Tree Top Zone Change Page 2 of 10 <br />Map 18-03-04-23, Lot 01400 <br />May 11, 2026 <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />The Satre Group • 375 West 4th Avenue, Suite 201, Eugene, OR 97401 • (541) 686-4540 • www.satregroup.com <br />C. Development Objective <br />The development objective is to rezone the Tree Top Historic landmark from Low Density <br />Residential (R-1) to S -Area Tree Top House Historic Zone. The purpose of the proposed zone <br />change is to help ensure the long-term preservation of the Tree Top House and to support its <br />continued productive use and historic role within the community, while allowing the grounds to be <br />enhanced and allowing an accessory structure, an open-sided pavilion, to be constructed. See <br />Exhibit A – S -Area Tree Top House Historic Zone. <br /> <br />The applicant’s ultimate goal is to refurbish the interior of the existing historic residence to <br />accommodate modern updates, improve and restore the exterior while maintaining its historic <br />character, rehabilitate the carriage house, and enhance the surrounding grounds in a manner <br />consistent with the property’s historic significance and setting. <br /> <br />II. CRITERIA FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN S SPECIAL AREA ZONE <br />Establishment of an S Special Area zone is processed as a Type V application pursuant to EC 9.7500 <br />through EC 9.7560 (Type V Application Procedures) and evaluated against the approval criteria in EC <br />9.3020 and the required provisions of EC 9.3030. Application of an S -Area Special Area zone to a <br />defined geographic area is processed concurrently with adoption of the special area zone. Any future <br />application of the zone to additional specific properties would be processed as a separate zone <br />change request. <br /> <br />The proposed zone change to the S -Area Tree Top House Historic Zone is consistent with the <br />approval criteria set forth in EC 9.3020 (Criteria for Establishment of an S Special Area Zone) and the <br />required provisions of EC 9.3030 (Required Provisions of a Special Area Zone Ordinance), as <br />demonstrated by the findings and evidence provided below. <br /> <br />For clarity and ease of review, relevant sections of the Eugene Code are presented in italics, followed <br />by the applicant’s corresponding findings in regular type. <br /> <br />EC9.3020 Criteria for Establishment of an S - Special Area Zone. <br />Before adopting an ordinance establishing a S Special Area Zone, the city council shall find that the <br />proposal is in compliance with following criteria: <br />(1) The area to which the S Special Area Zone is being applied meets at least one of the following <br />criteria: <br />(a) Is identified in the comprehensive plan or a refinement plan as appropriate for nodal <br />development or for a special range of uses or development that can best be achieved with <br />the use of a special area zone; or <br />(b) Possesses distinctive buildings or natural features that require special consideration to <br />ensure appropriate development, preservation, or rehabilitation. In order to be considered <br />distinctive, it must be demonstrated that: <br />1. The area is characterized by buildings that merit preservation in order to protect their <br />special features; or <br />2. The area contains natural features that have been identified by the city as worthy of <br />special treatment or preservation. <br /> <br />Response: As described in detail in this report and the attached materials, the Tree Top House is <br />listed on the Oregon Cultural Resource Inventory. Constructed between 1908 and 1910, the <br />residence is a significant historic resource distinguished by its scale and arc hitectural character. <br />The home contains 17 bedrooms and features Tenino stone façades, granite and shingle roofing <br />materials, and expansive verandas and terraces. These distinctive architectural elements, together <br />with the building’s historic associations and prominent setting, contribute to its significance and <br />warrant careful preservation and stewardship. <br /> <br />(2) An analysis of the area demonstrates how the uses and development standards of the S Special <br />Area zone ordinance will facilitate implementation of the planned use of the property or the <br />preservation or rehabilitation of distinctive buildings or natural features of benefit to the community.