(A) The Board and the procedures for which it is responsible for implementing are intended to protect, develop and promote the educational, cultural, travel, industrial, commercial, and other economic development and growth opportunities associated with the city's neighborhoods, areas, squares, streetscapes, sites, places, structures having a special or distinctive character or a special historic, aesthetic architectural, archaeological, special, or cultural significance to the city. It is the unique character of the city's residential neighborhoods and commercial districts that imparts distinctiveness to the city and which serve as visible reminders of the history and cultural heritage of the city, the state, and the nation. The protection of these resources is in the interest of the economic well-being, prosperity, health, safety, and general welfare of the people.
(B) The Board is established for the purpose of creating and maintaining an inventory of historic properties and sites, assisting with the Section 106 Review process of the National Historic Preservation Act for undertakings occurring in the city, reviewing city-funded activities when the activity may affect historical properties identified in the inventory and preservation plan, marketing any historic properties that the city may surplus in the future, stabilizing and improving property values in the city, and encouraging new buildings and developments that will be harmonious with the existing historic buildings and districts, but will not necessarily be of the same architectural style. Regulations in such areas are intended to protect against destruction of or encroachment upon such areas, structures, or sites; to encourage uses which will lead to their continuance, conservation, and improvement in a manner appropriate to the preservation of the cultural, social, economic, political, architectural, or archeological heritage of the city; to prevent creation of environmental influences and adverse conditions to such purposes; and to assure that new structures and uses in such areas will be in keeping with the character to be preserved and enhanced. The purpose is to develop the city not as a museum but as a vital living area in which each succeeding generation may build with the quality and sensitivity of past generations.
(Ord. 2018-4, passed 7-12-2018)