CC 2020-01-28_08g Plot Plan Review_Relocation of Historic Tank House
MEMORANDUM
TO: CITY COUNCIL
FROM: BILL ROBESON, ACTING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
BY: ANDREW PEREZ, ASSISTANT PLANNER
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF PLOT PLAN REVIEW 19-020; RELOCATION OF
A HISTORIC TANK HOUSE AND ADDITION OF PERMANENT
RESTROOM FACILITIES; LOCATION – 126 S. MASON STREET;
APPLICANT – SOUTH COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY;
REPRESENTATIVE – CHUCK FELLOWS
DATE: JANUARY 28, 2020
SUMMARY OF ACTION:
Approval of the relocation of a historic tank house to Heritage Square Park.
IMPACT ON FINANCIAL AND PERSONNEL RESOURCES:
None.
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended the City Council adopt a Resolution approving Plot Plan Review 19-
020.
BACKGROUND:
The South County Historical Society (Historical Society) is proposing to relocate an
antique tank house from its current location at 1125 E. Grand Avenue to the parking lot
at Heritage Square Park (Attachment 1). Fire maps from the early 20th century show
many homes in the Village had their own water wells with individual storage tanks, and
it is believed that the tank house is one of just two or three originals that remain in
Arroyo Grande. The Historical Society has identified Heritage Square Park as an
appropriate site for the tank house because it would be an additional architectural and
historical accent that would attract visitors to the site. Heritage Square Park is already
home to several historic structures including the Heritage Square House, Santa
Manuela Schoolhouse, and the Ruby House.
ANALYSIS OF ISSUES:
Project Description
The Historical Society proposes to relocate a vintage tank house from its existing
location on a vacant parcel on E. Grand Avenue, to the western side of the Heritage
House parking lot that gets access from Mason Street. The structure was once a base
CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF PLOT PLAN REVIEW 19-020
JANUARY 28, 2020
PAGE 2
that supported a traditional water tank, which is no longer part of the structure. The tank
house is proposed to be relocated onto a new 10-foot by 10-foot concrete slab, and the
area within the structure would be converted to restroom facilities. The restroom
facilities would be reserved for guests attending events held at the Heritage House.
Other aspects of the proposal include rehabilitation of the structure by sanding, priming,
and painting the tank house, and connecting to City utilities. After the relocation and
bathroom improvements are completed, the Historical Society proposes to add a faux
water tank atop the base and install a windmill, both of which would be compatible with
the base and consistent with the time period from which the tank house was built.
The existing tank house is approximately 17 feet tall, and with the addition of a faux
water tank would bring the overall height to 23 feet.
General Plan
The General Plan designates the subject property for projects consistent with
Community Facility land uses. The proposed project appears to be supported by
several General Plan Policies, including Policies LU9-2, LU9-4, and LU12-5 of the Land
Use Element and Objective PR5 of the Parks and Recreation Element, which state:
LU9-2: Community facilities other than schools, parks and recreation areas may also
be conditionally permitted in any other land use designation based on the specific
function of the facility, compatible with the site and environs. Schools, parks and
recreation facilities may be conditionally permitted in or adjoining residential
neighborhoods or mixed use areas.
LU9-4: Ensure that new developments provide opportunities for recreation that are
commensurate with the level and type of development. Ensure that recreational uses
are compatible with surrounding uses and with sensitive resources that may be present.
LU12-5: Preserve significant and cultural landmarks.
PR5: The City will consider all available financing and acquisition techniques in the
development and maintenance of park and recreation facilities.
Architectural Review Committee
The Architectural Review Committee (ARC) reviewed the proposed project at their
meeting on October 7, 2019 (Attachment 2). The ARC was asked to review the
appropriateness of relocation of the tank house to Heritage Square Park, given the
presence of other historically significant structures. The ARC was supportive of the
project, and especially appreciated the applicants’ effort to preserve a structure with
local historic significance. The ARC was in support of the rehabilitation and the addition
of restroom facilities in the tank house. The ARC appreciated improvements to the
Heritage Square Park and recommended approval of the project.
CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF PLOT PLAN REVIEW 19-020
JANUARY 28, 2020
PAGE 3
Design Guidelines
The primary intent of the Design Guidelines is to preserve historic resources that “are
important to the human community and should be identified and protected, [in an]
attempt to identify important resources from Arroyo Grande’s past and offer
recommendations and policies that will help assure their preservation and
enhancement”. Additionally, the Design Guidelines are intended to preserve the
resources that are indicative of the Village’s historic character.
