(A) Title. This subchapter shall be known as the commercial architectural review subchapter of the city and may be so cited.
(B) Purpose.
(1) The Common Council of the city hereby finds that the city has for many years carefully nurtured its Swiss customs and many commercial buildings have been erected and reconstructed to create recognizably Swiss-themed structures, and today the city welcomes all visitors with the warmth of old world charm and Swiss hospitality and that many communities today, including the city are experiencing a widespread, and profitable, ethnic rebirth. Across the country, once dormant small towns and inner-city neighborhoods are organizing new ethnic festivals, rediscovering forgotten recipes and constructing landscapes that reflect the hunger for heritage among contemporary “hyphenated” Americans. Much of this refashioning of ethnicity stems from a heightening self-consciousness of group identity and a new ability to capitalize on the recognizable symbols of that identity. In short, a new ethnic form is emerging, and one that is based on the twin concerns of public memory and tourism. The city recognizes many local efforts to create recognizably Swiss-themed places in its commercial buildings and structures.
(2) In addition, the city finds that bizarre, garish or otherwise inappropriate exterior design and appearance of buildings, structures and improvements erected in commercial areas adversely affects the desirability of immediately adjacent and neighboring properties, impairs the benefits of occupancy as to existing properties in such areas, and in the city as a whole, and prevents the optimum use of real estate in the city.
(C) Therefore, in order to encourage the construction of attractive buildings which create recognizably themed places by the designation of architectural review districts, to protect and promote the general welfare and to prevent deterioration of the appearance of the city which would tend to create hazards to public health, safety and morals, destroy opportunity for the development of business and industry, and thereby deteriorate taxable land values and commence below levels necessary to finance acceptable levels of municipal services, it is the purpose of this subchapter to provide for the designation of architectural review districts and to establish a Committee to preview the exterior appearance of buildings, structures, and improvements proposed for alteration or erection in such districts and to set standards and procedures to be followed by such Committee.
(Ord. 649, passed 2-10-14)