Historic Element of Arcata's General PlanArcata General Plan: Chapter 5
HISTORIC ELEMENT
5.4 INTRODUCTION
Arcata's Historical and Cultural Resources. For centuries before the
arrival of European-American settlers in 1850, Arcata and the Humboldt
Bay region were the home of the Wiyot. An Algonquian-speaking people,
the Wiyot lived along the lower Mad River, other local streams, and
along Humboldt Bay. Their way of life was shaped by the remarkable
surroundings of forested hills, bountiful streams and rivers, and the
Pacific and Bay shores, which generously provided for both their
survival and cultural needs.
Humboldt Bay was located by European-Americans for the first time in
1849. The discovery of gold in the Trinity and Klamath River regions
resulted in large numbers of settlers coming to the area. The
displacement, disease, violence, and cultural disintegration
accompanying white settlement brought almost total annihilation to the
Wiyot peoples. Today, the Wiyots are, for the most part, associated
with three Humboldt Bay area rancherias. They are involved in various
tribal economic projects and in the revitalization of cultural
traditions such as language, basket weaving, ceremonies, and reclaiming
ancestral lands.
Arcata, first known as Union, was settled in the spring of 1850 as a
supply center for the interior mining districts. The townsite at the
foot of Fickle Hill was selected by the Union Company and subdivided
into blocks and lots. A wharf was soon constructed into Arcata Bay with
a horse-drawn railway connecting to the Plaza, where merchandising
establishments supplied both the miners and growing numbers of
residents.
The importance of gold, however, was soon eclipsed by lumbering. It was
timber resources - particularly the vast, virgin forests of giant
redwoods which covered the ridges and valleys along California's north
coast - that sustained the development of Arcata through the 19th
century and into the mid-twentieth century. By 1930 Arcata's population
had reached 1,700 and was growing. A public water system and fire
department came along in 1884, followed by the Arcata Union newspaper
in 1886, electricity in 1895, railroad connections with San Francisco
in 1914, the establishment of Humboldt State Normal School (now
Humboldt State University) in 1914, and the Redwood Highway in 1925
[Susie Van Kirk: Touring Arcata's Architecture, 1988].
Many fine examples of both residential and commercial structures from
Arcata's early history survive today. The Plaza itself, with the statue
of McKinley (1906) at its center, dates from the town's beginnings, and
recalls the "greens" of New England or the town squares of the south.
Although none of the original 1850s buildings around the Plaza remain,
a variety of classical revival and false-front buildings from the
turn-of-the century survive around its perimeter. The Plaza remains the
city's commercial hub to the present day. Many of the commercial
buildings have been restored, best exemplified by the Jacoby Building
(1857), which pioneered modern-day historical preservation endeavors in
the city with its restoration in 1977.
An inventory of Arcata's historical structures and sites in 1979 [Susie
Van Kirk: Reflections of Arcata's History: eighty years of
architecture, 1979] identified four early periods of residential
building styles: settlement (1850-1885) Victorian (1885-1900),
Transitional (1900-1910) and Craftsman (1910-1930), in addition to the
modern period (1930-present). The City's first historic preservation
ordinance [Ordinance No. 935] was adopted by the City Council in 1980.
Since that time, 85 structures or sites have been formally designated
by ordinance as local historic landmarks. The City's Historic
Landmarks, Neighborhood Conservation Areas , and Specific Plan
Districts are shown on Figures HP-a and HP-b.
Guiding Principles and Goals.
A. Promote preservation of structures and sites that are
representative of the various periods of the city's social and physical
development.
B. Preserve the historical character of the Plaza and the surrounding
commercial district.
C. Encourage owners of eligible structures to seek historic landmark
status and to invest in restoration efforts.
D. Conserve the many examples of early residential building styles
found in the city's older neighborhoods, from Bayside to Arcata
Heights.
E. Assure that new construction and additions to existing
historically-designated buildings maintain the character and livability
of the historic neighborhoods.
F. Promote interest in and appreciation of the value of Arcata's
history and its heritage of historic buildings.
G. Encourage tourism and economic development through historic
resource preservation.
H. Prevent destruction of archaeological and cultural resources and
assure that any artifacts receive proper disposition.
