(A) Stemming from the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and the historic preservation movement, the Board of Aldermen found in 1973 and this Metro Council does reaffirm that many structures and improvements having a distinctive character or special historic, aesthetic, architectural, or cultural interest or value have been irrevocably altered, modified, demolished, or uprooted notwithstanding the feasibility and desirability of preserving and continuing the use and existence of such structures and improvements. In addition, distinctive or historic neighborhoods, areas, places, and archaeological sites have been and may be similarly uprooted or may have their distinctiveness destroyed, although the preservation thereof may be both feasible and desirable. It is the finding of the Metro Council that the individual nature and character of this Metro Government cannot be maintained or enhanced by disregarding the historic, aesthetic, architectural, archaeological, or cultural heritage of the city nor by permitting the destruction of such civic and community assets.
(B) The Metro Council declares as a matter of public policy that the preservation, protection, perpetuation, and use of neighborhoods, areas, places, structures, and improvements having a special or distinctive character or a special historic, aesthetic, architectural, archaeological, or cultural interest or value and which serve as visible reminders of the history and heritage of this city, commonwealth, or nation is a public necessity and is required in the interest of the health, prosperity, safety, welfare, and economic well-being of the people.
(C) The purpose of this ordinance is to effect the goals as set forth in the above findings and declaration of public policy and specifically, but not exclusively to:
(1) Effect and accomplish the preservation, protection, perpetuation, and use of historic landmarks, landmark sites, prehistoric or historic archaeological sites, and neighborhoods, areas, places, structures, and improvements having a special or distinctive character or a special historic, aesthetic, architectural, archaeological, or cultural interest or value to this city, commonwealth, or nation;
(2) Promote the educational, cultural, economic, and general welfare of the people and safeguard the city’s history and heritage as embodied and reflected in such landmarks, sites, and districts;
(3) Stabilize and improve property values in such districts and in the city as a whole and protect citizens’ reasonable, consistent expectations as to the future stability and integrity of Districts and the appreciation of property values;
(4) Foster civic pride in the value of notable accomplishments of the past;
(5) Assure that new construction and renovation or alterations to existing structures within historic districts, sites, areas, neighborhoods and places will be compatible with the historic, visual and aesthetic character of such historic district, site, area, neighborhood or place.
(6) Strengthen the economy of the city;
(7) Protect and enhance the city’s attractions to residents, tourists, and visitors and serve as a support and stimulus to business and industry;
(8) Enhance the visual and aesthetic character, diversity, and interest of the city; and
(9) Maintain a secure and safe environment in such Districts.
(1999 Lou. Code, § 32.500) (Lou. Ord. No. 44-1997, approved 3-28-1997; Lou. Am. Ord. No. 0079-2002, § 1, approved 6-27-2002; Lou. Metro Am. Ord. No. 119-2007, approved 7-2-2007; Lou. Metro Am. Ord. No. 96-2019, approved 8-8-2019) Penalty, see § 32.262