(A) The commission shall have three (3) categories of duties and powers: the first dealing with general activities involving landmark and historic preservation district identification; the second dealing specifically with landmarks; and the third dealing with historic preservation districts.
(B) Landmarks and historical preservation district identification.
(C) Standards and criteria for identification of landmarks and historic preservation districts shall be derived from the characteristics of historical significance and/or architectural significance in the building, structure, object and/or area.
(D) The commission shall conduct within the corporate limits of the city and the immediate surrounding area, a survey from which all buildings and structures shall be classified and designated on a historical and architectural building map to be reviewed and approved by the city council and made part of a series of official maps. Such buildings and structures shall be divided into three (3) categories, the first two (2) of which are not mutually exclusive:
1. Historically significant;
2. Architecturally significant;
3. Noncompatible (a building(s), structure(s) or object(s) which has no historical and architectural significance).
(E) The office of the city clerk will be the depository for all maps and reports created by and for the historic commission. This historic preservation material shall be available to the public.
(F) The commission shall work for the continuing education of the city with respect to the historical and architectural heritage of the city and the landmarks and historic preservation districts designated under the provisions of this chapter. It shall keep current and publish a register of landmarks and historic preservation districts.
(G) Concerning landmarks:
1. The commission shall keep a register of all buildings, structures and objects within the corporate limits and immediate surrounding area of the city which have been designated a landmark as set forth by procedures in this chapter. This register will include the information required for each landmark designation and appropriate maps.
2. The commission shall hold public hearings and make subsequent recommendations to the city council on applications for improvements to be designated as landmarks within the corporate limits of the city. Designation is subject to the guidelines and procedures set forth by this chapter.
3. The commission shall hold public hearings and make recommendations to the city council on all matters relating to certificates of appropriateness concerning landmarks under its jurisdiction subject to the standards set forth in this chapter.
4. The commission shall act as a resource consultant for owners of designated landmarks. The commission will keep a file of architects, historians, preservationists and restorationists concerned with historic preservation. (Ord. 1192, 5-3-1988)