(A) The City Council finds that the city has been damaged because of new construction that has harmed the historic and architectural character of the city notwithstanding the feasibility and desirability of designing new buildings that would be appropriate to the established character of the city.
(B) The Council finds that buildings having historic, architectural or cultural value have been significantly altered or destroyed notwithstanding the feasibility of preserving these buildings or altering them in an appropriate way.
(C) The Council finds that the historic and architectural character of the city is of vital importance in maintaining the economy of the city.
(D) The Council finds that the city has played an important role in the development of the county and that the history of the city is shown today through buildings representing the activities and events during its growth. The Council finds that the city has buildings that represent the persons who live or have lived in the city during a period of more than 100 years. It is the finding of the City Council that the distinctive and significant character of the city can only be maintained by protecting and enhancing its historic, architectural and cultural heritage and by preventing unnecessary injury to its Historic Preservation District and its landmarks which are a civic and community asset.
(E) The Council finds that the federal and state governments have passed laws to protect Historic Districts and landmarks and that the National Historic Preservation District Act, being 16 U.S.C. §§ 470 et seq., was amended in 1980 to establish a certified local government program creating a new federal-state-local partnership to encourage the efforts by cities to protect and preserve their Historic Districts and landmarks.
(F) The Council finds that this chapter and the historic preservation program benefits all the residents of the city and all the owners of property.
(G) The City Council declares as a matter of public policy that the preservation, protection and use of Historic Districts and landmarks are a public necessity because they have a special character and historic, architectural and cultural value and thus serve as visible reminders of the history and heritage of the city, state and nation. The Council declares as a matter of public policy that this chapter is required in the interest of the health, prosperity, safety, welfare and economic well-being of the people.
(H) The purpose of this chapter is to effect the goals as set forth in the above findings and declarations of public policy and specifically, but not exclusively, to:
(1) Effect and accomplish the preservation, protection and use of the Historic Preservation District and individual landmarks which have a special character and historic, architectural value to the city, state and nation;
(2) Promote the educational, cultural, economic and general welfare of the people and safeguard the city’s history and heritage as embodied and reflected in its Historic Preservation District and landmarks;
(3) Stabilize and improve property values in such district and in the city as a whole;
(4) Foster civic pride in the value of notable accomplishments of the past;
(5) Strengthen the economy of the city;
(6) Protect and enhance the city’s attractions to residents and visitors; and
(7) Enhance the visual and aesthetic character, diversity and interest of the city.
(Prior Code, § 156.01) (Ord. passed 8-19-1996)