(a) Council, being mindful of the proud history of this community and of the importance of beauty in the everyday lives of residents, hereby declare as a matter of public policy that the preservation, restoration, rehabilitation and overall aesthetic improvement of our community are matters of public necessity involving the health, safety, prosperity and welfare of the people.
(b) The purposes of this chapter are:
(1) To establish procedures whereby certain areas, places, sites, buildings, structures and objects shall be allowed the measure of protection afforded by a thorough study of alternatives to incompatible alterations or demolition before such acts are performed, so that the following objectives are reached:
A. To maintain and enhance the distinctive character of historic buildings and historic areas in the city;
B. To safeguard the architectural integrity of the city’s historical resources within designated districts;
C. To safeguard the heritage of the city by preserving areas, places, sites, buildings, structures and objects which reflect elements of the city’s cultural, social, economic, political and architectural heritage;
D. To seek alternatives to demolition or incompatible alterations within designated areas and to listed properties before such acts are performed;
E. To afford the widest possible scope of continuing vitality through private renewal and architectural creativity within appropriate controls and standards; and
F. To encourage development of vacant properties in accordance with the character of the designated districts and listed properties.
(2) To contribute to the economic, recreational, cultural and educational development of the city by:
A. Protecting and enhancing the city’s attractions to prospective tourists, visitors and residents;
B. Providing support and stimulus to business and industry;
C. Strengthening the economy of the city;
D. Stabilizing and improving property values;
E. Fostering civic pride in the beauty and notable accomplishments of the past;
F. Facilitating the reinvestment in and the revitalization of certain older districts and neighborhoods;
G. Promoting the use and preservation of historic buildings, sites and structures which reflect the cultural, social, economic or architectural heritage of the city for the education and general welfare of the people of the city;
H. Protecting the property rights of owners whose property lies within areas of historic architectural significance;
I. Enhancing the visual and aesthetic character, diversity and interests of the city;
J. Preserving the city’s architectural and historic significance in the national context;
K. Considering and taking cognizance of the development of adjacent, contiguous and neighboring buildings and properties for the purpose of achieving safe, harmonious and integrated development of related properties;
L. Striving to have compatibility of any and all construction of new improvements and buildings and modifications of existing structures with the historic architectural character of the city; and
M. Preserving and further enhancing the civic pride of the residents of the city in the beauty of the city and in the notable accomplishments of the past.
(Ord. 26-08, passed 6-3-2008)