(a) Purpose. The purpose of these guidelines is to preserve the architectural history of existing buildings or structures and to insure the procedures and materials used are compatible with the existing building or structure and help to ensure its preservation into the future and are meant to give architects and owners design direction consistent with Chapter 139 of the codified ordinances of the city. In principle, the Board adopts the United States of America, Secretary of the Interior’s standards for rehabilitation.
(b) Preservation/rehabilitation/renovation. With respect to preservation/rehabilitation/renovation, generally, it is the interest of the Board that buildings within a Historic District be preserved, thus maintaining the character of the Historic District. Consistent with the U.S. Secretary of the Interior’s, standards of rehabilitation, the intent of these guidelines is to preserve and restore the features that establish a building’s architectural character while making alterations and renovations necessary for the efficient and contemporary use of the building. The rehabilitation process assumes that some alterations may be necessary to meet the needs of the building owner and governing codes. Such alterations should be done so as not to destroy the materials and features which help to define a building’s historic, cultural and/or craftsmanship are important in defining the building character and should be retained, protected and repaired when possible. When the preservation of architectural features is not possible, alterations should be done in a manner respectful of the existing character, but done in a manner that is representative of architectural design and construction of contemporary times.
(c) Additions/new construction. With respect to additions/new construction to existing buildings and all new buildings or structures, it is generally the interest of the Board that such additions/new construction shall be designed to enhance the character of the Historic District. Consistent with the preface of these guidelines, new buildings and additions should be representative of architectural design and construction of contemporary times. Additions to existing buildings in a Historic District should be designed so as not to detract from the original character of the building. Whenever possible, additions should be located away from the primary or street face of the building. The addition should be designed so as not to destroy existing architectural features where feasible, such that the addition should be able to be removed and the building restored to its original condition. New buildings in a Historic District should be designed to be compatible with other structures in the Historic District while still reflecting work of contemporary times. To be compatible, a new building should incorporate some of the existing architectural design characteristics of the Historic District. Proximity of existing building to the new building will affect the latitude in design constraints. An infill design should be more consistent with adjoining buildings than a freestanding structure.
(d) Demolition. With respect to demolition, it is the interest of the Board that buildings within a Historic District be preserved and renovated for economically productive uses. Consistent with this intent, the Board also realizes a Historic District is not a static environment, but an ever changing and developing entity. Applications for demolition will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and will be based upon the overall impact that the demolition will have to the Historic District and the community. The Board encourages the saving and adaptive re-use of buildings significant to the character of the Historic District and the history of the city. Demolition of any building or structure that would detract from the Historic District or result in a loss of historically significant qualities will be strongly discouraged. In reviewing an application, the Board will also look at the proposed new use of the site and how the new use will impact the Historic District. Demolition of existing buildings that are not a significant loss to the Historic District to allow for the construction of new buildings that will enhance the Historic District is acceptable and may be encouraged by the Board.
(Ord. 26-08, passed 6-3-2008)