(a) Membership. The Architectural Review Board, hereinafter referred to as “Board”, is hereby established, consisting of nine (9) members. All members shall be appointed by the Mayor with the approval of Council. Of these nine members, one (1) must possess professional credentials as a historian, architect or in a related discipline.
(b) Duties, Purpose and Procedures:
(1) To study the problems and determine the needs of the City in furthering the restoration and preservation of our Historical Districts and Landmark/Sites.
(2) To determine what legislation, if any, is necessary to preserve, restore and develop our Historical Districts and Landmark/Sites, and to recommend legislation to Council.
(3) Process applications for Certificates of Appropriateness for any changes in the external appearance of existing structures; design of new structures; demolition of landmarks and existing structures within designated historic districts; to select and to nominate or review nominations of historical districts and/or buildings to the National Register of Historic Places.
(4) Develop rules of procedure by which the Board shall be governed.
(5) Recommend designation of local landmark/sites to City Council.
(6) Develop programs for historic preservation education to the citizens of Fremont, Ohio.
(c) Certificate of Appropriateness.
(1) The Board shall determine whether the proposed construction, reconstruction or alteration of the exterior architecture, property or site shall be appropriate to the preservation of an Historical District, landmark/site/property or an area of archaeological significance. When the Board determines this criteria is met, a Certificate of Appropriateness will be issued.
(2) A Certificate of Appropriateness shall be issued by the Board prior to the issuance of a building permit for a structure located in a designated Historical District.
(3) A Certificate of Appropriateness shall be obtained for any new sign an applicant wishes to erect or place within the Historical District, or an historic landmark/site.
(4) A Certificate of Appropriateness shall be obtained for landscaping performed in an Historical District or in an area of archaeological significance. (Ord. 2020-4053. Passed 1-7-21.)