A. Designation of a historic district may be initiated by request from the council, or one or more owners of property located within the area of the proposed district, or by a member of the commission. Upon receipt of such a request, the commission shall make a preliminary investigation of the historic, architectural, archeological and cultural significance of the buildings, structures, features, sites or surroundings included in the proposed district, based on the criteria set forth in section 2-7-5 of this chapter. Upon completion of this investigation, the commission shall prepare a report containing its findings and recommendations concerning the area to be included in the proposed historic district. (Ord. 623, 4-14-2009)
B. Copies of the report shall be transmitted to the members of the planning and zoning commission for review and recommendation, and within sixty (60) days from the date of transmittal of such positive reports, the commission shall hold a public hearing thereon. Notice of the time, place and purpose of such hearing shall be given at least fifteen (15) days prior to such hearing by one publication in the official newspaper of the city and by a written notice of such hearing by first class mail given to the owners of all properties to be included in the district.
C. Following such hearing the commission shall submit its findings and recommendations and a draft of the proposed ordinance (in the case of positive findings) to the city council within thirty (30) days of the end of such hearing.
D. Council action may take any of the following forms:
1. Approval of the historic district designation as presented;
2. Rejection of the application for historic district designation;
3. Approval of the historic district designation, with modifications.
Regardless of which of the aforementioned options is chosen, the council shall have prepared formal findings of fact and conclusions of law setting forth their decision and the reasons therefor.
E. The city clerk shall notify all property owners within the district, in writing, by first class mail, of the council's decision. Notification shall be made within fifteen (15) days from the date of the council meeting at which the decision was made. (Ord. 157, 10-24-1989; amd. Ord. 391, 5-8-2001)