(a) In considering the appropriateness of any proposed alteration or modification of a Historic Landmark, the Landmark Commission shall take into account, in addition to any other pertinent factors, the following criteria:
(1) The historical and architectural style and significance of the property; the general design, arrangement, texture, material and color of the proposed alteration as they relate to the property in its present condition; and the relation thereof to the same or related factors and other properties, sites and areas in the immediate vicinity; and the enhancement of the community's economic stability and development through the protection of property values.
(2) The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation.
(3) Attention shall be taken to avoid the environmentally harmful effect which may be created by the clash of contemporary materials with those of older origin, such as aluminum or other metals, plastic, fiberglass and glass improperly used with brick, stone, masonry and wood.
(4) Alterations shall, wherever possible, be compatible with the remainder of the subject property and its surroundings.
(5) Whether the imposition of a moratorium or delay in the performance of the proposed alteration or modification would result in unreasonable and undue economic hardship upon the owner of the subject property.
(b) The demolition or destruction of Historic Landmarks shall be discouraged. In order to grant a Certificate of Appropriateness for the demolition of all or any part of a Historic Landmark, the Commission shall find and be satisfied that the proposal meets at least one of the following criteria:
(1) That such structure has been deemed by appropriate public authority to be an imminent hazard and danger to the public health and safety; and that repairs are deemed to be impossible or unfeasible.
(2) That such structure is a deterrent or obstruction to a major community development program or project and that the applicant has demonstrated that such community development program or project will be of substantially greater benefit to the community than the preservation of the Historic Landmark in question. The community development project must be shown to have substantial potential for increasing surrounding property values and further shall be shown to be a part of a formally adopted, long range plan or improvement program.
(3) Retention of the Historic Landmark would impose undue and unreasonable financial hardship upon the applicant, having the effect of substantially depriving the owner of all reasonable and economically valuable use of the subject property. The existence of such hardship must be clearly and convincingly demonstrated by the applicant.
(Ord. 103-2017. Passed 5-8-17.)