The Commission's powers and authority include but are not limited to the following:
(A) The Commission is the agency of town government responsible for developing and coordinating historic preservation activities. The Commission shall be concerned with those elements of development, redevelopment, rehabilitation and preservation that affect visual quality in or near the historic district. Areas of concern include, but are not limited to, viewsheds, landscapes and streetscapes of historic importance. The Commission may make recommendations to the Town Council concerning development rights, facade easements, the imposition of restrictions, and the negotiation of historic property contracts for the purpose of ensuring preservation.
(B) The Commission has the authority to receive funds in order to promote its stated mission.
(C) The Commission may not consider details of design, interior arrangement, or building features if those details, arrangements, or features are not subject to public view.
(D) The Commission may not make any requirement except for the purpose of preventing development, alteration, modifications or demolition in the historic district that would be incongruous with the historic district.
(E) The Commission shall conduct a survey, or may adopt existing surveys, to identify historic buildings, structures, places and sites located within the town.
(F) The Commission may promulgate standards for architectural review. These shall include local design guidelines to be published and made accessible to the general public.
(G) The Commission shall draw and submit to the Town Council, for its approval, a map or maps describing the boundaries of any historic district or conservation district. The Commission shall issue a report to the Town Council based upon its survey, identifying and validating the significance of the property or district according to this chapter.
(H) The Commission may issue certificates of appropriateness for any actions required by this chapter.
(I) The Commission may adopt rules consistent with IC 36-7-11 designating situations not requiring a certificate of appropriateness under this chapter.
(Ord. 2005-05, passed 4-25-05)