In considering the appropriateness of any proposed change to the exterior surface of structures or to the other environmental feature of the district, including treescaping and exterior signage and lighting, the Commission shall consider the following:
(A) The distinguishing original qualities or character of a period building, structure or site and their environment shall not be destroyed. The removal or alteration of any historic material or distinctive architectural features should be avoided.
(B) All buildings, structures, and sites shall be recognized as products of their own time. Alterations that have no historical basis and which seek to create an earlier appearance inconsistent to the original integrity of the building shall be discouraged.
(C) Distinctive stylistic features or examples of skilled craftsmanship which characterize a building, structure or site shall be maintained and used as major guideposts for the style of the building.
(D) Significant architectural features that have deteriorated shall be repaired rather than replaced. In the event replacement is necessary, the new material should match the material being replaced in composition and design. Repair or replacement of architectural features shall be based on accurate duplications of features, and substantiated by historic, physical or pictorial evidence rather than on a conjectural design or the availability of different architectural elements from other buildings or structures.
(E) The surface cleaning of structures shall be undertaken with methods designed to minimize damage to historic building materials. Sandblasting and other cleaning methods that will damage the historic building materials are to be avoided.
(F) Every reasonable effort shall be made to protect and preserve archeological resources affected by or adjacent to any project.
(G) When alterations and additions to existing buildings are compatible with size, scale, color, material and character of the property and environment they shall not be discouraged if they do not destroy significant historical architectural materials or alter the intended era of the structure.
(H) New additions or alterations to structures shall be done in such a manner that if such additions or alterations were to be removed in the future, the essential form and integrity of the original structure would be unimpaired.
(I) Any alterations to trees in the Downtown Historical District can only be made by permission of this Commission, except for the yearly maintenance and replacing by the Beautification Council.
(Ord. 58-96, passed 7-22-96)