5.5 POLICIES
The Historical Preservation Element contains the following policies:
H-1 ..Historic Landmarks
H-2 ..Noteworthy Structures
H-3 ..Arcata Plaza Area Historic District
H-4 ..Neighborhood Conservation Areas
H-5 ..Controls on Demolitions of Structures
H-6 ..Public Participation, Information, and Education Policy
H-7 ..Archaeological and Cultural Resources
POLICY H-1 HISTORIC LANDMARKS
Objective. Designate and preserve significant structures and sites that
are representative of the city's social and physical development; that
are reminders of past eras, events, and persons important in local,
state, or national history; which provide significant examples of
architectural styles of the past; or which are unique and irreplaceable
assets to the city, and the neighborhood in which the structure or site
is located.
H-1a
National Register and State Historic Landmarks designations. The City
encourages owners of eligible structures to request National Register
and State Historical Landmarks designations for their properties. As of
1998, three National Register sites have been designated: the Arcata
Hotel (on the Plaza), the Whaley House (14th and H Streets), and the
Schorlig House (1050 12th Street). The Jacoby Storehouse is among the
State Registered Historical Landmarks.
H-1b
Local Historic Landmarks designations. Structures or sites having
special character or special historic, architectural, or aesthetic
interest or value shall be designated as local Historic Landmarks. Such
structures or sites shall be protected from demolition and
inappropriate alterations. Locally designated Historic Landmarks are
shown in Figure HP-a and are listed in Table HP-1, at the end of the
Element. An updated inventory of structures and sites eligible for
designation as a Local Historic Landmark shall be maintained by the
City. One or more of the following criteria shall be required for a
structure or site to be eligible for listing:
1. The building or site is particularly representative of a distinct
architectural period, type, style, or way of life.
2. The building is of a type or style which was once common but is now
rare.
3. The building is at least 50 years old.
4. The building or site is connected with a person or event important
to local history.
5. The architect or builder is famous or well-recognized.
6. The building's style, construction method, or materials are unusual
or significant.
7. The overall effect of the design or building details are beautiful
or unusual.
8. The building contains original materials or workmanship of high or
unusual value.
H-1c
Historic Landmarks (HL) combining zone. The City shall formally
designate Historic Landmarks with a special combining zone in the Land
Use Code. The zone shall serve as a disclosure of the importance of the
structure and of the limitations placed on its alteration or
demolition. The request for designation may be initiated by the owner,
City Council, Planning Commission, or the Historical Landmarks
Commission. If initiated by the City, the owner shall be notified and
be able to contest the process.
H-1d
Discretionary review and approval requirements for demolition.
[See policy H-5].
H-1e
Design review approval for alterations and additions. The following
types of changes to a structure designated by the HL combining zone
shall not be permitted without first obtaining approval of the Historic
Landmarks Commission:
1. Any exterior modifications or alterations, including changes in
materials.
2. Interior alterations that would affect the exterior appearance.
3. Any addition to the designated structure.
4. Construction of a new building on a parcel with a designated
Historic Landmark.
H-1f
Design criteria for alterations of and additions to local Historic
Landmarks. At the discretion of the Community Development Director
and/or Historical Landmarks Commission, an owner proposing any
construction or alteration that may affect the historical character of
the structure may be required to obtain an analysis of the proposed
changes by a cultural resources consultant or other knowledgeable
professional to determine the impact on the building's historical
features.
In modifying historic structures, the distinguishing original qualities
or character of the building shall not be destroyed. The removal or
alteration of any historic material or distinctive architectural
feature shall be avoided whenever possible. Whenever practicable
deteriorated architectural features shall be repaired or restored
rather than replaced. Contemporary design for additions are not
prohibited when such additions are compatible with and do not destroy
the historical or architectural character of the property.
H-1g
Preservation Incentives. To encourage property owners to obtain local
Historic Landmark designation, the City will provide the following
incentives or assistance:
1. Exemption from the requirements to provide any additional off-street
parking, except for additions 200 or more square feet in size.
2. Exemption, for nonconforming uses, from Land Use Code limitations
pertaining to non-conforming structures and site conditions.
3. Compliance with the State Historic Building Code and portions of
the Uniform Code for Building Conservation, rather than the current
edition of the Uniform Building Code.
