For use within this chapter the following are defined:
1. “Commission” means the Boone Historic Preservation Commission, as established by this chapter.
2. “Historic district” means an area which contains a significant portion of buildings, structures or other improvements which, considered as a whole, possesses integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling and association, and which area as a whole:
A. Embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period or method of construction, or that represents the work of a master, or that possesses high artistic value, or that represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction; or
B. Is associated with events that have made significant contributions to the broad patterns of our local, state or national history; or
C. Possesses a coherent and distinctive visual character or integrity based upon similarity of scale, design, color, setting, workmanship, materials, or combinations thereof, which is deemed to add significantly to the value and attractiveness of properties within such area; or
D. Is associated with the lives of persons significant in our past; or
E. Has yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important to prehistory or history.
3. “Historic Site” means a structure or building which:
A. Is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history; or
B. Is associated with the lives of persons significant in our past; or
C. Embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period or method of construction, or that represents the work of a master, or that possesses high artistic values, or that represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction; or
D. Has yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important to prehistory or history.
1. The Commission shall initially consist of five (5) members who shall be residents of the City.
2. Members of the Commission shall be appointed by the Mayor with the advice and consent of the Council. Members shall demonstrate a positive interest in historic preservation, possessing interest or expertise in architecture, architectural history, historic preservation, city planning, building rehabilitation, conservation in general or real estate.
3. The Commission members are appointed for staggered terms of three (3) years, to begin on January 1 following the year of appointment.
4. Vacancies occurring in the Commission, other than expiration of term of office, shall be only for the unexpired portion of the term of the member replaced.
5. Members may serve for more than one term and each member shall serve until the appointment of a successor.
6. Members shall serve without compensation.
7. A simple majority of the Commission shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
8. The Commission shall elect a Chairperson who shall preside over all Commission meetings and elect a Secretary who shall be responsible for maintaining written records of the Commission’s proceedings.
9. The Commission shall meet at least three (3) times a year.
1. The Commission may conduct studies for the identification and designation of historic districts and sites meeting the definitions established by this chapter, with Council approval. (The necessary inventory forms and procedures for this completion are available from the State Bureau of Historic Preservation.) The Commission may proceed at its own initiative or upon a petition from any person, group or association. The Commission shall maintain records of all studies and inventories for public use.
2. The Commission may make a recommendation to the State Bureau of Historic Preservation for the listing of an historic district or site in the National Register of Historic Places and may conduct a public hearing thereon.
3. The Commission may investigate and recommend to the Council the adoption of ordinances designating historic sites and historic districts if they qualify as defined herein.
4. In addition to those duties and powers specified above, the Commission may, with Council approval:
A. Accept unconditional gifts and donations of real and personal property, including money, for the purpose of historic preservation.
B. Acquire by purchase, bequest, or donation, fee and lesser interests in historic properties, including properties adjacent to or associated with historic properties.
C. Preserve, restore, maintain and operate historic properties under the ownership or control of the Commission.
D. Lease, sell and otherwise transfer or dispose of historic properties, subject to rights of public access and other covenants, and in a manner that will preserve the property.
E. Contract, with the approval of the Council, with the State or Federal government or other organizations.
F. Cooperate with the Federal, State and local governments in the pursuance of the objectives of historic preservation.
G. Provide information for the purpose of historic preservation to the Council.
H. Promote and conduct an educational and interpretative program on historic properties within its jurisdiction.