(A) The Historic Commission shall be concerned with those elements of development, redevelopment, rehabilitation and preservation that affect visual quality in an historic district. However, the Historic Commission may not consider details of design, interior arrangements or building features, if those details, arrangements or features, are not subject to public view, and may not make any requirement except for the purpose of preventing development, alteration or demolition in the historic district obviously incongruous with the historic district.
(B) The Historic Commission shall conduct a survey to identify historic buildings, structures and places located within the city limits of the city. Based upon its survey, the Historic Commission shall submit to the City Council a map describing the boundaries of an historic district or historic districts. A district may be limited to the boundaries of a property containing a single building, structure or site. The map may divide a district into primary and secondary areas.
(C) Owners of property in fee simple wishing to establish an historic district which includes their property may petition the Historic Commission to consider drawing and submitting a map of the property to the City Council for approval. The Historic Commission may establish in its rules criteria to be met before it considers a petition.
(D) The Historic Commission shall classify and designate on the map all buildings and structures within each historic district described on the map. Buildings and structures shall be classified as historic or non-historic, in the following manner:
(1) Historic buildings and structures must possess identified historic or architectural merit of a degree warranting their preservation.
(a) They may be further classified as:
1. Outstanding;
2. Notable; or
3. Contributing.
(b) In lieu of the further classifications set forth in divisions (D)(1)(a)1. and 4. above, the Historic Commission may devise its own system of further classification of historic buildings and structures.
(2) Non-historic buildings and structures are those not classified on the map as historic.
(E) The Historic Commission may adopt preservation guidelines for architectural review. If adopted, preservation guidelines shall be published and made readily accessible to the general public.
(F) The Historic Commission has the authority to receive funds in order to promote its stated purpose.
(G) The Historic Commission shall promote public interest in historic preservation by initiating and carrying on a public relations and community education program.
(H) The Historic Commission, through this subchapter, may:
(1) Acquire by purchase, gift, grant, bequest, devise or lease any real or personal property, including easements, that is appropriate for carrying out the purposes of the Historic Commission;
(2) Hold title to real and personal property; and
(3) Sell, lease, rent or otherwise dispose of real and personal property at a public or private sale on the terms and conditions that the Historic Commission considers best.
(I) The Historic Commission shall establish procedures that the Historic Commission must follow in acquiring and disposing of property.
(1979 Code, § 36.112) (Ord. 4367, passed 6-15-1998)