4. Conservation easements for facades that may provide tax advantages
to the donor.
5. Establishment of a Mills Act program, by the City, which would
provide property tax reductions for historic properties subject to
program criteria.
6. Facade rehabilitation grants or loans, through the Community
Development Agency, for designated historic commercial structures.
H-1h
Historical Landmarks on the Humboldt State University campus. The City
encourages HSU to initiate procedures for the recognition and
protection, in compliance with Public Resources Code Section 5024, of
historic structures and other historic resources on the campus. The
following structures, located on the HSU campus, are hereby identified
as local Historic Landmarks.
1. Founders Hall
3. Nelson Hall
2. Gist Hall
4. Jenkins Hall
H-1i
Historical Landmarks Commission (HLC). The City Council shall create a
Historical Landmarks Commission consisting of persons having knowledge,
by virtue of training or experience, of Arcata's social and building
history or of design and building. The Commission shall promote public
involvement and education in preserving Arcata's heritage of older
buildings.
POLICY H-2 NOTEWORTHY STRUCTURES
Objective. Identify and encourage retention of structures which could
qualify as historical landmarks, but are not currently designated.
Although some of these structures may lack the level of significance
attached to designated landmarks, they have an architectural or design
character which represents particular building styles or eras in the
City's development, and they contribute to the overall character and
historical texture of a neighborhood.
H-2a
Noteworthy structures list. The City shall direct the Historical
Landmarks Commission to recommend and keep current a "Noteworthy
Structures" list, and encourage retention of these structures.
Noteworthy structures are those which may not have complete
documentation as to their historical or architectural merit but which
have notable characteristics. In order to be eligible for listing, a
structure should have one of the following attributes:
1. Representative of a particular architectural style.
2. Representative of a period in the city's historical development.
3. Associated with social history of the city.
4. Of unusual or special design character.
H-2b
Incentives, list preparation, notification, and future landmark
designation. Those properties listed as noteworthy structures shall be
eligible for the following incentives and assistance:
1. Exemption from the requirements to provide any additional off-street
parking, except for additions 200 or more square feet in size.
2. Exemption, for nonconforming uses, from Land Use Code limitations
pertaining to non-conforming structures and site conditions.
3. Compliance with the State Historic Building Code and portions of
the Uniform Code for Building Conservation, rather than the current
edition of the Uniform Building Code.
4. Conservation easements for facades that may provide tax advantages
to the donor.
5. Facade rehabilitation grants or loans, through the Community
Development Agency, for designated historic commercial structures.
The Historical Landmarks Commission shall notify the owners of property
being considered for placement on the list. Those owners shall be given
the opportunity to contest and appeal the listing. There shall also be
a procedure established for properties to be removed from the list. The
owners of properties listed as having noteworthy structures are
encouraged to apply for Historic Landmark designation.
H-2c
Noteworthy structures on Humboldt State University campus. The Wagner
House located on campus is hereby identified as a noteworthy structure.
The City requests that all structures ofhistoric value be preserved and
protected from demolition and from alterations or additions that are
incompatible with their historical character. Noteworthy structures on
the HSU campus will be added to the noteworthy structures list
developed by the City pursuant to H-2a.
H-2d
Design review approval. Design Review Commission review and approval,
with input from the Historic Landmarks Commission, shall be required
for all exterior alterations to noteworthy structures, when or if
alterations require a building permit, including changes in types of
materials and additions.
H-2e
Design criteria for alterations and additions. Prior to approval of any
exterior change, the Design Review Commission shall make findings of
fact that the alteration or addition is compatible with and does not
destroy the historical or architectural character of the property and
the immediate neighborhood.
H-2f
Demolition Controls. [See policy H-5].
POLICY H-3 ARCATA PLAZA AREA HISTORIC DISTRICT
Objective. Protect and preserve the Arcata Plaza and the older
structures that border the adjacent streets and help define the Plaza's
character, for the unique historical, architectural, aesthetic, and
economic values that it represents to the city.
H-3a
Arcata Plaza Historic District. The Plaza Area has a special character
and unique historical, aesthetic and cultural interest and significance
to the residents and businesses of Arcata. Reflecting its central place
in Arcata's heritage and identity, the Plaza Area, as shown on Figure
HP-a, is hereby designated as a local historic district.
