Attendance by Commission members shall be in person. The presence of four (4) or more members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of all business and action by the Commission on any matter shall be effected by the concurring votes of at least four (4) members. The Landmark Commission shall have the following powers and duties in addition to those otherwise specified in this chapter:
(a) The Commission shall conduct, or cause to be conducted, a continuing survey of all areas, places, buildings, structures, districts, works of art or similar objects in the City which the Commission, on the basis of information available or presented to it and in accordance with the guidelines established by the Ohio Historic Preservation Office, has reason to believe are or will be eligible for designation as Landmarks or Historic Districts. The collected information shall be recorded on the Ohio Historic Inventory and Ohio Archaeological Inventory forms and updated periodically as changes occur. This inventory material shall be maintained securely, made available to the Ohio Historic Preservation Office and open to the public.
(b) The Commission shall nominate buildings, structures, districts, works of art or similar objects for local designation and for designation on the National Register of Historic Places, and shall review all such nominations for properties within the City.
(c) The Commission shall designate Landmarks and Historic Districts;
(d) The Commission shall review and approve or disapprove an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness.
(e) The Commission shall work for the continuing education of the citizens of the City with respect to the historic and architectural heritage of the City and the Landmarks, Historic Districts, designated under the provisions of this chapter. It shall keep current and public a register of Landmarks and Historic Districts.
(f) The Commission shall establish and utilize written guidelines to make determinations upon requests for permits for alterations, demolition or additions to designated Landmarks, and buildings and sites within Historic Districts.
(g) The Commission shall act in an advisory role to other officials and departments of local government regarding the protection of designated and eligible local Landmarks, and districts.
(h) The Commission shall act as a liaison on behalf of the City of Cleveland Heights to individuals and organizations concerned with historic preservation.
(i) Each Commission member shall, barring extenuating circumstances, attend an educational session at least once a year. Materials shall be provided by the Ohio Historic Preservation Office (OHPO), and shall pertain to the work and functions of the Commission.
(j) The Commission shall confer recognition upon the owners of Landmarks or structures within Historic Districts by means of certificates, plaques, signs, or markers.
(k) The Commission shall have authority to establish rules and regulations consistent with the provisions of this chapter and the spirit of its purpose. These rules and regulations may assist the Commission in the evaluation of applications for Landmark and Historic District designations, unless otherwise provided in this chapter. It shall govern the manner in which such applications are processed, and the proper and orderly conduct of the Commission's business. Rules and regulations adopted by the Commission shall be made available to the public.
(l) The Commission may accept the services on a permanent or part-time basis of technical experts and such other persons as may be required to perform its duties.
(m) The Commission may undertake additional responsibilities upon mutual written agreement between the State Historic Preservation Office and the Certified Local Government. (Ord. 11-2019. Passed 3-4-19.)