The Heritage and Architecture Commission shall have the following powers and duties:
(A) To adopt its own procedural regulations for the conducting of its business.
(B) To advise and assist owners of property and structures on the physical and financial aspects of preservation, renovation, rehabilitation, reuse, and new construction in or adjacent to the Historic District and Residential Area Intensive Survey Districts.
(C) To inform and educate the citizens of the city concerning the historic and architectural heritage of the city by publishing appropriate maps, newsletters, brochures, and pamphlets, and by holding programs and seminars.
(D) To perform inspections for advisory purposes when requested by applicant.
(E) To hold hearings and to review applications for certificate of appropriateness for the demolition or significant alteration of structures within the Historic District.
(F) To hold hearings and to review applications for certificates of appropriateness to construct or replace structures within the Historic District.
(G) To develop specific design guidelines for the alteration or demolition of significant architectural features, for new construction within the Historic District, and for minor modifications to structures or improvements.
(H) To issue or deny certificates of appropriateness.
(I) To consider and hold hearings on applications for certificates of economic hardship that would allow the performance of work for which a certificate of appropriateness has been denied, and to issue or deny such certificates of economic hardship.
(J) To consult with persons proposing maintenanceor modifications to structures or improvements within the Historic District and to advise them concerning proper methods for restoration, renovation or rehabilitation of historic structures.
(K) To conduct an ongoing survey to identify historically, architecturally, or culturally significant buildings and structures within the Historic District and to consider designation of other historically, architecturally or culturally significant structures and areas as landmarks or landmark areas.
(L) To propose criteria and authority for identification, designation, and/or protection of other structures, improvements, and areas as landmarks or landmark areas.
(M) To review proposed zoning amendments, applications for special use permits, or applications for zoning variances that affect property or structures within or adjacent to the Historic District.
(N) To administer on behalf of the city any property or full or partial interest in real property in the Historic District, including easements or covenants, that the city may have or accept as a gift or otherwise, but only upon authorization and prior approval by the City Council.
(O) To prepare a budget, as necessary, and to accept and administer on behalf of the city such gifts, grants, and money as may be approved or appropriated by the City Council for the purposes of this subchapter. Such money may be expended for publishing maps and brochures or for hiring staff persons or consultants or for performing other appropriate functions for the purpose of carrying out the duties and powers of the Heritage and Architecture Commission and the purposes of this subchapter.
(P) To call upon available city staff members or consultants or to appoint such citizen advisory committees as may be required from time to time and approved by the City Council.
(Q) To testify before or present comments to City Council and the Planning and Zoning Commission on any matter affecting historically, architecturally, and culturally significant property, structures and area.
(R) To make recommendations to the Mayor and City Council concerning any proposed acquisition of property for public use, whether by the city or by any other public agency, within the Historic District.
(S) To confer recognition upon the owners of property, structures, or improvements within the Historic District by means of certificates, plaques, or markers including recognition for outstanding preservation or rehabilitation efforts.
(T) To prepare an appearance, architectural, and beautification plan for the Historic District consistent with the Comprehensive Plan of the city and consistent with existing ordinances. Elements of this plan shall include, but not be limited to, improved and unimproved land, including open spaces, streets and parkways, gardens, malls, yards and rights-of-ways; external architectural features of structures of all types, existing and future, visible to the eye and above grade; landscaping; land topography and plant life, natural and manmade; walks, drives, parking areas and plazas; exterior furniture; hardware; signs and markers; posts and fences; barriers; lights and lighting; supplementary structures and appurtenances.
(U) To hold public hearings and make recommendations with other appropriate bodies to the City Council on the adoption and implementation of an appearance, architectural, and beautification plan, and on any other matter affecting property, structures, or improvements within or adjacent to the Historic District.
(V) To undertake other actions or activities necessary or appropriate to the implementation of its powers and duties or to the implementation of the purpose of this subchapter or as directed by the City Council.
(`79 Code § 150.179) (Ord. 88-130, passed 10-3-88; Am. Ord. 07-699, passed 2-14-07; Am. Ord. 23-005, passed 3-1-23)