H-3b
Historic District combining zone. The Plaza Area Historic District
shall, by ordinance pursuant to the Land Use Code, be designated within
the Landmark Historic District Combining Zone. Structures within the
Historic District shall receive the same protections as are provided to
individually-designated Historic Landmarks.
H-3c
Controls on demolition. [Policy H-5 applies.]
H-3d
Design review approval. Review and approval by the Design Review
Commission shall be required for all exterior alterations of and
additions to structures located within the Plaza Area Historic
District.
H-3e
Design criteria for alterations and additions. [policies D-2e and D-2g
shall apply]
H-3f
Regulatory and other incentives for preservation. In addition to the
regulatory and other incentives in H-1g, the following shall also
apply:
1. The City Council, with the help of the Historic Landmarks Commission
and the Historical Sites Society of Arcata, shall develop a
commemorative plaque program to provide special identification of
historical structures.
2. Non-conforming uses that have historical value will be allowed to
continue.
H-3g
Arcata Plaza as a historic site. The Arcata Plaza Historic District
includes at its center the city park known as the Arcata Plaza. The
following principal features of the Plaza which define its historical
character shall be preserved:
1. The McKinley Statue at the center of the Plaza.
2. The generally symmetrical pattern of walkways.
3. The open nature of the Plaza and the absence of buildings within it.
4. The Women's Christian Temperance Union drinking fountain on "H"
Street.
5. The existing Plaza palm trees.
POLICY H-4 NEIGHBORHOOD CONSERVATION AREAS (NCAs) AND SPECIFIC PLANSObjective. Designate the Central Arcata, Arcata Heights, Bayview, and
Bayside areas as Neighborhood Conservation Areas and assure that new
construction, modifications or alterations of noteworthy structures,
and significant changes to other structures are harmonious with the
existing character of these neighborhoods.
H-4a
Neighborhood Conservation Areas. The following NCAs, with the
boundaries shown in Figure HP-b, are hereby established:
1. Bayview Conservation Area.
3. "Central" Conservation Area.
2. Arcata Heights Conservation Area.
H-4b
Demolition controls. [See policy H-5.]
H-4c
Design review. All structures located within an NCA, including
single-family houses, historic structures identified in specific plans,
and existing structures with exterior alterations or renovation of more
than 25 percent of the floor and/or exterior wall area, shall be
subject to approval. Prior to approval, the finding must be made that
the design will be compatible with the existing character of the NCA.
H-4d
Rehabilitation assistance programs. Any City-sponsored or assisted
rehabilitation programs shall give priority to qualifying structures
within the boundaries of NCAs. Such rehabilitation shall be consistent
with the architectural and aesthetic character of the area and the
individual structure.
H-4e
Design criteria for alterations and additions. Prior to approval of any
exterior change requiring a building permit, the Design Review
Commission shall make a finding that the alteration or addition is
compatible with and does not destroy the historical or architectural
character of the property and the surrounding neighborhood conservation
area.
H-4f
Specific Plan Districts. The following Specific Plan Districts, with
boundaries shown in Figures HP-b and HP-c, are hereby established:
1. Bayside Specific Plan District.
2. "South of Samoa" (SOS) Specific Plan District.
Specific Plans prepared for these Districts will include preservation
measures for historic and noteworthy structures.
POLICY H-5 CONTROLS ON DEMOLITIONS OF STRUCTURES
Objective. To prevent the premature demolition of existing buildings
without first evaluating whether they are contributory to the
historical or architectural character of the City or neighborhood and
to consider the potential for preservation of those found to contribute
to such character.
H-5a
Discretionary demolition review required. No building within the City
shall be demolished, in whole or in part, without review and approval
by the Historical Landmarks Commission prior to issuance of a
Demolition Permit. A Notice of Proposed Demolition shall be provided to
all property owners within a 300-foot radius and to the Historical
Sites Society of Arcata.
Prior to its decision, the HLC shall consider the recommendations of
the Historical Sites Society of Arcata or its designated
representative. For partial demolitions, the applicant shall be
required to submit a demolition plan showing those portions to be
demolished and those to be retained. The following findings shall be
required to approve demolition permit:
1. The building does not contribute to the historical or aesthetic
character of the neighborhood or the city.
