A. Historic properties may be designated by the Hailey city council upon recommendation of the commission. Designation shall be by ordinance upon finding that the proposed property meets one or more of subsections A1 through A4 of this section and meets subsection A5 of this section:
1. Historic, cultural or educational:
a. Has significant character, interest or value, as part of the development, heritage or cultural characteristics of the city, state or nation; or is associated with the life of a person significant in the past;
b. Is the site of a historic event with significant effect upon society; or
c. Exemplifies the cultural, political, economic, social, educational or historic heritage of the community.
2. Architectural, engineering importance:
a. Portrays the environment in an era of history characterized by a distinctive architectural style;
b. Embodies those distinguishing characteristics of an architectural type or engineering specimen;
c. Is the work of a designer whose individual work has significantly influenced the development of Hailey; or
d. Contains elements of design, detail, materials or craftsmanship which represent a significant innovation.
3. Geographic importance:
a. By being part of or related to a street, square, park or other distinctive area, should be developed or preserved according to a plan based on historic, cultural or architectural motif; or
b. Owing to its unique location or singular physical characteristic, represents an established and familiar visual feature of the neighborhood, community or city.
4. Archaeological importance: Has yielded or may be likely to yield, information in prehistory or history;
5. Criteria established for inclusion in the national register of historic places.
B. The commission, either on its own initiative or upon the request of the Hailey city council, or upon request of an owner of property proposed to be designated, may recommend the designation of historic property following the procedures contained in Idaho Code section 67-4615, as amended.
C. The investigation and report by the commission shall include, but not be limited to, addressing the property's historical, architectural, archaeological and cultural significance; suitability for preservation or restoration; educational value; cost of acquisition, restoration, maintenance, operation or repair; possibilities for adaptive or alternative use of the property; appraised value; and administrative and financial responsibility of any person or organization willing to underwrite all or a portion of such costs pursuant to Idaho Code section 67-4614, as amended.
D. The ordinance designating a historic property shall require a waiting period to be observed prior to demolition, material alteration, remodeling, relocation or change in use, and shall provide guidelines for a suitable sign or marker on or near the property indicating that it has been so designated. The ordinance shall provide that during the waiting period the city and/or the commission may negotiate with the owners and with any other parties in an effort to find a means of preserving the property pursuant to Idaho Code section 67-4616, as amended.
E. The Hailey city council, in order to promote the preservation and restoration of any historic property may, upon the recommendation of the commission, exempt properties designated as a historic property from the application of the city building codes upon compliance with the criteria for exemption set forth in the codes and upon a finding that nonexemption would prevent or seriously hinder the preservation or restoration of the historic property. Upon rescission of a historic designation, any code exemption shall be revoked effective the date of rescission. (Ord. 1124, 2013)