(A) Procedure. The Commission secretary shall notify the Commission of any application for a certificate of appropriateness involving the demolition, partial demolition or removal of a structure or significant accessory structure. The Commission shall schedule a public hearing within 21 days of the receipt of the application for a certificate of appropriateness with proper notification through the newspaper and shall notify the applicant in writing. At the hearing, the Commission shall request the following information:
(1) A report from the Building Inspector on the state of repair and structural stability of the structure under consideration;
(2) Information and graphics on the extent and process of demolition or removal, including information on any proposed changes in landscaping;
(3) Evidence of any hardship that would result in substantial economic loss to the applicant from denial of the petition; and
(4) An assessment of any alterations in the essential character of the area which would occur as a result of demolition or removal action.
(B) Decision of Commission. If the Commission’s decision is to postpone the demolition or removal, the Commission shall notify the owner in writing. During the period set forth for postponement of the requested action, the Commission shall explore alternatives to demolition or removal. These alternatives may include consultation with private civic groups, interested private citizens and other public boards or agencies in an effort to find a persuasive means of preserving the structure. If sale of property is considered a feasible alternative to the owner, the building must remain on the open market, dependent on its classification, for the following lengths of time:
(1) Historically and architecturally significant, six months; and
(2) Noncompatible, no waiting period.
(C) Failure to reach agreement. If, after a period not to exceed six months, no alternative agreement has been reached with the applicant, the Commission shall issue a certificate of appropriateness for demolition or removal of the structure in question.
(1990 Code, § 12-137) (Ord. 79-671, passed 5-4-1979)