREZ, as Surviving Joint Tenant
does hereby grant and convey to the City of Santa Clarita, a Municipal Corporation, all the real property 7
interests in the real property in the City of Santa Clarita, County of Los Angeles, State of Californie q
described as:
See Attached Legal Description and Map
In
Exhibits "A" and "B"
GRANTOR
David L. Ramirez Date
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Order Number:
4809712
PageNumber:
6
LEGAL DESCRIPTION
Real property in the City of Santa Clarita, County of Los Angeles, State of California, described as
follows:
LOTS 5, 6, 7 AND 8 IN BLOCK 41 OF NEWHALL TRACT, IN THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES,
STATE OF CALIFORNIA, AS PER MAP RECORDED IN BOOK 53, PAGE 21, MISCELLANEOUS
RECORDS OF SAID COUNTY.
APN: 2831-019-003; 2831-019-005 and 2831-019-007
First American Title
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BLK 42 PG
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Attachment: Grant Deed (1247 : Star Oil House Demo and Donation)
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Attachment: Grant Deed (1247 : Star Oil House Demo and Donation)
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