(A) Purpose: The purpose of this section is to:
1. Further the purposes of the Comprehensive Plan and this Chapter to preserve historic buildings which are important to the architectural, historical and neighborhood significance of the City; and
2. Afford the City, interested persons, historical societies or organizations the opportunity to acquire or to arrange for preservation of such structures.
(B) Prior to demolishing or removing a structure designated as an historic property or landmark pursuant to Section 3.20.110 of this Chapter, a four (4) month notice of the proposed demolition shall be given before a permit to demolish or remove the structure is issued.
1. The owner of the affected structure shall provide a notice published in a newspaper of general local circulation at least two (2) times prior to demolition or removal.
2. The first notice shall be published no later than fifteen (15) days after the application for a permit for demolition or removal is filed and the final notice shall be published approximately fifteen (15) days prior to the date of demolition or removal.
(C) Negotiation To Avoid Demolition: During this four (4) month period, the staff and/or the Historic Preservation Commission may negotiate with the owner of the property and with any other parties in an effort to find a means of preserving the property. Such negotiations may include relocation to a new site, or inducements to interested third parties to purchase the property for the purpose of preserving it. (Ord. 989, 4-23-2020)