CHAPTER 1210:  HISTORIC PRESERVATION

1210.01  POLICY AND PURPOSE.

The City hereby declares as a matter of public policy that the preservation, protection, perpetuation and use of areas, places, structures, works of art or similar objects having a special historical or aesthetic interest or value are a public necessity and are required in the interest of the health, prosperity, safety and welfare of the people. (Webster Dictionary – necessity – 1. the state or fact of being inevitable or necessary. 2. something essential, esp. to existence. 3. poverty; great need. 4. compulsion.)
The purpose of this chapter is to:

(a)     Preserve and protect the heritage of the City by delineating structures, sites and areas that reflect the City’s cultural, social, economic and architectural history;

(b)     Stabilize and improve property values;

(c)     Protect and enhance the City’s attractions to residents, tourists and visitors, and to encourage business and industry;

(d)     Foster civic pride in the beauty and notable accomplishments of the past;

(e)     Strengthen the economy of the City;

(f)      Protect and enhance the visual and aesthetic character, diversity and interest in the City;

(g)     Promote the use and preservation of historic sites and structures for the education and general welfare of the residents of the City;

(h)     Safeguard the property rights of the owners whose property is declared to be an historic site or is located in an area designated as an historic district;

(i)      Develop appropriate settings for designated historic sites or historic districts; and

(j)      Establish a Council on Landmarks and Historic Districts.

(Ord. O91‑19, passed 3‑5‑1991)