Agenda Report
Fullerton City Council
MEETING DATE: DECEMBER 3, 2024
TO: CITY COUNCIL / SUCCESSOR AGENCY
SUBMITTED BY: sUNAYANA tHOMAS, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PREPARED BY: CHRIS SCHAEFER, AICP, PLANNING MANAGER
BENJAMIN KOFF, ASSOCIATE PLANNER
SUBJECT: MILLS ACT CONTRACTS BETWEEN CITY OF FULLERTON AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF HISTORIC PROPERTIES AT 156 HILLCREST DRIVE, 444 WEST BROOKDALE PLACE, 516 WEST AMERIGE AVENUE AND 800 GRANDVIEW AVENUE
SUMMARY
Consideration of Mills Act contracts for historic property preservation, rehabilitation and maintenance for properties located at 56 Hillcrest Drive, 444 West Brookdale Place, 516 West Amerige Avenue, 800 Grandview Avenue.
PROPOSED MOTION
Adopt the following resolutions:
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-XXX – A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL of the City of fullerton, california, approving a mills act contract between the city and the owner of historic property located at 156 HILLCREST DRIVE in the form of an historic property preservation agreement RESOLUTION NO. 2024-XXX – A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL of the City of fullerton, california, approving a mills act contract between the city and the owner of historic property located at 444 WEST BROOKDALE PLACE in the form of an historic property preservation agreement RESOLUTION NO. 2024-XXX – A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL of the City of fullerton, california, approving a mills act contract between the city and the owner of historic property located at 516 WEST AMERIGE AVENUE in the form of an historic property preservation agreement RESOLUTION NO. 2024-XXX – A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FULLERTON, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A MILLS ACT CONTRACT BETWEEN THE CITY AND THE OWNER OF HISTORIC PROPERTY LOCATED AT 800 GRANDVIEW AVENUE IN THE FORM OF AN HISTORIC PROPERTY PRESERVATION AGREEMENT Authorize Director of Community and Economic Development to review subsequent updated schedules of improvements and maintenance items provided by the property owner pursuant to the Historic Property Preservation Agreement (Agreement) prior to the tenth anniversary of the Agreement and every tenth anniversary thereafter.
ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS
Approve the Proposed Motion
Deny one or more of the Proposed Mills Act contracts
Other options brought by City Council.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the Proposed Motion.
CITY MANAGER REMARKS
The City Manager concurs with the staff recommendation.
PRIORITY POLICY STATEMENT
This item matches the following Priority Policy Statements:
Fiscal and Organizational Stability
Infrastructure and City Assets.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City of Fullerton receives $0.1564 of every $1 of property taxes, with the remaining portion going to the County, school districts and special districts. The fiscal impact of the Mills Act Program results in a 15.64% reduction to the City general tax levy portion for each property with a Mills Act Agreement. The general levy property tax component does not include additional taxes such as special assessment charges and is not affected by Mills Act contracts.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
Staff presents applications for Mills Act contracts for four historic properties: 156 Hillcrest Drive, 444 West Brookdale Place, 516 West Amerige Avenue and 800 Grandview Avenue as part of a program to incentivize historic propertypreservation and maintenance by providing property tax reductions in exchange for ongoing rehabilitation and adherence to preservation standards. Each property has undergone review to ensure it meets program eligibility criteria and has consistency with historic preservation goals. 156 Hillcrest Drive
The property at 156 Hillcrest Drive, built in 1917, is a Craftsman-style residence with Victorian and Colonial Revival influences, making it a distinctive example of early 20th-century architecture. The home features block pillars, stucco walls and arched windowpanes. Recent restoration projects include repainting the exterior in a historically accurate light green, new trees and plants landscaping and exterior trim, eaves and windowsills repairs. The proposed maintenance plan includes future roof repairs, window screen replacement and additional paint touch-ups. A pre-contract inspection confirmed the property maintains its architectural integrity and qualifies for the program. 444 West Brookdale Place
The residence at 444 West Brookdale Place, built in 1928, represents the Spanish Colonial Revival architectural style with key features including a low-pitched clay tile roof, smooth stucco walls and decorative ironwork. Unique Mayan Revival details, such as wood posts and columns, further distinguish the home. Restoration efforts focused on preserving the exterior features of the home, including maintaining the roof, walls and ornamental elements. A site inspection verified the property retains its historic character and meets the standards for inclusion in the Mills Act program. The rehabilitation plan outlines a three-year schedule for further maintenance and repair. 516 West Amerige Ave
The home at 516 West Amerige Avenue, built in 1903, reflects Colonial Revival architecture. Notable features include horizontal redwood siding, decorative dormers with wrought iron finials, symmetrical window placement and full-length porches supported by round pillars. A pre-contract inspection found that property in good condition with original wood moldings, window trim and siding intact. The proposed maintenance plan spans ten years and preserves historic exterior features through ongoing repairs and upkeep. 800 Grandview Ave
The property at 800 Grandview Avenue, constructed in 1927, is an eclectic blend of Colonial Revival and California Bungalow styles. Its architectural features include a steep compound gable roof, grouped windows and original redwood siding. Recent work by the owners includes seismic retrofitting and restoring the original chimney and historic carriage-style garage doors. The maintenance plan proposes additional exterior repairs and preservation work over the next ten years. Inspections confirmed the property maintains architectural integrity and aligns with program requirements.
Staff evaluated each of these properties for compliance with Mills Act program guidelines and preserving Fullerton’s historic character. Approval of these contracts would support restoration and continued maintenance of these significant resources, preserving this value for the community.
Attachments:
Attachment 1 – PowerPoint Presentation
Attachment 2 – Draft Resolution (156 Hillcrest Drive)
Attachment 3 – Draft Resolution (444 West Brookdale Place) Attachment 4 – Draft Resolution (516 West Amerige Avenue) Attachment 5 – Draft Resolution (800 Grandview Avenue)
Attachment 6 – 156 Hillcrest Agreement and Tax Assessment Worksheet Attachment 7 – 444 Brookdale Agreement and Tax Assessment Worksheet Attachment 8 – 516 Amerige Agreement and Tax Assessment Worksheet Attachment 9 – 800 Grandview Agreement and Tax Assessment Worksheet cc: City Manager Eric J. Levitt
Mills Act Contracts
December 3, 2024 - Page 2