Title
REPORT TO HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Receive the Public Review Draft of 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.
On June 5, 2024, the Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) provided input to refine the Study’s focus before ARG proceeded with the research and drafting of the public draft report. The public draft was released on January 10, 2025 on the project website at: <https://www.sunnyvale.ca.gov/business-and-development/projects-in-sunnyvale/long-range-planning-initiatives/heritage-resources-inventory-update> Members of the public have until February 10, 2025 to provide comments to staff, and can also comment at the January 23, 2025 HPC hearing. ARG will present their findings of the report at the same hearing. Staff requests initial feedback and direction on approaches for properties recommended to be added to the inventory as well as review criteria.
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 1). 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 (Attachment 2).
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 action 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 for the following:
• Whether there is interest in formally nominating the recommended properties as heritage resources.
• Assist staff in clarifying the historic review requirements for heritage resources designated as “sites” due to their diminished physical integrity.
• Assist staff in developing project review requirements tailored to technological properties.
Additionally, feedback regarding the following future efforts beyond the scope of this study is requested:
• Strategies for interpretation and education about Sunnyvale’s technological history.
• Collaboration with technology-related groups to identify additional properties meeting the heritage resource evaluation criteria.
• Identifying the location of the Lockheed Missiles and Space Company Hubble Telescope Assembly Facility.
• Information on emerging technological themes and later periods of innovation beyond the year 1990.
Staff will take the commission’s feedback into consideration for developing the next steps of the project. Please refer to Attachment 3 for the Public Review Draft Report Heritage Inventory Update and Attachment 4 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. In addition, the agenda and report are available at the 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. The Public Review Draft Report of the Heritage Inventory Update is also posted on the project webpage on the City’s website.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Provide feedback and direction on approaches for properties recommended to be added to the inventory as well as review criteria.
Prepared by: Momo Ishijima, Senior Planner
Approved by: George Schroeder, Principal Planner
ATTACHMENTS
1. Study Issue Paper CDD 19-05
2. 1996 Study on Historical Technological Events
3. Public Review Draft Report Heritage Inventory Update
4. Architectural Resources Group presentation