(a) A Certificate of Appropriateness must be obtained prior to commencing new construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, restoration or any other modification, alteration, replacement, or visible changes to the exterior of any building [or structure, or other visible improvements, or demolition] which has been designated a Contributing Property or Local Historic Property or located within a Historic Preservation District. Other visible improvements may include exterior elements such as fences, signs, awnings, balconies, shutters, and satellite dishes.
(b) No Zoning Certificate or Building Permit shall be issued by the Administrator for any construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, restoration, or demolition of any structure in a Historic Preservation District, unless a Certificate of Appropriateness has been issued.
(c) A Certificate of Appropriateness shall not be required in the case of normal and customary building maintenance activities or to paint an architectural feature or other visible exterior improvement, provided such activities do not render the structure concerned incompatible with the standards of this chapter.
(d) Nothing in this chapter shall prevent a property owner from making emergency repairs to the exterior of a property where such repairs are necessary for the preservation of the structure and not caused by the neglect of the property owner.
(Ord. 2012-21. Passed 2-15-12.)