As used in this chapter, the following words and terms shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them herein:
(a) “Addition.” Any act or process that changes one or more of the exterior architectural features of a building or structure by adding to, joining with, or increasing the size or capacity of the building or structure.
(b) “Alteration.” Any act or process that changes one or more of the exterior architectural features of a building or structure, including, but not limited to, the erection, construction, reconstruction, or removal of the building or structure.
(c) “Applicant.” Any owner, owners, individual, individuals, association, partnership, corporation, tenant, or other legal entity in possession, which applies for a certificate of appropriateness pursuant to this chapter in order to undertake any change with regard to property either designated as an historic structure or located within an historic district.
(d) “Board.” The Historic Preservation Board established by this chapter.
(e) “Building.” Any structure created for the support, shelter, or enclosure of persons, animals, or property of any kind and which is permanently affixed to the land.
(f) “Certificate of appropriateness.” A certificate issued by the Historic Preservation Board indicating that a proposed change, alteration, or demolition of an historic building or structure or within an historic site or district is in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and local design guidelines.
(g) “Change.” Any alteration, addition, demolition, construction, reconstruction, or restoration of the exterior; placement of new landscaping; erection of new signs; street lighting; as well as any material alteration in the landscaping, signage, exterior color, or external architectural features of any property subject to the provisions of this chapter.
(h) “Demolition.” Any act or process that destroys in part or in whole any building or structure.
(i) “Historic district.” Any area designated by ordinance of the City Council which may contain within definable geographic boundaries, buildings, structures, or sites of historic, architectural, or archaeological significance.
(j) “Historic structure.” Any building or structure which has historic, architectural, cultural or archaeological significance and has been so designated according to the provision of this chapter. The designation may be achieved in several ways:
(1) Association with a broad pattern Lima’s history, events, activities, or patterns;
(2) Association with important persons;
(3) Distinctive physical characteristics of design, construction, or form; and
(4) Potential to yield information important in history or prehistory (archaeology).
(k) “Landmark” or “historic property.” Any building, structure, or archaeological site that has been designated as a “landmark” by ordinance of the City Council, pursuant to procedures prescribed in this chapter, that is worthy of preservation, restoration, or rehabilitation because of its historic, architectural, or archaeological significance.
(l) “Landscaping.” The design and arrangements of natural scenery, including trees, flowers, shrubs, and grass, or of non-living materials or objects, over a tract of land for the purpose of creating the best practicable appearance to the land, taking into account the use to which the land is to be put.
(m) “Member.” Any member of the Historic Preservation Board.
(n) “Owner.” The owner or owners of record of any property.
(o) “Preservation.” The act or process of applying measures necessary to sustain the existing form, integrity, and materials of an historic property.
(p) “Property.” Any place, building, structure, fixture, work of art, sign, or similar object.
(q) “Reconstruction.” The act or process of depicting, by means of new construction, the form, features, and detailing of a non-surviving site, landscape, building, structure, or object for the purpose of replicating its appearance at a specific period of time and in its historic location.
(r) “Rehabilitation.” The act or process of making possible a compatible use for a property through repair, alterations, and additions while preserving those portions or features, which convey its historical, cultural, or architectural values.
(s) “Restoration.” The act or process of accurately depicting the form, features, and character of a property as it appeared at a particular period of time by means of the removal of features from other periods in its history and reconstruction of missing features from the restoration period. The limited and sensitive upgrading of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems and other code-required work to make properties functional is appropriate within a restoration project.
(t) “Sign” or “signage.” Any advertising sign, billboard or board, device, or structure or part thereof, or device attached thereto or painted or represented thereon, used for advertising, display, or publicity purposes. Signs placed or erected by governmental agencies for the purpose of showing street names or traffic directions or regulations for the other governmental purposes shall not be included within the definition of “sign” or “signage”.
(u) “Site element.” Significant objects or features, excluding structures, located on a property including, but not limited to, walkways, signage, railings, and independent lighting features.
(v) “Structures.” Anything constructed or erected that requires a fixed location on the ground or attachment to something having fixed location on the ground including, but not limited to, buildings, shed, gazebos, walls, fences, patios, platforms, or driveways.
(Ord. 041-20. Passed 2-24-20.)