2. Although the building does have historical or aesthetic merit, it:
a. has sustained substantial damage to key structural components, and
b. there are no feasible alternatives to demolition of the building.
H-5b
Waiting period for demolition of designated landmarks. Any approved
demolition permit for designated historical landmarks shall be
automatically subject to a delay of 180 days before the building permit
for demolition may be issued by the City.
H-5c
Deconstruction of older buildings. In those instances where demolition
is authorized, it is encouraged that the buildings be deconstructed and
that building components, fixtures, and materials be salvaged for
future re-use.
POLICY H-6 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION, INFORMATION, AND EDUCATION POLICY
Objective. Promote public awareness of the City's historical heritage
and resources, provide information and education about the methods and
techniques to protect and enhance the quality of these resources, and
encourage public participation in preserving Arcata's historical
heritage.
H-6a
Role of Historical Sites Society of Arcata (HSSA). The City shall send
notice to the HSSA on all matters pertaining the preservation of
historical resources. These include, but are not limited to, requests
for comments on proposed Historic Landmarks, additions to the list of
noteworthy structures, and proposed alteration or demolition of such
structures.
The HSSA may submit its comments to the Historical Landmarks
Commission. In consultation with the HSSA and the HLC, the Community
Development Department shall prepare a brochure which provides
guidelines and federal standards for restoration, alteration, and
additions to historical landmark and noteworthy structures. The HSSA is
also designated as the organization to oversee the operation of
Phillips House Museum of the City of Arcata.
H-6b
Commemorative plaques for historical structures. In order to provide
greater recognition and identification of designated historical
landmark structures and to comply with federal standards, a
commemorative plaque program should be developed. The HSSA is
encouraged to be the lead organization for this effort.
H-6c
Informational guides and walking tours. The City encourages the HSSA
and Arcata Chamber of Commerce to prepare informational guides or
walking tour guides for Arcata's most significant historical resources.
The purposes of the tour guide(s) are to promote appreciation of the
community's heritage sites and contribute to Arcata's tourism
attractions.
H-6d
Brochure on benefits and advantages for designating historical
landmarks. The Arcata Community Development Department shall prepare an informational brochure which describes the benefits and advantages of
having structures or sites designated as local Historic Landmarks.
POLICY H-7 ARCHEOLOGICAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES
Objective. Protect and preserve Native American and Euro-American
archeological sites and cultural resources within the City of Arcata.
H-7a
Cultural Resources Project Review. As part of the environmental and
project review process, the City of Arcata shall enter into a
Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Northwest Information Center of the Historical Resources Information System of the State of California.
Under the MOA, all proposed discretionary projects under the California
Environmental Quality Act shall be subject to cultural resources
sensitivity review by the Northwest Information Center. In order to
provide a context for city projects, for the evaluation of cultural
significance and for the interpretation of the results of cultural
resources project reviews, the City of Arcata shall contract for a
general prehistoric, ethnographic, and historic overview of the city
and its environs.
H-7b
Archaeological Surface Reconnaissance. If the cultural resources
project review determines that the project is located in an area with a
high probability of archaeological resources, an archaeological survey
by a professional archaeologist or other qualified expert shall be
performed.
H-7c
Mitigation of potential impacts on archeological resources. If the
results of the surface reconnaissance show that the project area
contains a resource of cultural significance, and if it is demonstrated
that a project will cause damage to such a resource, the City may
require reasonable efforts to be made to permit any or all of these
resources to be preserved in place or left in an undisturbed state.
Examples of other treatment include, but are not limited to, the
following:
1. Modifying the project to avoid portions of the site with
archaeological resources.
2. Providing or conveying easements or other deed restrictions.
3. Capping or covering archaeological resources with a soil layer
before construction.
4. Planning open space to incorporate archaeological sites.
H-7d
Monitoring of Construction. In appropriate circumstances, when
archaeological resources are likely to be present at a construction
site, monitoring of excavation and other soil disturbing activities by
archeological and/or Native American observers shall be required.
H-7f
Discovery of archeological resources. Upon discovery of archeological
or paleontological materials, all grading or other land-disturbing
construction activities at the site shall be suspended until the nature
of the cultural resources has been ascertained and the appropriate
disposition method determined.