Council, being mindful of the proud history of this community and of the importance of beauty in the everyday lives of our citizens, hereby declares as a matter of public policy that the preservation, restoration, rehabilitation and overall aesthetics improvement of our community are matters of public necessity involving the health, safety, prosperity and welfare of the people. The purpose of this chapter is:
(a) To contribute to the economic, recreational, cultural and educational development of the City of Fostoria by:
(1) Stimulating business and attracting industry.
(2) Protecting and enhancing attractions to residents, tourists and visitors.
(3) Stabilizing and improving property values.
(4) Improving the quality of life by enhancing the visual and aesthetic character, diversity and interest of the City.
(5) Fostering civic pride in the beauty and notable accomplishments of the past.
(6) Promoting the use and preservation of historic properties for the education and general welfare of the people of Fostoria.
(b) To establish procedures whereby certain areas, places, sites, buildings, structures, objects and works of art shall be allowed that measure of protection afforded by the issuance of a "Certificate of Appropriateness" before any alterations, demolition or new construction can be undertaken within an Historic District or to a Listed Property, so that the following objectives are reached:
(1) To maintain and enhance the distinctive character of historic buildings, sites and areas in Fostoria;
(2) To safeguard the architectural integrity of Fostoria's Listed Properties and properties within the Historic Districts;
(3) To identify and safeguard the heritage of Fostoria by preserving properties which reflect elements of the City's cultural, social, economic, political or architectural heritage;
(4) To review and act upon all applications for Certificates of Appropriateness for alterations, demolition or new construction within Historic Districts or to Listed Properties;
(5) Adopt historic design guidelines for the City, See Appendix "A," attached to original Ordinance 95-4.
(Ord. 2010-24. Passed 4-20-10.)