1218-24 Valmont St

Description: Retention of demolition to grade of portion of an existing Contributing rated two-story, single-family residential building required to be retained in deviation of a Certificate of Appropriateness.

HDLC Guidelines:

Section 12, Pages 23-24 of the Guidelines for New Construction, Additions and Demolition, state that the demolition of all or portions of historic resources within a local Historic District or Landmark site are considered drastic actions since they alter the character of the area. Once historic resources or buildings that contribute to the heritage of the community are destroyed, it is generally impossible to reproduce their design, texture, materials, details and their special character and interest in the neighborhood. As a result, the HDLC rarely considers the demolition of Significant or Contributing buildings or structures within a local Historic District or on a Landmark site to be an appropriate option.

Staff Recommendations:

Following the Commission denial of the initial request for full demolition to grade, the applicant appealed to the City Council. The City Council voted to overrule the HDLC denial and allowed for the partial demolition to grade of a majority of the structure with the specific proviso that the original front two-rooms of the building, porch and roof above must be secured, maintained and incorporated into a forthcoming new construction application and remain. HDLC Staff then worked closely with the applicant to ensure the updated partial demolition and structural support drawings reflected all requirements of the Council approval proviso and clearly indicated all of the necessary bracing, shoring and other protective measures necessary to complete the scope of work. HDLC Staff made it abundantly clear to the applicant that all work must be undertaken at the site to ensure the portion of building required by HDLC and the City Council to remain was appropriately braced and protected from wind, rain and other storm events until the full redevelopment of the site was ready to proceed. The CofA for this partial demolition and protection work was issued on July 20, 2022. On August 2, 2022, the applicant notified HDLC Staff that the entirety of the building had been fully demolished and leveled due to damage and rapid deterioration of the structure caused by rain over the previous weekend. HDLC Inspector Alex Nassar completed a site inspection the same afternoon and confirmed the building was completely demolished and the site had already been leveled and cleared of all debris. Staff would like to reiterate that the applicant and owner undertook this partial demolition and protection work fully understanding the HDLC and City Council requirements and should have taken simple additional measures such as contacting Safety and Permits or HDLC immediately about the deteriorating structural conditions or more thoroughly documenting these conditions to better aid the Commission in understanding what went wrong in the process. While the applicant has provided some photographs and other documentation related to the bracing and removal work at the site prior to the demolition, Staff is not able to verify the conditions indicated by the applicant leading to the demolition of the 126+ year old structure. Based on the Contributing rating of the original building, its fair condition at the previous HDLC inspection, and because the applicant was fully aware of the requirement to preserve and maintain the portion of original building, Staff recommends the Commission vote to approve the retention request and to levy a substantial fine for this unpermitted demolition work.

• Staff Recommendation: Approval with a substantial demolition fine

  • Fine Range = $1,000 to $123,150 (15% of assessed building value of $821,000 per Assessor's Office 2022 Certified Valuation, attached)

Case History & Previous Commission Actions:

12/20/2021: Application submitted for demolition to grade.

01/06/2022: Commission votes to deny the application for demolition to grade based on the age of the building, the condition of the structure today and because it continues to retain some of its original character-defining architectural features and exterior building elements, as well as its original historic scale and siting on the prominent corner lot.

01/13/2022: Applicant appeals Commission denial of demolition to grade to City Council.

02/17/2022: City Council overrules HDLC and allows for demolition of building with the proviso that the original front two historic rooms be preserved, maintained, and incorporated into a forthcoming new construction proposal.

04/21/2022: Application submitted for partial demolition of building to grade with front two rooms to be retained. Staff worked closely with applicant to ensure drawings were updated to include clear direction on bracing and protection from rain and wind, etc.

07/20/2022: CofA for partial demolition and preservation of front two rooms of building issued.

08/02/2022: Applicant notifies HDLC Staff that the building has been demolished to grade based on deterioration from rain the previous weekend. HDLC completes site inspection and verifies that entirety of structure has been demolished and the site leveled and cleared of all debris.

08/18/2022: Application submitted for retention of demolition to grade in deviation of a CofA.

Context Photos:

Previous & Current Condition Photos:

HDLC Approved Drawings & Certificate of Appropriateness:

Assessor' Office Valuation:

Initial Email Notification of Demolition From Applicant:

Efforts to Save Structure - Submitted by Applicant:

Contractor Scope of Work - Submitted by Applicant:

Site Photos Prior to Demolition - Submitted by Applicant:

Street View:

Written Public Comment:

HDLC Guidelines:

12: 23-24 – Guidelines for New Construction, Additions and Demolition