HPAC Item No. 2025-05 – Window Replacement
REPORT TO THE CITY OF VISALIA
HISTORIC PRESERVATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE
HEARING DATE: April 9, 2025
PROJECT PLANNER: Catalina Segovia, Planning Technician
Phone: (559) 713-4449
E-mail: [email protected]
SUBJECT: Historic Preservation Advisory Committee Item No. 2025-05: A request by Kevin Fistolera to replace 48 windows on a single-family residence located in the DMU (Downtown Mixed Use) Zone. The project site is located at 410 North Court Street (APN: 094-271-006).
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the
Historic Preservation Advisory
Committee (HPAC) approve the
request based on the findings
and conditions within this
report.
SITE DATA
The site is zoned DMU
(Downtown Mixed -Use) and
contains a vacant residence
and a 10-stall parking lot.
The project site is located within
the Historic District and is listed
on the Local Register of Historic
Structures with a “Focus”
classification. The structure contains “Craftsman” and “Bungalow” style architectural elements.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Per the operational statement in Exhibit “B”, the applicant is requesting approval to remove and replace all the windows of the residence, numbering 48 in total . Per the development plan in Exhibit “A”, the applicant will be replacing the windows with Milgard V300 Trinsic vinyl windows, and rebuilding wood screens for use on the building.
Per the applicant, the replacement is required due to the age and deterioration of the original windows. The applicant states that the windows must be replaced to better secure the building from vandalism and break ins.
DISCUSSION
Development Standards
The footprint of the structure will not be altered as a result of the proposal . As such, the proposed improvements will comply with all development standards of the D-MU Zone.
HPAC Item No. 2025-05 – Window Replacement
Architectural Compatibility
Visalia Municipal Code Section 17.56.110 contains criteria for review of exterior alterations to structures listed on the Local Register. Criteria is aimed towards preserving original and distinguishing features of Local Register structures. This includes emphasis on the following:
• The distinguishing original qualities or character of a building, structure, or site and its environment shall not be destroyed. The removal or alteration of any historic material or distinctive architectural features should be avoided when possible. • Distinctive stylistic features or examples of skilled craftsmanship, which characterize a building, structure or site, shall be treated with sensitivity. • Deteriorated architectural features shall be repaired rather than replaced, wherever possible. In the event replacement is necessary, the new material should match the material being replaced in composition, design, color, texture and other visual qualities.
Repair or replacement of missing architectural features should be based on accurate duplications of features, substantiated by historical, physical or pictorial evidence rather than on conjectural designs or the availability of different architectural e lements from other buildings or structures.
Due to their design, variety, and placement, the windows are considered a distinguishing feature of the building. If they are to be replaced, the applicant must demonstrate that replacement is necessary , and that the replacement materials match the original in “…composition, design, color, texture, and other visual qualities.” In this instance, the applicant has submitted evidence that the windows are in disrepair ( see site pictures in Exhibit “B”). Staff also concluded a site visit on April 4, 2025, and determined that the windows show significant damage, including rotted wood frames and broken glass panes.
The proposed window replacement would maintain the building’s original character. Features such as window trim and sills would remain. New windows and wood screens will be conditioned to maintain the same features as the original windows , such as their operating mechanism and style, mullion patterns and spacing, frame dimensions and profiles, and sightlines and proportions (see Condition No. 2). The applicant will also rebuild wood window screens for use on the building (Condition No. 3). These rebuilt screens will match the original screens and will help maintain the building’s original character. With the application of these conditions, the proposal will preserve the overall historical integrity of the structure.
FINDINGS AND CONDITIONS
For HPAC Item No. 2025-05 staff recommends that the Committee approve the window change out to the residence, subject to the findings and conditions listed below:
Findings
1. That the project site is listed on the Local Register of Historic Structures and is within the Historic District.
2. That the proposal will be consistent with uses onsite, the surrounding area, and the Historic District.
3. That the proposal will be consistent with the Historic Preservation Ordinance and Historic Preservation Element.
4. That the proposal will not be injurious to the character of the Historic District.
HPAC Item No. 2025-05 – Window Replacement
Conditions
1. That the project shall be developed in substantial compliance with the development plan in Exhibit “A and operational statement in Exhibit “B”, except as modified by the conditions below.
2. That the new windows shall match the features of the original windows, including operating mechanism and style, mullion patterns and spacing, frame dimensions and profiles, and sightlines and proportions. That the project undergoes the appropriate City permitting process for exterior alterations on the project site.
3. That the applicant shall rebuild and install wood window screens for all the windows that can s upport window screens. The window screens shall retain an appearance consistent with the original window screens depicted in Exhibit “A”,
4. That any other exterior alterations to the site shall be brought before this Committee for review and approval prior to the issuance of any Building Permits and/or their installation or construction.
5. That all other City codes, ordinances, standards, and regulations shall be met.
6. That the approval from the Historic Preservation Advisory Committee shall lapse and become void twelve months after the date on which it became effective, unless the conditions of the approval allowed a shorter or greater time limit, or unless prior to the expiration of twelve months a building permit is issued by the city and construction is commenced and diligently pursued toward completion on the site that was the subject of the approval.
ATTACHMENTS
• Exhibit “A” – Development Plan
• Exhibit “B” – Operational Statement
• Aerial Map
• Historic District and Local Register Map
APPEAL INFORMATION
According to the City of Visalia Zoning Ordinance Section 17.56.060, an appeal to the City Council may be submitted within ten days following the date of a decision by the Historic Preservation Advisory Committee (HPAC). An appeal shall be in writing and s hall be filed with the City Clerk at 220 N. Santa Fe Street. The appeal shall specify errors or abuses of discretion by the HPAC, or decisions not supported by the evidence in the record. The appeal form can be found on the city’s website www.visalia.city or from the City Clerk.
HPAC Item No. 2025-05 – Window Replacement
EXHIBIT B
HPAC Item No. 2025-05 – Window Replacement
AERIAL MAP
HPAC Item No. 2025-05 – Window Replacement
HISTORIC DISTRICT & LOCAL REGISTER MAP