(a) Council hereby recognizes that the City contains numerous structures and landmarks of historical, aesthetic and cultural significance the preservation and maintenance of which is important to the cultural and economic wellbeing of the community and necessary for the public health, safety, prosperity and welfare of the citizens.
(b) Council hereby pronounces its dedication to the preservation, enhancement, and perpetuation of those aspects of the City having historical, aesthetic and architectural significance and value within the downtown area.
(c) Council hereby recognizes that establishing the downtown area as a livable center of commerce and entertainment is conducive to public health, safety, convenience and the welfare of citizens.
(d) The Architectural Review Board is designed to enhance and further the following goals:
(1) To preserve, protect and enhance historically, culturally and architecturally significant sites and structures located within the downtown area of the City which impart a distinct aspect to the City and serve as visible reminders of the City's cultural, architectural, and economic heritage.
(2) To promote the economic prosperity and welfare of the community by conserving the value of buildings and property within the downtown area, and to thereby generally stabilize and enhance long-term property values throughout the downtown area.
(3) To strengthen civic pride throughout the City by the conservation of elements of the City's cultural, social, economic, political and architectural heritage.
(4) To provide a review process for the appropriate preservation and development of important architectural resources of the downtown area; and to provide procedures whereby architecturally significant sites and structures having importance to the community shall be safeguarded and which shall ensure adequate evaluation and consideration of all available alternatives by public review of proposed alterations or demolitions before such alterations or demolitions are performed.
(5) To ensure the harmonious, orderly and efficient growth and development of the downtown area.
(Ord. 70-2022. Passed 3-28-22.)