(a) The purpose of this chapter is to promote the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the City by providing for the identification, protection, enhancement, perpetuation and use of areas, places, buildings, public interior portions of buildings, structures, works of art and other objects having a special historical, community or aesthetic interest or value, so that the following objectives are reached:
(1) To maintain and enhance the distinctive and/or aesthetic character, diversity and interest of the City.
(2) To safeguard the architectural integrity of the City's designated historic preservation districts (HPD) and historic properties (HP).
(3) To safeguard the heritage of the City by preserving places, sites, buildings and structures, which reflect elements of the City's cultural, social, economic, political, architectural or archaeological heritage.
(4) To seek alternatives to demolition or incompatible alterations in the HPD and to HPs before such acts are performed.
(5) To afford the widest possible scope of continuing vitality through private renewal and architectural creativity within appropriate controls and standards.
(b) The purpose of the HPD or HP nomination and designation provided for in this chapter is to contribute to the economic, recreational, cultural and educational development of the City by:
(1) Fostering a sense of community identification and civic pride by preserving areas, places, buildings, public interior portions of buildings, structures, works of art and other objects which reflect periods, events in history, notable accomplishments of the past and significant persons of the community and its region;
(2) Protecting and enhancing the City's attributes for residents, prospective residents, visitors and tourists;
(3) Strengthening the economy of the City;
(4) Stabilizing and improving property values;
(5) Facilitating the reinvestment in and revitalization of certain districts and neighborhoods;
(6) Promoting use and preservation of historic sites and structures for the education and general welfare of residents of the City.
(Ord. 15-14. Passed 3-17-2014.)