(a) The Planning and Design Commission may designate an area, site, place, building, structure, work of art or similar object in the City as a landmark. In determining whether or not to designate such area, site, place, building, structure, work of art or object as a landmark, the Commission shall consider the following criteria with respect to such property:
(1) Its character, interest or value as part of the development, heritage or cultural characteristics of the City, State of Ohio or the United States;
(2) Its location as a site of a significant historic event;
(3) Its identification with a person or persons or family who significantly contributed to the culture and development of the City;
(4) Its exemplification of the cultural, economic, social, architectural or environmental heritage of the City;
(5) Its portrayal of the environment of a group of people in an era of history characterized by a distinctive architectural style;
(6) Its embodiment of a distinguishing characteristic of an architectural type or specimen;
(7) Its identification as the work of an architect or master builder whose individual work has influenced the development of the City;
(8) Its embodiment of elements of architectural design, detail, materials or craftsmanship which represent a significant architectural innovation;
(9) Its relationship to other distinctive areas which are eligible for preservation according to a plan based on an historic, cultural or architectural motif;
(10) Its unique location or singular physical characteristic representing an established and familiar visual feature of a neighborhood, community or the City; and
(11) Such other individual characteristics as shall be deemed relevant by the Commission to its designation as a landmark.
(b) The Commission shall designate official landmarks using the following procedure:
(1) A nomination for landmark designation may be made by the Commission member(s), the owner or any resident of the City. The nomination shall include a photograph, rationale and historical data.
(2) The Commission shall accept the nomination and vote to accept or reject the nomination for study and evaluation.
(Ord. 80-62. Passed 11-3-80.)
(3) The Chairman shall appoint member(s) of the Commission who together with the advisory committee, if established pursuant to Section 1155.05
and/or with other residents of the City to prepare a documented report on the nominated site, including a history, property description, site map, photograph(s) and eventual placement of the plaque.
(Ord. 86-23. Passed 9-2-86.)
(4) The complete report shall be presented to the Commission.
(5) The Commission shall inform the owner of the site of the status of the nomination prior to Commission review.
(6) The Commission shall secure the owner's written consent for:
A. Submittal of the nomination to the Commission and to Council;
B. Acceptance if designated a landmark; and
C. The placement of a plaque if designated a landmark.
(7) Upon acceptance by the owner of the site, the Commission shall render its recommendation with respect to the proposed designation, its opinion as to the effect of the proposed designation upon the surrounding neighborhood, and its opinion and recommendation as to any other planning consideration which may be relevant to the proposed designation, together with its recommendation of approval, rejection or modification of the proposed designation. Such recommendation shall become part of the official record concerning the proposed designation and shall be submitted by the Commission along with its recommendation concerning the proposed designation to Council. The Commission may make such modifications, changes and alterations concerning the proposed designation as it deems necessary.
(8) The Commission shall submit to Council the complete report including its recommendation and the owner's consent.
(9) Council shall give due notice consideration to the findings and recommendations of the Commission in making its determination with respect to the proposed designation of any area, site, place, building, structure, work of art and other similar objects as landmarks or Landmark Districts. After review, Council may designate by ordinance such area, site, place, building, structure, work of art and other similar objects as a landmark or Landmark District.
(Ord. 80-62. Passed 11-3-80.)
(10) As soon as reasonably possible after approval by Council, the Clerk of Council shall notify the Division of Building of the official designation. The Clerk shall also file with the Recorder of Deeds of Cuyahoga County a certified copy of the designation ordinance together with a notice briefly stating the fact of such designation and a summary of the effects such designation shall have. The Clerk, further, shall send by registered mail a certified copy of such ordinance and a copy of the notice hereinabove described to the owner and any person having a legal or equitable interest in such property. (Ord. 95-75. Passed 10-16-95.)
(11) The Commission shall present to the owner the official Landmark Plaque, which shall remain the property of the City.
(12) Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter, Council may rescind the designation of any area, site, building, structure, work of art or similar object as a landmark or Landmark District by ordinance. Passage of such an ordinance shall relieve the owner of such area, site, place, building, structure, work of art or similar object from any duties or penalties contained in this chapter.
(Ord. 80-62. Passed 11-3-80.)