How was the Somerset Drive Historic District identified?

The proposed district was identified by a team of consultants who completed a historic resources survey of the Eastside and Casa Blanca neighborhoods in 2001.

What are the boundaries of the district?

The district is located on Somerset Drive with the address range from 4705 to 4858.

Have residents participated in the designation process?

Public participation in the designation process is required by City Council Resolution No. 18842. In September 2004 a meeting was held to assess community interest in the designation and to solicit volunteers to participate in a Neighborhood Advisory Committee (NAC). The committee was approved by City Council on October 12 and met that same evening to discuss the district name and boundaries. A public workshop was held on Monday, October 25 to explain the designation process and provide information regarding the benefit to and obligations of residents and property owners within a district.

Why is the district called Somerset Drive?

The district is obviously named for Somerset Drive. The NAC is considering changing the name to simply Somerset Historic District.

How will the district be designated?

The nomination will be considered in a public hearing by the Cultural Heritage Board on November 17, 2004, 3:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 3900 Main Street, Riverside. This meeting will be the opportunity for owners and residents of properties within the district to comment on the nomination. The district may then be designated by City Council upon the recommendation of the Cultural Heritage Board.

What are the responsibilities of owners and residents of properties in a historic district?

If your property is located within the Evergreen Quarter historic district, all exterior alterations, additions, repairs, and the like require a Certificate of Appropriateness application that must be reviewed by the Cultural Heritage Board and/or staff of the Planning Division. This includes alterations that do not require building permits. This does not mean you cannot make changes to a building. It does mean that proposed changes must be compatible with the existing architectural character and meet the City’s Residential Historic District Design Guidelines and design review criteria of the Cultural Resources Ordinance.

Are there any incentives to owning a home in a historic district?

The City offers a number of incentives to owners of designated historic properties which are described in this link to the city's Historic Preservation web page.

How can I find out more about the district?

Connect to the Historic Resources Inventory Database and search by district name to read about the significance of the district.