REPORT TO HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Initial Direction on the Study to Update the Heritage Resource Inventory to Include Potential Resources Associated with Technological Innovation (Study Issue CDD 19-05)
File #: PLNG-2024-0298
Environmental Review: The action is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15306.
Project Planner: Momo Ishijima, (408) 730-7532, mishijima@sunnyvale.ca.gov <mailto:mishijima@sunnyvale.ca.gov>
Report
REPORT IN BRIEF
Sunnyvale has historically been at the center of Silicon Valley’s advanced technological innovation and that history is not reflected in the current Heritage Resource Inventory. The City has selected Architectural Resources Group (ARG), a historical consultant, to conduct research, collect information, facilitate outreach meetings, and evaluate properties for potential nomination to the Heritage Resource Inventory as it relates to technological innovations and advancements. Staff requests initial direction on the study components before proceeding to next steps.
BACKGROUND
The Heritage Resources Inventory was created in 1979 and has been updated periodically. The most recent comprehensive study in 2007 included a citywide survey for consideration of new neighborhood districts and individual heritage resources. Two neighborhoods and five properties were identified and further evaluated in 2009. However, none of these properties and neighborhoods were ultimately added to the inventory. The Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) has approved removal of several properties from the inventory over the years through requests by individual property owners when further study determined that they did not meet the City’s standards for heritage designation.
The designation of resources is generally associated with architecture, early industry, historical events, and prominent individuals. Although some important technological innovation has originated in Sunnyvale, the City does not currently have any heritage resources on the local list that are tied to advanced/high technology advancements. The City initiated a study in 1996 to identify historic electronic developments which have occurred in Sunnyvale and to acknowledge and celebrate these events (Attachment 3). The initial findings at the time were that most of the existing information was not focused enough on Sunnyvale, but rather on the greater Silicon Valley area. The Council subsequently decided to table the project and directed staff to conduct a minimal solicitation for interested parties that would like to take responsibility, such as the Sunnyvale Historical Society.
As development continues throughout Sunnyvale, the HPC expressed concerns over the loss of structures that may have historic value and sponsored this study issue on October 3, 2018 (see Attachment 1 for the study issue paper). The City Council ranked the study issue at the 2019 Study Issues and Budget Issues Workshop and directed it be combined with Study Issue CDD 18-02, Update and Review of the Heritage Resource Inventory. At the 2019 Budget Workshop, the Council appropriated $75,000 in funds for this technological resources study (CDD 19-05) but not the overall update to the Heritage Resource Inventory (CDD 18-02). CDD 18-02 was recently deferred by the Council at the 2024 Study Issues and Budget Issues Workshop and will be considered again in 2025.
EXISTING POLICY
The study supports the following General Plan Community Character Chapter goals and policies:
Goal CC-5 Protection of Sunnyvale’s Heritage
To enhance, preserve and protect Sunnyvale’s heritage including natural features, the built environment and significant artifacts.
Policy CC-5.4 Seek out, catalog and evaluate heritage resources which may be significant.
Goal CC-6 Knowledge of Sunnyvale’s Heritage
Promote knowledge of, and appreciation for, Sunnyvale’s heritage and encourage broad community participation in heritage programs and projects.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
A Class 6 Categorical Exemption (Section 15306 - Information Collection) relieves this project from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) provisions. This exemption includes information gathering as part of a study leading to an action which a public agency has not yet approved, adopted, or funded.
DISCUSSION
ARG will provide a presentation on the project and seek input from the HPC to refine the Study’s focus before staff proceeds with next steps.
The goals of the project are as follows:
• Recognize the significant contributions Sunnyvale has made to technological innovation that has influenced the community and beyond.
• Develop a better understanding of the historical events and industrial developments that have supported Sunnyvale’s leading role in generating technological innovation.
• Identify properties associated with significant technological innovation and determine which of those properties still exist.
• Designate properties on the Heritage Resource Inventory that convey significant instances of technological innovation.
Please refer to Attachment 2 for ARG’s presentation.
Public Contact
Public contact was made by posting the agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board at City Hall, at the Sunnyvale Public Library and in the Department of Public Safety Lobby. In addition, the agenda and report are available at the Sunnyvale Public Library, NOVA Workforce Services reception desk on the first floor of City Hall at 456 W. Olive Avenue (during normal business hours) and on the City’s website.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Alternative : Provide initial direction to staff and consultant to refine the focus of the study.
Staff
Prepared by: Momo Ishijima, Senior Planner
Approved by: George Schroeder, Principal Planner
ATTACHMENTS
1. Study Issue Paper CDD 19-05
2. Architectural Resources Group presentation
3. 1996 Study on Historical Technological Events