(a) Historic residence review, as required in Chapter 16.49 of Title 16 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, is required in the R-1 district and R-1 subdistricts for alterations or modifications to any residence designated on the city’s Historic Inventory as Category 1 or Category 2 historic structure as defined in Section 16.49.020 of this code or any contributing structure located within a locally designated historic district. The Category 1 or Category 2 designation process for becoming a historic structure is contained in Chapter 16.49 of Title 16 of the Municipal Code.
(b) Exemptions to gross floor area requirements are available for historic residences pursuant to the definition of gross floor area in Section 18.04.030(65)(C)(ii). Home improvement exceptions provide for additional square footage and certain other exceptions for historic homes pursuant to Section 18.12.120.
(c) Notwithstanding other provisions of this chapter, existing parcels containing two residences may be subdivided into more than one ownership, where all of the following circumstances exist:
(1) At least one residence is designated on the City’s Historic Inventory as a Category 1, Category 2, Category 3, or Category 4 historic structure as defined in Section 16.49.020 of this code or are contributing structures located within a locally designated historic district or are eligible for the National or California Registers; and
(2) No increase in the total number of residences on the site is proposed; and
(3) Separate lots are proposed to be created, each with a minimum lot size not less than 4,000 square feet in the R-1 district if only one residence is historic or 80% of the minimum lot size for the R-1 subdistricts; if both residences are historic and subject to a covenant, the allowable minimum lot size is 2,000 square feet; and
(4) The resultant parcel lines may create less than minimum lot size (no less than the area stated in item (3) of this section), site width and depth, setback and daylight plane encroachments, floor area and site coverage exceeding the maximum allowable for existing development with respect to each new parcel, without the need for approval of a Variance or Home Improvement Exception, but would not generally increase any existing noncomplying building features; however, minor additions for functional improvements may be allowed at the discretion of the Director of Planning and Development Services; and
(5) The Historic Resources Board has determined that at least one existing residence on the property has historic integrity and qualifies for listing on the City’s Historic Inventory.
(6) A covenant is recorded to run with the land in perpetuity, assuring that the historic residences will be preserved and maintained consistent with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Historic Rehabilitation through compliance with Historic Resources Board review and recommendations. The covenant will stipulate that HRB review is required for all major projects on the site including significant changes to any non-historic residence. Any modifications to a non-historic residence must be compatible with the historic residence and satisfy the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Historic Compatibility.
(7) The two residences on the property were in existence as of January 28, 2009.
(8) Application of the state Historic Building Code is available for use on any eligible building.
(9) Residences subject to a covenant must meet all government health, life and safety codes.
(Ord. 5494 § 3, 2020: Ord. 5051 § 4, 2009: Ord. 4869 § 14 (Exh. A [part]), 2005)