Unless specifically defined in this section, words or phrases in this chapter shall be interpreted giving them the same meanings as they have in common usage and so as to give this chapter its most reasonable application.
ADDITION: Any act or process which changes one or more of the "exterior architectural features" of a structure designated for preservation by adding to, joining with or increasing the size or capacity of the structure.
ALTERATION: Any act or process that changes one or more of the exterior architectural features of a structure, including, but not limited to, the erection, construction, reconstruction, or removal of any structure.
AREA: A specific geographic division of the city of Charleston.
BUILDING: Any structure created for the support, shelter or enclosure of persons, animals or property of any kind and which is permanently affixed to the land.
CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS: A certificate from the historic preservation commission authorizing plans for alterations, construction, removal or demolition of a landmark or site within a designated historic district.
COMMISSION: Charleston historic preservation commission.
COMMISSIONERS: Voting members of the Charleston historic preservation commission.
CONSTRUCTION: The act of adding an addition to an existing structure or the erection of a new principal or accessory structure on a lot or property.
COUNCIL: The city council of the city of Charleston.
DEMOLITION: Any act or process that destroys in part or in whole a landmark or site within a historic district.
DESIGN GUIDELINE: A standard of appropriate activity that will preserve the historic and architectural character of a structure or area.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: The chairman, vice chairman and secretary of the Charleston historic preservation commission.
EXTERIOR ARCHITECTURAL APPEARANCE: The architectural and general composition of the exterior of a structure, including, but not limited to, the kind and the texture of the building material, and the type, design and character of all windows, doors, light fixtures, signs, and appurtenant elements.
HISTORIC DISTRICT: Any area designated as a historic district by ordinance of the city council and which may contain, within definable geographic boundaries, one or more landmarks and which may have within its boundaries other properties or structures that, while not of such historic and/or architectural significance to be designated as landmarks, nevertheless contribute to the overall visual characteristics of the landmark or landmarks located within the historic district.
LANDMARK: Any building, structure or site which has been designated as a landmark by ordinance of the city council, pursuant to procedures prescribed herein, that is worthy of rehabilitation, restoration, and preservation because of its historic and/or architectural significance to the city of Charleston.
OWNER OF RECORD: The person, corporation, or other legal entity listed as owner on the records of the county recorder of deeds.
REHABILITATION: The process of returning a property to a state of utility, through repair or alteration, which makes possible an efficient contemporary use while preserving those portions and features of the property which are significant to its historic, architectural and cultural values.
REMOVAL: Any relocation of a structure on its site or to another site.
REPAIR: Any change that does not require a building permit that is not construction, relocation or alteration.
STRUCTURAL CHANGE: Any change or repair in the supporting members of a building, structure, roof or exterior walls which would alter the building in height, width or bulk.
STRUCTURE: Anything constructed or erected, the use of which requires permanent or temporary location on or in the ground, including, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing, buildings, fences, gazebos, advertising signs, billboards, backstops for tennis courts, radio and television antennas, including supporting towers, swimming pools, satellite dishes, solar panels and wind generation. (Ord. 04-O-51, 10-19-2004)