(A) (1) The Commission shall be concerned with those elements of development, redevelopment, rehabilitation and preservation which affect the visual quality in an historic district.
(2) The Commission may not consider details of design, interior arrangements or building features if those details, arrangements or features are not subject to public view, and may not make any requirement except for the purpose of preventing development, alteration or demolition in an historic district which is obviously incongruous with the historic district.
(B) The Commission shall conduct a survey to identify historic buildings, sites and structures located within the city. Based on its survey, the Commission shall submit to the Common Council a map describing the boundaries of an historic district or districts. A district may be limited to the boundaries of a property containing a single building, structure or site. The map may divide a district into primary and secondary areas.
(C) The Commission shall also classify and designate on the map all buildings, structures and sites within each historic district described on the map. Buildings, structures and sites shall be classified as historic or non-historic in the manner set forth in divisions (D) and (E) below.
(D) Buildings, structures and sites classified as historic must possess identified historic or architectural merit of a degree warranting their preservation. They may be further classified as outstanding, notable or contributing, as defined in § 156.02 of this chapter. In lieu of these further classifications, the Commission may devise its own system of further classification for historic buildings, structures and sites.
(E) Non-historic buildings and structures are those not classified on the map as historic under division (D) above.
(F) The Commission may conduct additional surveys and draw and submit additional maps for approval of the Common Council as the Commission considers appropriate.
(G) The Commission may adopt preservation guidelines for architectural review. If adopted, then such preservation guidelines shall be published and made readily accessible to the general public.
(H) The Commission has the authority to receive funds in order to promote its stated purposes.
(I) The Commission shall promote public interest in historic preservation by initiating and carrying on a public relations and community education program.
(J) The Commission shall have the authority to:
(1) Acquire by purchase, gift, grant, bequest, devise or lease any real or personal property, including easements, which is appropriate for carrying out the purposes of the Commission;
(2) Hold title to real and personal property;
(3) Sell, lease, rent or otherwise dispose of real and personal property at a public or private sale on the terms and conditions which the Commission considers best; and
(4) Establish procedures which the Commission must follow in acquiring and disposing of property.
(K) Each official of the city who has responsibility for building inspection, building permits, planning or zoning shall provide any technical, administrative or clerical assistance requested by the Commission. The Attorney for the city shall serve as the Attorney for the Commission. However, the Commission may employ other legal counsel authorized to practice law in the state if it considers it necessary or desirable.
(Ord. 2020-05, passed 10-5-2020)