For the purpose of this subchapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ALTERATION. Any act of process which changes the exterior architectural appearance of a structure, site or area, including but not limited to, the erection, construction, rehabilitation, reconstruction, restoration, removal or demolition of any structure or part thereof, excavation, or the addition of an improvement. This definition excludes routine maintenance.
CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS. A certificate issued by the Historic Preservation Commission approving any alteration or improvement to an individual site or property, property with a Historic Overlay District or a property within a designated historic preservation district.
COMMISSION. The Clinton Historic Preservation Commission, as established by this subchapter.
DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR HISTORIC PROPERTIES. The Secretary of Interior’s Standards of Rehabilitation and Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings and design guidelines developed by the Historic Preservation Commission.
HISTORIC DISTRICT. An area which contains a significant portion of buildings, structures or other improvements which, considered as a whole, possess integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling and association, and which area as a whole:
(1) Embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period or method of construction, or represents the work of a master, or possesses high artistic values, or represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction;
(2) Is associated with events that have made significant contributions to the broad patterns of our local, state or national history;
(3) Possesses a coherent and distinctive visual character or integrity based upon similarity of scale, design, color, setting, workmanship, materials or combinations thereof which is deemed to add significantly to the value and attractiveness of properties within the area;
(4) Is associated with the lives of persons significant in our past; or
(5) Has yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important in prehistory or history.
HISTORIC LANDMARK. A site and structure or building which:
(1) Is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of the city’s history;
(2) Is associated with the lives of persons significant in our past;
(3) Embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period or method of construction or represents the work of a master, or possesses high artistic values, or represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction; or
(4) Has yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important in prehistory or history.
HISTORIC OVERLAY DISTRICT. The official zoning district map designation for properties or areas designated as a historic district.
STATE. The Iowa State Historic Preservation Office, Historical Division of the Department of Cultural Affairs.
SUBSTANTIAL HARDSHIP. A hardship, caused by unusual and compelling circumstances, based on one or more of the following:
(1) There are no other reasonable means of saving the property from deterioration or collapse; and/or
(2) The property is owned by a nonprofit organization and it is not feasible financially or physically to achieve the charitable purposes of the organization while maintaining the property appropriately.
(1999 Code, § 30.02) (Ord. 2106, passed 11-9-1999; Ord. 2276, passed 5-25-2004)