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DRAFT ACTION NO. 2026-
RECORD OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO LAND USE ACTION FOR 855 HAMILTON AVENUE DESIGNATION AS A CATEGORY 2 RESOURCE ON THE
LOCAL HISTORIC INVENTORY
On June 15, 2026, the Council reviewed the recommendation of the Historic Resources Board and staff regarding the placement of 855 Hamilton Avenue previously deemed eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places and California Register of Historical Resources, and approved the designation as a category 2 resource, for which no objections were received from the property owners, on City’s Historic Resources Inventory, making the following findings, determination, and declarations:
SECTION 1. Background. The City Council of the City of Palo Alto (“City Council”) finds, determines, and declares as follows:
A. In 2022, the City Council directed the City to obtain consultant assistance (ID # 14189) and the City’s consultant, Page and Turnbull, conducted the 2023 Historic Reconnaissance Survey, finding 147 properties still extant with integrity and eligible for listing on the local historic resources inventory.
B. The Historic Resources Board (HRB) conducted four public hearings to consider the eligible properties identified in the survey, on November 9 and December 14, 2023, and January 11 and January 25, 2024; the HRB received the staff reports and conducted public hearings where public comments were provided, and staff and the HRB received many property owners’ written and oral objections regarding the recommendations.
C. Staff held many conversations with property owners, but most owners objected without having conversations or attending the hearings. During and after the HRB hearings, staff tallied the properties for which no objections had been received.
D. On April 22, 2024, Council placed 16 properties on the local Historic Resources Inventory, limited to those whose owners positively affirmed the listing, and directed staff to return after the Council break on Consent Calendar with any additional properties whose owners affirmed listing.
E. On August 19, 2024, Council placed five properties on the local Historic Resources Inventory following additional outreach efforts and affirmative confirmation of local listing from owners.
F. The City of Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan Program L7.1.1 states: “Update and maintain the City’s Historic Resource Inventory to include historic resources that are eligible for local, State, or federal listing. Historic resources may consist of a single building or structure or a district.”
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G. The City of Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan Program L-7.2 states: Policy L-7.2 states “If a proposed project would substantially affect the exterior of a potential historic resource that has not been evaluated for inclusion into the City’s Historic Resources Inventory, City staff shall consider whether it is eligible for inclusion in State or federal registers prior to the issuance of a demolition or alterations permit. Minor exterior improvements that do not affect the architectural integrity of potentially historic buildings shall be exempt from consideration. Examples of minor improvements may include repair or replacement of features in kind, or other changes that do not alter character-defining features of the building.” H. The City of Palo Alto is a Certified Local Government with the obligation to maintain a system for the survey and inventory of local historic resources; the City of Palo Alto has conducted three surveys and also prepares individual historic resource evaluations on a case-by-case basis (when demolition is proposed or in response to property owner request) to determine whether these are historic resources subject to the California Environmental Quality Act.
SECTION 2. Environmental Review. Maintenance of the historic designation of properties or reclassification of a historic designation of a property is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and CEQA Guidelines per Section 21065.
SECTION 3. Designation Findings.
A. The following criteria, as specified in Municipal Code Section 16.49.040 (b), shall be used as criteria for designating historic structures/sites to the historic inventory:
1. The structure or site is identified with the lives of historic people or with important events in the city, state or nation;
2. The structure or site is particularly representative of an architectural style or way of life important to the city, state or nation;
3. The structure or site is an example of a type of building which was once common, but is now rare;
4. The structure or site is connected with a business or use which was once common, but is now rare;
5. The architect or building was important;
6. The structure or site contains elements demonstrating outstanding attention to architectural design, detail, materials or craftsmanship.
The building at 855 Hamilton Avenue is significant as a work of the notable local architect Charles K. Sumner and the builders Collman & Duncan. It is an imposing example of a Period Revival style residence and retains a high level of integrity. The period of significance is revised to 1915, the year of the building’s construction.
B. The definition of Category 2 in Municipal Code Section 16.49.020 (b) must be met to allow
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the structure’s category reclassification:
Category 2: "Major building" means any building or group of buildings of major regional importance, meritorious works of the best architects or an outstanding example of an architectural style or the stylistic development of architecture in the state or region. A major building may have some exterior modifications, but the original character is retained.
The City’s consultant, Page & Turnbull, found the building at 855 Hamilton Avenue meets the Palo Alto Inventory Category 2 Definition. Since 2001, only minor modifications have occurred including windows replacements and a front door possibly replaced with no additional alterations identified through the permit records. The structure is particularly representative of the Period Revival architectural style. The subject building is significant as a work of the notable local architect Charles K. Sumner and the builders Collman & Duncan.
SECTION 4. Placement on Local Historic Resources Inventory Approved. The City Council approves the placement of 855 Hamilton Avenue as a Category 2 resource, under local Criteria 2 and 5 on the City’s Historic Resources Inventory.
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INTRODUCED & PASSED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ATTEST: APPROVED:
_________________________ ____________________________
City Clerk Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM: APPROVED AS TO CONTENT:
___________________________ ___________________________ Assistant City Attorney City Manager
___________________________
Director of Planning and
Development Services