The purpose and intent of this chapter is to promote the educational, cultural, economic and general welfare of the community and to ensure the harmonious growth and development of the municipality by encouraging the preservation of historic places and structures through the designation of sites and districts of historical significance. It is not intended that the designation of a site or a district as historic should modify uses permitted in existing zones, but rather that the designation of a historic site or a historic district be superimposed over existing zones to encourage the retention of early structures and objects in active use and in substantially their historic appearance, setting and placement. It is intended that the renovation of a historic site shall preserve its distinguishing historic qualities or character and that new structures erected within a historic district or the renovation of an existing structure within a historic district shall harmonize with the general character or ambiance of existing structures in the district in order to preserve the architectural heritage of the district and to promote the historical significance of the site or district among residents and visitors to the community.
(1996 Code, § 15.32.010) (Ord. 87-05-004, passed - -)