Preservation of a historical resource is the primary goal of both the project and the
Design Guidelines. The proposed receiving site in Heritage Square Park is a logical
choice given the presence of other historic structures that the Design Guidelines protect
and enhance. Additionally, the Historical Society proposes to rehabilitate the tank house
to be consistent with the time period it was built, and the character of the Village.
ALTERNATIVES:
The following alternatives are identified for the Council’s consideration:
1. Adopt the attached Resolution approving Plot Plan Review No. 19-020;
2. Modify and adopt the attached Resolution approving Plot Plan Review No. 19-
020;
3. Deny Plot Plan Review 19-020; or
4. Provide direction to staff
ADVANTAGES:
The proposed relocation of the tank house preserves a historic resource consistent with
the objectives of the Design Guidelines. The addition of the tank house and the
subsequent improvements will enhance Heritage Square Park and is expected to
generate revenue for the Historical Society by increasing the appeal of the Heritage
House as an event venue.
DISADVANTAGES:
None identified.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
The project was reviewed in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) and determined to be categorically exempt per Section 15301 of the State
CEQA Guidelines regarding the restoration and rehabilitation of existing facilities.
PUBLIC NOTIFICATION AND COMMENTS:
The Agenda was posted at City Hall and on the City’s website in accordance with
Government Code Section 54954.2. At the time of report publication, no comments
have been received.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Site Plan
2. Minutes of the October 7, 2019 Architectural Review Committee Meeting
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO
GRANDE APPROVING PLOT PLAN REVIEW NO. 19-020
AUTHORIZING THE RELOCATION OF A HISTORIC TANK HOUSE TO
HERITAGE SQUARE PARK; APPLIED FOR CHUCK FELLOWS,
SOUTH COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
WHEREAS, the applicant applied for a Minor Use Permit - Plot Plan Review to relocate and
rehabilitate a tank house to City property; and
WHEREAS, the relocation of the historic tank house to Heritage Square Park will enhance the
character of the park, given the presence of other historically significant structures; and
WHEREAS, the Architectural Review Committee reviewed the project and recommended approve to
the City Council; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds, after due study, the following circumstances exist:
FINDINGS FOR APPROVAL – MINOR USE PERMIT – PLOT PLAN REVIEW
1. The proposed project is consistent with the goals, objectives, policies and programs of the
Arroyo Grande general plan;
Relocation of the historic tank house to City property in cooperation with the South County
Historical Society to enhance an existing park facility is consistent with objectives and policies
of the Land Use Element and Parks and Recreation Element.
2. The proposed project conforms to applicable performance standards and will not be
detrimental to the public health, safety or general welfare;
The proposed project meets all applicable development standards of the Public Facility zoning
district to ensure public health, safety, and general welfare.
3. The physical location or placement of the use on the site is compatible with the surrounding
neighborhood.
The proposed destination for the historic tank house at Heritage Square Park is an appropriate
site given the other historical and culturally significant structures found at the park.
4. The construction, alteration, demolition, or relocation of any building or structure or earth
movement enhances, to the maximum extent feasible, and does not interfere with, detract from
or degrade the historic cultural, architectural or archaeological resource values of the district.
The proposed project would add another historic structure to a site with several others and will
enhance the historic value of Heritage Square Park.
5. The use proposed for a building, structure, or parcel of land shall be compatible with the uses
predominating in the designated area.
RESOLUTION NO.
PAGE 2
The relocation of the historic tank house, and the proposal to install restroom facilities inside it,
is compatible with the Heritage House’s use as a rental venue and maintains the historic
character of the site.
6. The development, demolitions, relocations, conversions are in keeping with the architectural
style and scale characterizing the period of history in which the structure was built, including
the landscaping features, and/or the features which caused the property to be so included in
the district.
The project complies with the Design Guidelines and Standards for the Historic Character
Overlay District to ensure the project maintains the character appropriate for the Village and
the time period in which it was constructed.
7. Proposed restoration efforts are in keeping with details, materials, textures, colors, and
landscape features common to the period of history when the designated district was
constructed.
The proposed rehabilitation, including the addition of a windmill above a faux water tank, will
utilize materials and colors consistent with the period from which it was constructed. The
restoration, as recommended by the Architectural Review Committee, complies with the
Design Guidelines and Standards for the Historic Character Overlay District, ensuring the
details are accurate to the period in which it was built.
8. Where applicable, the project meets the alternative building regulations pursuant to Part 8 of
Title 24 of the 2007 California Historical Building Code and the Secretary of the Interior's
Standards for Historic Preservation Projects.
