A. Purpose: The conservation district overlay (OCD) zone is used to designate conservation districts. The purpose of this overlay zone is to:
1. Conserve the unique characteristics of older neighborhoods and resources, including their architectural, historical and aesthetic qualities;
2. Provide for design review of new construction or alteration of existing resources to assure compatibility with the existing character of older neighborhoods and preserve the historic integrity of the resource;
3. Encourage the retention, rehabilitation and appropriate maintenance of existing buildings, structures and sites in older neighborhoods;
4. Stabilize property values and encourage reinvestment in older neighborhoods; and
5. Protect the environmental setting of historic landmarks and historic districts through the designation of conservation districts adjacent to historic landmarks and historic districts.
B. Authority: The city council may designate by ordinance areas of the city as conservation districts. The process of designation is considered an overlay rezoning. A conservation overlay rezoning is required to designate conservation districts. The procedures for conservation district overlay rezonings are set forth in chapter 8, article E, "Historic Preservation Commission Approval Procedures", of this title.
C. Descriptions: A conservation district is a geographically cohesive area that is similar to a historic district in character. However, because it has fewer properties that retain a high degree of historic integrity or contribute to a distinct sense of time and place, it does not currently qualify as a historic district. Because these areas are still considered worthy of protection, the city council may designate them for conservation. To qualify for designation as a conservation district, the subject area must contain abutting pieces of property under diverse ownership, the built portions of which, by majority, are at least fifty (50) years old, but according to a historic resources survey, sixty percent (60%) or less of the structures are of a quality, integrity and condition that qualify for historic district designation. The properties within the subject area must also meet one of the following additional criteria:
1. They represent the traditional character of Iowa City neighborhoods through architectural characteristics, building scale, building setback and streetscape design; or
2. They exemplify a pattern of neighborhood settlement or development significant to the cultural history or tradition of Iowa City; or
3. They represent unique or unusual physical character that creates a distinctiveness. (Ord. 05-4186, 12-15-2005; amd. Ord. 10-4404, 9-7-2010; Ord. 22-4884, 8-2-2022)