(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 well-being of the community and necessary for the public health, safety, prosperity and welfare of the people.
(b) Accordingly, as a matter of public policy, Council hereby pronounces its dedication to the preservation, enhancement and perpetuation of those aspects of the City having historical, cultural, aesthetic and architectural significance and value and declares that such preservation promotes and protects the health, safety, prosperity, education, comfort and general welfare of the people living in and visiting the City.
(c) More specifically, this Historic Preservation Code is designed to enhance and further the following goals:
(1) To preserve, maintain, protect, safeguard, and enhance historically, culturally, architecturally, and archaeologically significant sites, structures, districts, and heritages, and the distinctive character thereof, of the City of Canton and located within the City of Canton which impart and reflect distinct aspects and elements of the City of Canton's history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, and culture, and serve as visible reminders of the City's cultural and economic heritage.
(2) To promote the economic prosperity and welfare of the community by conserving the value of landmark buildings and sites, and encouraging the most appropriate use of such property within the City, and to thereby generally stabilize and enhance long term property values throughout the City.
(3) To strengthen and foster civic pride and beauty throughout the neighborhoods of 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 cultural, architectural and historical resources of the City; and to provide procedures whereby historically significant sites and structures having importance to the community shall be safeguarded and which shall assure adequate evaluation and consideration of all available alternatives by public review of proposed alterations or demolitions of historic landmarks before such alterations or demolitions are performed.
(5) To contribute to the economic, recreational, cultural and educational development of the City and to the quality of life of its residents by stimulating and attracting business and industrial development in the community; protecting and enhancing attractions for the enjoyment and appreciation by residents, tourists and visitors to the community; enhancing the visual and aesthetic character, diversity and interest of the City; promoting and facilitating the reinvestment, revitalization, use and preservation of historic sites and structures and certain older districts and neighborhoods for the education and recreational enrichment and general welfare of the people of the City.
(6) To ensure the harmonious, orderly and efficient growth and development of the City.
(Ord. 103-2017. Passed 5-8-17.)