Agenda Item Wording:
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Revised Resolution - Adoption of Revised Resolution No. 2025-27 pertaining to the upholding of an appeal in accordance with the City Council's prior action taken for Historic Preservation Advisory Committee Item No. 2025-05, a request to replace 48 windows on a single-family residence located in the Downtown Mixed Use Zone. The project site is located at 410 North Court Street (APN: 094-271-006).
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Prepared by:
Cristobal Carrillo, Associate Planner, (559) 713-4443, cristobal.carrillo@visalia.city <mailto:cristobal.carrillo@visalia.city>;
Paul Bernal, Planning and Community Preservation Director, (559) 713-4025, paul.bernal@visalia.city <mailto:paul.bernal@visalia.city>.
Department Recommendation:
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt Revised Resolution No. 2025-27, upholding an appeal of the denial of HPAC Item No. 2025-05, in response to the action taken by City Council following a public hearing on May 5, 2025.
Summary:
On May 5, 2025, the City Council considered an appeal of the Historic Preservation Advisory Committee’s (HPAC) denial of HPAC Item No. 2025-05. After receiving the staff report, staff’s presentation, consideration of the appeal request, and public comment, the City Council voted 4-1 (Councilmember Soto voting No) to uphold the appeal, and reversing the HPAC’s decision thereby permitting the approval to replace 48 windows at 410 North Court Street. Based on that decision, a revised resolution has been prepared for formal adoption reflecting the decision of the City Council on May 5, 2025.
Background Discussion:
The applicant, Kevin Fistolera, filed HPAC Item No. 2025-05, requesting to replace 48 wood windows with vinyl windows, on a single-family residence listed on the Local Register of Historic Structures with a “Focus” classification, located within the Historic District. The application was heard by the HPAC at a public hearing on April 9, 2025, and was recommended for approval by staff based on the justifications and conditions noted in the staff report for HPAC Item No. 2025-05 (see Attachment 5). The proposal failed to be approved by a vote of 5 to 2 as a result of mitigating factors discussed by the Committee members at the meeting.
On April 14, 2025, the Visalia City Clerk received an appeal of the HPAC’s denial. The appeal states that the HPAC’s denial should be overturned based on the following:
1. That there is precedence for the approval of wood window replacement,
2. That the proposal adequately preserves the buildings appearance, and
3. That the proposal would improve the energy efficiency of the structure.
Fiscal Impact:
The project will not result in any fiscal impact to the City.
Prior Council Action:
On May 5, 2025, the City Council held a public hearing to consider an appeal of the Historic Preservation Advisory Committee’s denial of HPAC Item No. 2025-05. The appeal was upheld by a vote of 4 to 1.
Alternatives:
None.
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
recommendation
I move to adopt Revised Resolution No 2025-27, upholding the appeal of HPAC Item No. 2025-05.
CEQA Review:
No environmental review is required for projects that are considered non-discretionary in nature. Projects of an administrative, non-discretionary nature, are expected to be approved so long as they meet the requirements of the Visalia Municipal Code.
Deadline for Action: 6/2/2025
Attachments:
• Attachment 1: Revised Resolution No. 2025-27
• Attachment 2: May 5, 2025, City Council staff report