(a) The Ashtabula Historic Preservation Commission established by Chapter 167 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Ashtabula shall prepare a comprehensive plan for the Harbor Historic District so that any new construction, preservation, restoration, reconstruction and rehabilitation of homes, commercial establishments or other structures shall conform to the epochal period of 1885 to 1925.
(b) The Commission shall have the sole responsibility for permitting by approval of application of any property owner within the District, alteration, construction, preservation, restoration, reconstruction or rehabilitation of any home, commercial establishment or other structure within such District.
(c) Subject to the review of the City Planning Commission, the Commission shall have the exclusive power in determining to permit the razing or demolition of any structure within the District, unless such demolition is specifically ordered by the appropriate State or local fire, health or building officials by reason of imminent threat to the public health or safety.
(d) The Commission shall determine the appropriateness of applications regarding alteration, construction, preservation, restoration, reconstruction and rehabilitation of structures and changes to any landscaping within the District in accord with the following standards set forth by the National Trust for Historic Preservation:
(1) General design and arrangement;
(2) Texture, material and color;
(3) Exterior architectural features, including signs subject to public view from a public street, way or place;
(4) The extent to which the building, structure or landscaping would be harmonious with or incongruous to the old and historic aspect of the surroundings of the District;
(5) The extent to which such preservation, restoration, reconstruction and rehabilitation shall promote the general welfare by maintaining and increasing real estate values, generating business, creating new positions, attracting tourists, students, writers, historians, artists and artisans, attracting new residents and making the City a more attractive and desirable place in which to live.
(e) The Commission shall have the power, upon approval of the Planning Commission and through City Council, to acquire by eminent domain, or otherwise, easements, or any other interest, in real property and the buildings thereon, or any part thereof, for the purpose of securing conformity of any real property and the buildings thereon, or any part thereof, in the District to the epochal period 1885 to 1925.
(f) In addition to the powers and duties hereinbefore specifically enumerated, the Commission shall have all powers now or hereafter conferred upon the Commission as are now or may hereafter be granted by Charter or by ordinance of the City, or any plan, or part of a plan made by the City Planning Commission, or any act or proceeding of the Planning Commission.
(Ord. 2019-90. Passed 8-5-19.)