The purpose of this chapter is to promote the protection, enhancement, perpetuation, and use of improvements of special character or historical interest or value in the interest of the health, prosperity, safety, and welfare of the people of the city by:
A. Providing a mechanism to identify and preserve the historic and architectural characteristics of Charleston which represent elements of the city's cultural, social, economic, political and architectural history.
B. Promoting civic pride in the beauty and noble accomplishments of the past as represented in Charleston's landmarks and historic districts.
C. Stabilizing and improving the economic vitality and value of Charleston's landmarks and historic areas.
D. Protecting and enhancing the attractiveness of the city to house buyers, visitors and shoppers and thereby supporting business, commerce, industry, and providing economic benefit to the city.
E. Fostering and encouraging preservation, restoration of structures, areas, and neighborhoods and thereby preventing future urban blight. (Ord. 04-O-51, 10-19-2004)