Council hereby declares as a matter of public policy that the preservation, protection, perpetuation and use of areas, places, buildings, structures, works of art and other objects having a special historical, community or aesthetic interest or value is a public necessity and is required in the interest of the health, prosperity, safety and welfare of the people. The purpose of this chapter is to:
(a) Safeguard the heritage of the City by preserving sites and structures which reflect elements of the City’s cultural, social, economic, political or architectural history;
(b) Stabilize and improve property values;
(c) Strengthen the economy of the City;
(d) Protect and enhance the City’s attractions to residents, tourists and visitors, and serve as a support and stimulus to business and industry;
(e) Enhance the visual and aesthetic character, diversity and interest of the City;
(f) Foster civic pride in the beauty and notable accomplishments of the past;
(g) Promote the use and preservation of historic sites and structures for the education and general welfare of the people of the City; and
(h) Take whatever steps are necessary to safeguard the property rights of the owners whose property is declared to be a landmark or is located in an area designated as a landmark district.
(Ord. No. 505-72. Passed 6-19-72, eff. 6-23-72)