(a) Certificate Required. Before construction, alteration, repair, moving or demolition affecting the exterior appearance of an historic structure is made, the person, individual, firm or corporation proposing to make such construction or change shall file an application for a certificate of approval with the City Clerk.
The application shall be referred, together with plans pertaining thereto, to the Historic District Commission and the Commission shall review such plans and application. No certificate shall be granted until the Commission has acted thereon as hereinafter provided.
(b) Review by Commission. The Commission shall meet within thirty days of the date of the application to approve or disapprove such plans. If the Commission approves the application, it shall issue a certificate of approval, which is to be signed by the Chairperson. The application and certificate of approval shall be referred to the Building Inspector and the City Clerk for issuance of the necessary permits.
If the Commission disapproves the application, it shall record its disapproval and the reasons therefor in writing to the Building Inspector and the City Clerk and to the applicant. The Commission may suggest revisions in the plans if it disapproves of the plans submitted or may allow the applicant to modify such plans and resubmit the modification in writing. Failure of the Historic District Commission to approve or disapprove of the application for certificate of approval or written modifications thereto, as provided for above, within sixty days from the date of such application shall be deemed to constitute approval.
(c) Criteria for Approval. The Commission shall approve such application if any of the following conditions prevail, and if, in the opinion of the Commission, the proposed changes will materially improve or correct these conditions:
(1) The structure constitutes a hazard to the safety of the public or the occupants.
(2) The structure is a deterrent to a major improvement program which will be of substantial benefit to the community.
(3) Retention of the structure would cause undue financial hardship to the owner.
(4) Retention of the structure would not be in the interest of the majority of the community.
(d) Fees. Fees charged by the Historic District Commission for permits issued pursuant to this section shall be approved by the City Council from time to time.
(e) Appeal. Any persons jointly or severally aggrieved by a decision of the Commission have the same rights of appeal concerning the decision as is granted to an applicant aggrieved by a decision of the City of Hart Zoning Board of Appeals.
(Ord. 154. Passed 8-14-84.)