The demolition or moving of district resources of historical, architectural, or archaeological significance shall be discouraged. The Commission may, at its own discretion, issue a certificate of appropriateness for demolition or moving of a district resource, but shall be guided by the following conditions in exercising its judgment in granting such a certificate:
(a) The Building Official deems such district resource to be a hazard to public safety or health and that repairs are impossible or infeasible, based upon the conclusions of the Building Code Board of Appeals;
(b) Such district resource is a deterrent to a major improvement program which will be of substantial benefit to the community and in no way can be adapted or incorporated as part of the improvement;
(c) Retention of the district resource would cause undue financial hardship to the owner, which would be defined as a situation where funds required to retain the district resource would exceed market value.
In cases where approval for demolition is granted, for reasons other than public health or safety, such certificates shall not become effective until six (6) months after the date of such issuance in order to provide a period of time within which it may be possible to relieve a hardship, to cause the district resource to be transferred to another owner who would retain the district resource, or to develop alternative development plans.
Deliberate or irresponsible neglect of a district resource resulting in serious physical deterioration or health and safety hazards shall constitute demolition by neglect and shall be a violation of this ordinance.
(Ord. 2707, passed 4-23-1979)