(A) These provisions pertaining to the designation of historic districts constitute a part of the comprehensive zoning plan of the city. The designation of a historic district may be proposed by the owners of all or a portion of the property in the proposed district, the Council, or the Commission.
(B) The Commission shall conduct a public hearing on a proposed designation of a historic district. The owners of all property within a proposed historic district shall be notified prior to the Commission hearing on the proposed designation. At the Commission's public hearing, the owners, interested parties and technical experts may present testimony or documentary evidence which will become part of a record regarding the historic, architectural or cultural importance of the proposed historic district.
(C) The Commission may recommend the designation of a district if the Commission finds that it:
(1) Contains properties and an environmental setting which meet one or more of the criteria for designation of a landmark; and
(2) Constitutes a distinct geographic area of the city.
(D) If the Commission recommends the designation of a historic district, the proposed designation shall be submitted to the Zoning Commission within 30 days of the date of the Commission recommendation. The Zoning Commission shall conduct its hearing on the proposed designation within 45 days of receipt of the recommendation from the Commission, under the same procedures as specifically provided in Chapter 155 of this Code for changes in zoning district boundaries. The Zoning Commission shall make its recommendation to the City Council within 45 days after the hearing on the proposed designation. As provided in Chapter 155 of this Code, the Zoning Commission and Council may conduct a joint public hearing on the proposed designation.
(E) The City Council shall conduct a public hearing on the proposed designation within 45 days of the recommendation of the Zoning Commission under the same procedures provided in Chapter 155 of this Code for changes in zoning district boundaries.
(F) Upon designation of a historic district, the City Secretary shall cause the designated boundaries to be recorded in the official real property records of the county, as well as the official zoning map of the city. All maps should indicate the designated historic district by an appropriate mark.
(Ord. 08-341, passed 1-22-2008)