A. Studies And Records: The commission may conduct studies for the identification and designation of historic districts and sites. The commission shall maintain records of all studies and inventories for public use.
B. Listing On Register: The commission may make a recommendation to the State Historic Preservation Officer for the listing of a historic district or site in the National Register of Historic Places and may conduct a public hearing thereon.
C. Designation Of Sites And Districts: The commission may investigate and recommend to the Planning and Zoning Commission for review and final approval by the City Council, the adoption of ordinances designating historic sites and historic districts if they qualify as defined herein.
D. Review: The commission shall review and act upon all applications pursuant to the procedures established by this chapter, other requirements of this city code, and other applicable laws.
1. The commission shall review the exterior construction, addition, or alteration of properties within the Z5 Central Business zoning district, as specified in chapter 12-13 of this city code, and is empowered to issue a Certificate of Appropriateness for any such work.
2. In determining the appropriateness of any such construction, addition, or alteration, the commission shall determine that the project is consistent with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation, taking into consideration the economic and technical feasibility relative to any repair, renovation, preservation, or alteration of historic elements. To aid the Historic Preservation Commission in making a determination, the standards and guidelines published in the "Rehabilitation" chapter of "The Secretary of the Interiors Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties," published by the U. S. Department of the Interior National Park Service, Technical Preservation Services, 2017 edition.
E. Recommendations: The Historic Preservation Commission may further the efforts of historic preservation in the City by making recommendations to the City Council and City commissions and boards on preservation issues when appropriate, by encouraging the protection and enhancement of buildings or structures with historical, architectural or cultural value, and by encouraging persons and organizations to become involved in preservation activities.
F. Educate: The Historic Preservation Commission may educate the public at large on the benefits of historic preservation and build a preservation ethic and public awareness.
G. Consult: The Historic Preservation Commission shall consult on proposed changes to land use and zoning within the local historic districts, when requested by the City Planning and Zoning Commission or City Council.
H. Obligate: The Historic Preservation Commission shall not obligate itself or the City in any financial undertaking unless authorized to do so by the City Council.
I. Other Powers: In addition to those duties and powers specified above, the commission may, with City Council approval:
1. Accept or recommend acceptance of unconditional gifts and donations of real and personal property, including money, for the purpose of historic preservation.
2. Acquire or recommend acquisition by purchase, bequest, or donation, fees and lesser interest in historic properties, including properties adjacent to or associated with, historic properties.
3. Preserve or recommend the preservation, restoration, rehabilitation, maintenance, and operation of historic properties under the ownership or control of the commission or the City.
4. Lease, sell, and otherwise transfer or dispose of historic properties, or recommend that the City lease, sell or otherwise transfer or dispose of historic properties, subject to rights of public access and other covenants and in a manner that will preserve the property.
5. Recommend that the City contract with the Federal or State government or other organizations.
6. Cooperate with the Federal and State governments in the pursuance of the objectives of historic preservation.
7. Provide information for the purpose of historic preservation to the City.
8. Promote and conduct an educational and interpretive program on historic properties within its jurisdiction. (Ord. 18-10, 11-6-2018; amd. Ord. 23-04, 4-4-2023)