The restoration will have architectural characteristics that maintain the character of the original
structure, while some differentiation will remain, consistent with the Secretary of the Interior’s
Standards for Historic Preservation Projects.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Arroyo Grande does
hereby approve Plot Plan Review 19-020 authorizing the following actions, with the above findings
and subject to the conditions as set forth in Exhibit "A", attached hereto and incorporated herein by
this reference:
On motion of Council Member , seconded by Council Member , and on the
following roll call vote, to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
The foregoing Resolution was passed and adopted this 28th day of January 2020.
RESOLUTION NO.
PAGE 3
______________________________________
CAREN RAY RUSSOM, MAYOR
ATTEST:
KELLY WETMORE, CITY CLERK
APPROVED AS TO CONTENT:
______________________________________
JAMES A. BERGMAN, CITY MANAGER
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
______________________________________
TIMOTHY J. CARMEL, CITY ATTORNEY
RESOLUTION NO.
PAGE 4
EXHIBIT "A"
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL FOR
PLOT PLAN REVIEW NO. 19-020
GENERAL CONDITIONS:
1. This Plot Plan Review authorizes the relocation of a tank house to Heritage Square Park
and the construction of restroom facilities within the structure.
2. The applicant shall ascertain and comply with all State, County and City requirements as
are applicable to this project.
3. The work shall occur in substantial conformance with the application and plans on file in the
Community Development Department.
4. The applicant shall comply with all of the Conditions of Approval for Plot Plan Review 19-020.
5. The applicant shall agree to indemnify and defend at his/her sole expense any action brought
against the City, its agents, officers, or employees because of the issuance of said approval.
The applicant shall reimburse the City, its agents, officers, or employees, for any court costs
and attorney’s fees which the City, its agents, officers or employees may be required by a court
to pay as a result of such action. The City may, at its sole discretion, participate at its own
expense in the defense of any such action but such participation shall not relieve applicant of
his/her obligations under this condition.
ATTACHMENT 1
Existing tank house to be relocated
Minutes: ARC PAGE 2
Monday, October 7, 2019
The Committee spoke in support of the project and appreciated the applicant’s flexibility with
the revisions to the color scheme that better complements the building color.The Committee
also expressed an understanding that a trademarked logo was important for brand
recognition and was supportive of the sign as proposed,without requiring either of the two
revisions proposed in the staff report.
Vice Chair Berlin made a motion,seconded by Committee Member Juette,to recommend
approval of the project to the Community Development Director as submitted.
The motion passed 5-0 on the following voice vote:
AYES: Berlin, Juette, Hall, Couch, Hoag
NOES: None
8.b.CONSIDERATION OF PLOT PLAN REVIEW 19-020;RELOCATION OF AN
ANTIQUE WATER TOWER BASE AND CONVERSION TO PERMANENT RESTROOM
FACILITIES;LOCATION –126 S.MASON STREET;APPLICANT –SOUTH COUNTY
HISTORICAL SOCIETY; REPRESENTATIVE – CHUCK FELLOWS (Perez)
Assistant Planner Perez presented the staff report and provided details about the structure
proposed for relocation,the purpose of the project,and the receiving site at Heritage Square
Park.He made the Committee aware of the other historically significant structures at the
park and how this project achieves the primary objective of the Design Guidelines.He also
clarified that a recommendation from the Committee would be to the City Council,rather
than the Community Development Director,because the relocation site is City owned
property.
Chuck Fellows and Paul Provence,representing the South County Historical Society,spoke
in support of the project,provided additional details about the phases of the project,timing
of the phases, and the benefits the tank house will bring to Heritage Square Park.
The Committee expressed support for the project and appreciated the efforts to preserve a
structure with historical significance.The Committee spoke in support of the rehabilitation
and reuse of the structure,and encouraged the applicant to maintain the historical aesthetic
inside the restroom when it added within the tank house structure.
Committee Member Couch made a motion,seconded by Vice Chair Berlin,to recommend
approval of the project as submitted to the City Council.
The motion passed 5-0 on the following voice vote:
AYES:Couch, Berlin, Hall, Juette, Hoag
NOES:None
8.c.CONSIDERATION OF ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW 19-003;REPLACEMENT
EXISTING SIDING,RELOCATION OF FRONT DOOR AND CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW
SLOPED ROOF;LOCATION –525 LE POINT STREET;APPLICANT –GUY &TERESA
TORELLI; REPRESENTATIVE – MARK VASQUEZ, DESIGN GRAPHICS. (Perez)
Assistant Planner Perez presented the staff report and presented the existing development
at the project site and what alterations are proposed.He explained that the project is subject
to the Village Design Guidelines due to its location in the Historic Character Overlay District,
and how the project complies with those guidelines.
ATTACHMENT 2
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