For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ALTERATION. Any act or process which changes one or more of the exterior architectural features of a building or structure designated for preservation.
ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE.
(1) The building or structure is the work of or associated with a nationally or locally noted architect, builder or architectural firm;
(2) The building or structure is an example of a particular style (whether local or typical) in terms of detail, material, workmanship and with no or negligible alteration to the original structure;
(3) The building or structure is one of the few remaining examples of a particular style, use or an example which does not clearly represent a major style and has undergone little or no alteration since its construction;
(4) The building or structure is one of a contiguous grouping of such which have a sense of cohesiveness expressed through a similarity of characteristics of a style, period or method of construction and accenting the architectural significance of the area; and/or
(5) The detail, material and workmanship can be valued in and of themselves as reflective of or similar to those of the majority of the other visual elements in the area.
BUILDING. A structure created to shelter any form of human activity, such as a house, barn, church, hotel or similar structure. BUILDINGS may refer to a historically related complex such as a courthouse and jail or a house and barn.
CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS. A certificate from the Commission authorizing plans for alterations, construction, removal or demolition of an improvement within its jurisdiction as defined by this chapter.
COMMISSION. The Landmark Commission.
DEMOLITION. Any act or process which destroys in part or in whole a building, structure or object.
DESIGN CRITERIA. A standard of appropriate activity that will preserve the historical and architectural character of the building, structure, object or area.
EXTERIOR ARCHITECTURAL APPEARANCE. Includes the architectural character, general composition and general arrangement of the exterior of a building or structure, including the kind and texture of the building material and the type and character of all windows, doors, light fixtures, signs and appurtenant elements visible from public streets and thoroughfares.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION DISTRICT. Any area which:
(1) Contains improvements which:
(a) Have a significant historical and/or architectural character; and
(b) Constitute a distinct section of the city.
(2) Has been designated an historic preservation district in compliance with the provisions of this chapter.
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE.
(1) The building has a strong association with the life or activities of a person or persons who have contributed to or participated in the historic events of the nation, state or community;
(2) The building or structure is associated with an organization or group (whether formal or informal) from which they have contributed to or participated in the historic events of the nation, state or community;
(3) The building or structure or object is associated with an antiquated use due to technological or social changes in the nation, state or community, such as but not limited to a blacksmith shop, covered bridge and hitching post; and/or
(4) The object is a monument to or a cemetery of historic personages.
IMPROVEMENT. Any building, structure, object, parking facility, fence, gate, wall, work of art or other object constituting a physical betterment of real property, or part of the betterment.
LANDMARK. Any improvement which has special character or special historical and/or architectural interest or value as part of the development, heritage or cultural characteristics of the city, the state or the nation which has been designated as a LANDMARK in compliance with the provisions of this chapter.
OBJECT. A material thing of functional, architectural, cultural, historical or scientific value that may be, by nature or design, movable yet related to a specific setting or environment.
STRUCTURE. A work made up of interdependent and interrelated parts in a definite pattern of organization. Constructed by humans, it is often an engineering project large in scale.
(1990 Code, § 12-1) (Ord. 79-671, passed 5-4-1979)