STATEMENT OF ISSUE
This agenda item requests an amendment to the Official Zoning Map to change the zone classification from the (RP-2) Residential Preservation-2 Zoning District to the (RP-2) Residential Preservation-2 Zoning District with (HPO) Historic Preservation Overlay, and to add the property to the Local Register of Historic Places. The Earp House was built in 1948 and is a bungalow style home. The property is located on the east side of North Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., approximately 205’ south of 6th Avenue, and contains approximately 0.09 acres. The house has been altered with replacement windows and asbestos siding, but these alterations were done prior to the current owners’ purchase of the home and are reversible. The home is of the type and style of architecture associated with the original concept of the neighborhood. The proposed ordinance is included as Attachment 1 and a general location map is included as Attachment 2.

On October 1, 2008, the Tallahassee-Leon County Architectural Review Board recommended that the above-referenced property (Parcel ID 21-25-43- O-0200) be added to the local register of historic places and be placed under an historic preservation overlay (Attachment 3). The addition of this property on the local register would make it eligible for certain City grant and loan programs, and would also provide additional protections to the building in the event of redevelopment.

RECOMMENDED ACTION
Option 1: Introduce Ordinance No. 09-Z-03, proposed amendment to the Official Zoning Map to change the zoning classification from the RP-2 (Residential Preservation-2) Zoning District to the RP-2 (Residential Preservation-2) Zoning District with HPO (Historic Preservation Overlay), add the property to the Local Register of Historic Places, and set the first and only public hearing date for January 28, 2009.

FISCAL IMPACT
Staff time required to process the rezoning and costs associated with local and State advertising requirements.

SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL/ISSUE ANALYSIS
HISTORY/FACTS & ISSUES

HISTORY

Original Zoning: Prior to adoption of the City of Tallahassee Zoning, Site Plan and Subdivision Regulations in 1992, this parcel was zoned RM-1, Single, Two, Three, Four and Multiple Family Dwellings.

1992: The City of Tallahassee adopted the City of Tallahassee Zoning, Site Plan and Subdivision Regulations. At this time, the property was changed to CU, Central Urban, which is a performance based zoning district allowing a large array of uses dependent on factors such as roadway classification and surrounding land uses.

November, 1997: The City of Tallahassee implemented “Site Specific Zoning” and the subject site remained CU (Central Urban).

March 28, 2007: The City Commission approved a rezoning from CU (Central Urban) to RP-2, Single Family and Duplex District.

October 1, 2008: The Architectural Review Board voted 4-3 to include the property at 1227 North Martin Luther King Boulevard in the Tallahassee-Leon County Register of Historic Places.

January 6, 2009: The Tallahassee-Leon County Planning Commission held a public hearing on this item.

January 14, 2009: This Ordinance will be introduced to the City Commission.

FACTS
Built in 1948, this single story, bungalow style home located in the Midtown area has many characteristics indicative of that time period. The exterior of the home appears to have remained relatively unchanged from the time it was built. The original tongue and groove, cherry pine wooden ceiling remains throughout the home.

Public Notification and Response
The application is a Type D review and requires City Commission action. This request has been noticed and advertised in accordance with the provisions of the Tallahassee Land Development Regulations. The Planning Department mailed 219 notices to property owners within 1,000 feet of the subject property. To date, the Planning Department has received one letter supporting the application.

CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS
N/A

OPTIONS

1. Introduce Ordinance No. 09-Z-03, proposed amendment to the Official Zoning Map to change the zoning classification from the RP-2 (Residential Preservation-2) Zoning District to the RP-2 (Residential Preservation-2) Zoning District with HPO (Historic Preservation Overlay), add the property to the Local Register of Historic Places, and set the public hearing date for January 28, 2009.

2. Do not introduce Ordinance No. 09-Z-03, retaining the existing RP-2 Zoning District, and do not set the public hearing date.

3. Provide alternative direction to staff.

ATTACHMENTS/REFERENCES

1. Proposed Ordinance
2. General Location & Aerial Map
3. Tallahassee-Leon County Architectural Review Board Nomination Application Packet