The purpose of this chapter is to:
A. Identify, designate, protect, preserve and encourage the restoration, rehabilitation and adaptation for continued use of those sites and structures which represent or reflect the prehistoric, historic, cultural, artistic, social, economic, ethnic or political heritage of the City, or which may be representative of an architectural or engineering type inherently valuable for the study of style, period, craftsmanship, method of construction identified to an individual builder or architect, or use of indigenous materials.
B. Safeguard the City’s historic, aesthetic and cultural heritage, as embodied and reflected in structures, landscape features, and areas as seen in such examples as houses, commercial buildings, schools, public buildings, mills, creameries, farms, Downtown Business Districts, cemeteries, bridges, boat houses, iron fences and open spaces.
C. Stabilize and improve the economic vitality and value of designated landmarks and preservation districts in particular and of the City in general.
D. Educate the public, government officials and commercial and industrial interests of historic preservation, which needs to be fostered continually through a Preservation Ordinance.
E. Work with City staff, appointed boards and commissions, Aldermen and Landmark Commission to establish and maintain a historic preservation program.
F. Coordinate the City Preservation Ordinance with the County Preservation Ordinance.
G. Foster civic pride in the technological accomplishments, beauty and nobility of the past.
H. Protect and enhance the City’s attraction to tourists and visitors, and to support and provide stimulus to business and industry from a historic preservation perspective.
I. Preserve and promote the use of preservation districts, landmarks and landscapes for the education, pleasure and welfare of the citizens of the City.
(Ord. 09-977, 1-5-2009)