§ 159.01 PURPOSE AND DEFINITIONS.
   (A)   The purpose of a Historic District Commission is to:
      (1)   Effect and accomplish the preservation, protection and use of the Historic Preservation District and individual landmarks which have a special character and historic, architectural value to the city, state and nation;
      (2)   Promote the educational, cultural, economic and general welfare of the people and safeguard of the people and safeguard the city's history and heritage as embodied and reflected in its historic preservation district and landmarks;
      (3)   Stabilize and improve property values in such district and in the city as a whole;
      (4)   Foster civic pride in the value of notable accomplishments of the past;
      (5)   Strengthen the economy of the city;
      (6)   Protect and enhance the city's attractions to residents and visitors; and
      (7)   Enhance the visual and aesthetic character, diversity, and interest of the city.
   (B)   Definitions. For the purpose of this chapter, certain terms are defined as follows:
      ADDITION. New construction attached to an existing structure.
      ALTERATION. Any construction, replacement or change to the exterior of a building or structure when it is easily visible to the public.
      CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS (COA). The permit, issued by the Historic District Commission, which gives its approval for work or demolition to be done in the Historic Preservation District or on a landmark.
      CERTIFIED LOCAL GOVERNMENT. A government meeting the requirements of the National Historic Preservation Act and implementing the regulations of the U.S. Department of the Interior and the Kentucky Heritage Council.
      COMMISSION. The city of Madisonville Historic District Commission.
      DEMOLITION. Any act that destroys in whole or in part, a landmark or a building or structure in the Historic District or Historic Preservation District.
      DESIGNATED PROPERTY. A landmark, a building, or a structure in a historic district. Designated property shall include all lots within a historic district and the entire lot containing a landmark.
      HISTORIC DISTRICT, LOCAL. A district established by the city through a zoning overlay that has local historic significance. Properties within this district must meet local design standards.
      HISTORIC PRESERVATION DISTRICT. An area of architectural, historical or cultural significance which meets one or more of the criteria established by the Historic District Commission and which has been designated by the city.
      LANDMARK. A building or structure of architectural, historical, or cultural significance which meets one or more of the criteria established by the Historic District Commission and which has been designated by the city.
      MAJOR STRUCTURAL CHANGE. Structural alterations and structural repairs made within any twelve (12)-month period costing in excess of fifty percent (50%) of the physical value of the structure, as determined by comparison of the extent/value of the alterations involved and the replacement value of the structure at the time the plans for the alteration are approved, using the Building Officials Conference of America (BOCA) chart for construction cost.
      NEW CONSTRUCTION. An addition to an existing building or structure or the construction of a new building or structure.
      ORDINARY MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR. Any work, the purpose of which is to correct deterioration or to prevent deterioration of a designated historic property. The work shall restore the property to its appearance prior to deterioration or shall result in the protection of its appearance. The work shall involve the use of the same building materials or available materials that are as close as possible to the original. Painting previously painted surfaces shall be considered ordinary maintenance. Work that changes the external appearance of a property shall be considered an alteration.
      STRUCTURE. Anything constructed or erected, the use of the ground, including (but without limiting the generality of the foregoing) barns, smokestacks, advertising signs, billboards, backstops for tennis courts, bridges, fences, pergolas, gazebos, radio and television antennae, solar collectors, microwave antennae, including the supporting towers, roads, ruins or remnants (including foundations) swimming pools or walkways.
(Ord. 2000-06, passed 5-2-00; Am. Ord. 2001-03, passed 5-11-01; Am. Ord. O-2018-12, passed 11-19-18)