(A) Reports. The Council, upon request of the Heritage Preservation Commission, may direct the Planning Commission in cooperation with other city commissions having an interest in the matter to prepare studies which catalog buildings, land, areas, districts and other objects to be considered for designation as heritage preservation sites.
(B) Criteria. The Commission shall recommend to the City Council areas, buildings, districts or objects to be designated heritage preservation sites. In considering the designation of heritage preservation sites, the Commission shall apply the following criteria:
(1) Its character, interest or value as part of the development, heritage or cultural characteristics of the city, state and the United States.
(2) Its location as a site or contributing element in proximity to a site of a significant historic event or process.
(3) Its embodiment of distinguishing characteristics of architectural style, period form or treatment.
(4) Its identification with a person or persons who significantly contributed to the culture and development of the city.
(5) Its embodiment of elements of architectural design, detail, materials or craftsmanship which represents distinctive architectural innovation.
(6) Its unique location or singular physical characteristics representing an established and familiar aspect of a view, vista, site, area or district in the city.
(C) Planning Commission review. The Heritage Preservation Commission shall advise the Planning Commission of the proposed designation of a heritage preservation site, including boundaries and a program for the preservation, restoration or rehabilitation of the site, and secure from the Planning Commission its recommendation with respect to the relationship of the heritage preservation designation to the comprehensive plan of the city, its opinions as to the effect of the proposed designation upon the surrounding neighborhood, and its opinion and recommendation as to any other planning consideration which may be relevant to the proposed designation, together with its recommendation of approval, rejection or modification of the proposed designation. Such recommendation shall become part of the official record concerning the proposed designation and shall be submitted by the Heritage Preservation Commission along with its recommendation concerning the proposed designation to the City Council. The Heritage Preservation Commission may make such modifications, changes and alterations concerning the proposed designation as it deems necessary in consideration of the recommendations of the Planning Commission.
(D) Communication with State Historical Society. A copy of the Heritage Preservation Commission's proposed designation of a heritage preservation site, including boundaries, and a program for the preservation, restoration or rehabilitation of the site, shall be sent to the State Historical Society in accordance with M.S. § 471.193(6), as amended.
(E) Findings and recommendations. The Heritage Preservation Commission shall determine if the proposed heritage preservation site is eligible for preservation as determined by the criteria specified in division (A) of this section, and if the Heritage Preservation Commission recommends to the City Council that the site be designated for heritage preservation, the Commission shall transmit to the City Council its recommendations and proposed program for the heritage preservation site.
(F) Council designation; hearings. The City Council, upon the request of the Heritage Preservation Commission, may by resolution designate a heritage preservation site. Prior to such designation, the City Council shall hold a public hearing, notice of which shall have been published in a newspaper of general circulation at least 20 days prior to the date of the hearing, and notice of the hearing shall be mailed to all owners of property which is proposed to be designated a heritage preservation site and to all property owners within 350 feet of the boundary of the area to be designated a heritage preservation site.
(G) Acquisition. The Heritage Preservation Commission may recommend to the City Council, after review and comment by the Planning Commission, that certain property eligible for designation as a heritage preservation site be acquired by gift, negotiation or other legal means as provided for in M.S. Chapter 117. It shall be the City Council's decision as to whether or not a property is to be acquired.
(Ord. 275, passed 7-16-90)