(a) Purpose. The City of Circleville contains areas with unique and valuable historic, architectural and cultural resources which are directly linked to the cultural, social and economic well-being of the community. The Historic Review Board seeks to protect and preserve these resources, encourage infill development that respects the existing historic architectural environment, stabilize and enhance property values, and promote economically viable reuse of historic structures. The Board also exists to promote and enhance revitalization of and reinvestment in the City, foster civic beauty, and maintain and enhance the distinctive character of historic buildings and areas, and safeguard the heritage of the City by preserving districts and landmarks which reflect elements of its history, architecture, archeology, engineering or culture.
(b) District Boundaries, Designating Additional Districts or Landmarks. A Historic District shall consist of areas designated by City Council under separate ordinance and shall include the properties listed on the U.S. Department of the Interior National Registry List (See Appendix A). Designated properties may consist of districts with multiple properties, or single landmarks. The process of researching potential new districts and landmarks is defined in Section 1113.13.
(c) Establishment and Organization. The Historic Review Board shall consist of seven (7) members appointed by City Council for terms of three (3) years, which shall be staggered. In appointing members, the Council shall make a good faith effort to appoint at least two (2) persons with professional training or demonstrated interest and expertise in the fields of historic preservation, architecture, planning, history, or related discipline, to the extent such professionals are available in the community. To facilitate such appointments, up to three (3) members may be people who live outside the City. Consideration shall be given to appointing a resident of, or owner of property located within, an area constituting a Historic District. At least one (1) member of the Board may also be a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission.
(d) Duties of the Historic Review Board shall include:
(1) Evaluating applications for Certificates of Appropriateness.
(2) Conducting a continuing survey of cultural resources according to guidelines provided by the State Historic Preservation Office ("SHPO").
(3) Providing an advisory role to other city departments and officials regarding the protection of local resources.
(4) Researching potential new properties and landmarks to be considered historically significant as defined in Section 1113.13.
(5) Providing historic preservation continuing education for Circleville residents, while providing Historic Review Board members opportunities for continuing education in their roles.
(e) In the event of a vacancy, the Council shall appoint a new board member within sixty (60) days of the position becoming vacant, to fill the unexpired term of the resigning board member.
(f) Meetings.
(1) The Historic Review Board shall hold at least four (4) meetings per year.
(2) At least ten (10) days prior to the date of hearings, notices of applications for Certificates of Appropriateness shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the city. Applicants shall be notified of upcoming meetings with consideration of their application, and shall be advised of the decisions of the Historic Review Board.
(3) The Historic Review Board shall conduct its business in a public setting, held in compliance with applicable Ohio open meetings laws. Public notice of meetings shall be provided as required by Ohio open meetings laws.
(4) The Historic Review Board shall maintain a record of its decisions, special projects, qualifications of its members, etc., which shall be made available to the public upon request and in compliance with applicable Ohio open meetings and public records laws. The vote of each member upon each application or question shall be shown. If a member is absent or fails to vote, the minutes shall indicate this fact.
(g) Quorum. Four (4) members of the Historic Review Board shall constitute a quorum. The concurring vote of at least four (4) members shall be necessary to pass any motion or action.
(h) Procedures and Design Guidelines.
(1) The Board shall elect a Chair and Vice Chair at its first meeting of each calendar year. A clerk shall be provided by Council.
(2) The Historic District Review Board shall adopt and publish its own other procedural rules and design guidelines concerning appropriateness of types of alterations. These written materials shall be made available to the public.
(3) A board member shall be removed for non-performance of duty or misconduct in office as defined in Ohio Revised Code Section 3.07. Prior to removing a member, City Council shall give the accused at least ten (10) days notice prior to holding a hearing regarding the charges. The member shall be given the opportunity to respond to the charges during this hearing.
(Ord. 02-13-2023. Passed 2-21-23.)