CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
DATE: MAY 12, 2026 PUBLIC HEARING
SUBJECT: APPLICATION BY EICHOLZ SCOTT FAMILY TRUST FOR HISTORIC SITE DESIGNATION OF “THE SNYDER RESIDENCE” LOCATED AT 271 WEST MERITO PLACE, (APN 505-301-001) CASE: HSPB #176
FROM: Scott C. Stiles, City Manager
BY: Department of Planning Services
SUMMARY:
The Snyder Residence is a single-family home designed by William Charles Tanner in the Spanish Colonial Revival style. This home, also known as “Morado la Estella”, was constructed in 1932 in one of the earliest subdivisions in Palm Springs. If designated as a local historic resource, the property would be subject to the regulations outlined in Section 8.05 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code (PSMC).
The Historic Site Preservation Board (HSPB) and staff evaluated the application in accordance with the historic designation ordinance and applicable state/federal regulations, and determined it qualifies as a Class 1 (Landmark) historic site.
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Open the public hearing and receive public testimony.
2. Close the public hearing and adopt Resolution entitled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA,
DESIGNATING THE SNYDER RESIDENCE, AS A CLASS 1 (LANDMARK) HISTORIC RESOURCE HSPB #176, SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS (APN 505-301- 001).
BACKGROUND:
The attached historic resources report, prepared by the Palm Springs Preservation Foundation (“the report”) and site visits are the basis of this staff report.
City Council Staff Report
May 12, 2026 -- Page 2
Historic Designation – The Snyder Residence
Related Relevant City Actions by HSPB, Planning, Fire, Building, etc.
April 6, 2026 Site inspection by members of the HSPB and City Staff.
April 7, 2026 HSPB considered the application for designation at a public hearing recommending Class 1 designation.
Ownership Status
March, 2020 Purchased by current owners.
NORTHWEST CORNER OF THE RESIDENCE, 2025.
SOUTH (REAR) ELEVATION OF THE RESIDENCE, 2025.
City Council Staff Report
May 12, 2026 -- Page 3
Historic Designation – The Snyder Residence
The owners of 271 Merito Place have conducted extensive historic research and restored a few historic features to their original appearance. The application for historic designation was reviewed by the HSPB on April 7, 2026. Based on the analysis provided in the report and a site visit, the Board made the findings to recommend Class 1 (Landmark) designation.
STAFF ANALYSIS:
The analysis of the application for the designation is detailed in the attached HSPB resolution and staff report dated April 7, 2026. In order to be designated a historic landmark, a resource must exhibit exceptional historic significance and meet one or more of the criteria listed in PSMC Section 8.05.070.C.1.a. The Board made findings in support of Class 1 (Landmark) designation based on the following criteria:
PSMC 8.05.070, (C,1,Part a). The site, structure, building, or object exhibits exceptional historic significance and meets one or more of the criteria listed below:
(Criterion iii) The resource reflects or exemplifies a particular period of national, state, or local history;
(Criterion v) The resource presents the work of a master builder, designer, artist, or architect whose individual genius influenced his age, or that possesses high artistic value;
Pursuant to PSMC 8.05.070, (5,C,1,Part b); “Historic Integrity” the HSPB made findings that the Snyder Residence possesses sufficient historic integrity to qualify as a Class 1 (Landmark) historic site.
During the public hearing, the Board expressed their support of the application for Class 1 designation based on the criteria and integrity findings with a 7-0 vote.
The Synder Residence meets the definition of a historic resource based on Criterion 3 and 5 of the Palm Springs Historic Preservation Ordinance and possesses integrity to qualify as a Class 1 (Landmark) site. The HSPB recommendation to the City Council reflects these findings which are outlined in the attached draft City Council resolution.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT:
The proposed historic resource designation is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) (the activity will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment) and 15060(c)(3) (the activity is not a project as defined in Section 15378) of the CEQA Guidelines, California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, because it has no potential for resulting in physical changes to the environment, directly or indirectly.
City Council Staff Report
May 12, 2026 -- Page 4
Historic Designation – The Snyder Residence
ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLANNING:
This item aligns with the following City Council Strategic Plan Broad Goal: Economic Development.
FISCAL IMPACT:
While this action would have no direct fiscal impact, it would make the property eligible for a Mills Act contract in the future. That could reduce property tax revenue at that time, if authorized by Council. The Riverside County Tax Assessor has not shared detailed information on the amount of property tax rebate applied to Mills Act properties; however, County staff have said the rebate can range from 40 to 70 % and that amount is based upon several factors including length of ownership, annual income of property, annual operating expenses, capitalization rate, etc. Currently, there are 179 Mills Act properties in the City, and the median residential tax bill is $4,250 per year. Based on these figures, the potential loss in revenue to the City could range from approximately $300,000 to over $530,000 annually. It should be noted that the Mills Act contract is one of few tools available to incentivize reinvestment into restoration and ongoing maintenance of historic resources, and that properly maintained Mills Act properties likely have a net positive effect on surrounding property values that may offset the loss in direct revenue over time.
Council would evaluate the merits of any Mills Act contract application at such time that one is sought.
REVIEWED BY:
Department Director: Christopher Hadwin
Assistant City Manager: Flinn Fagg
City Manager: Scott Stiles
ATTACHMENTS:
A. Vicinity Map.
B. Draft Resolution.
C. Application, related background materials, photos.
D. HSPB resolution, staff report, minute excerpt.