(A) The requirements are as follows for non-residential buildings.
(1) A building within the city may be considered to be historical by the city if:
(a) The building was constructed/occupied by a person of exceptional historical significance;
(b) The building was used 60 or more years ago for a purpose that had exceptional historical significance; or
(c) All of the exterior architecture has existed for 80 or more years without noticeable change from its appearance 80 years ago. Exterior architecture involves the placement and size of openings (doors, windows, and the like) in the exterior walls of the building. It also involves the materials with which the outside surfaces of the building are constructed, and the shape and size of the building.
(2) To qualify under division (A)(1)(a), the following requirement must be met: the person must be responsible for a recognized achievement within the area of residency (local) or, outside the area of residency (state, national, or world).
(3) To qualify under division (A)(1)(b), the following requirement must be met: within the building something was conceived, constructed, or invented that contributed to society, industry, or science.
(4) To qualify under division (A)(1)(c), following requirements must be met:
(a) Windows and doors must appear to be in the same location and size as existed in the original construction 80 or more years ago. An exception is allowed if a variance is required to comply with present building codes.
(b) The exterior architecture of the building must be constructed of the original type material, or in the case of maintenance, the exterior architectural material used must be the same as material that existed 80 years earlier, and be in keeping with the original appearance of 80 or more years ago. An exception is made for the windows, doors, and roofing material. Windows and doors must be of the same general appearance as the windows and doors that existed on the building 80 years ago but may be of different materials and construction. Roofing materials may be of a newer design but should complement the exterior wall architectural appearance if the roof is visible from the street elevation.
(c) The size and shape of the exterior of the structure must be essentially the same as existed 80 or more years ago.
(d) Changes to the exterior of the building required to support essential interior components shall be allowed; for example, a chimney to support a modern interior furnace, exterior features to support interior air conditioning, and the like.
(e) Addition of a handicap feature on the exterior of the building required by the building code shall be permitted.
(f) If a building has had several exterior construction actions (additions or framing revisions) over the years, each construction must have happened 80 years ago or more.
(B) Future actions by the city. The above requirements may be modified and/or added to by the city at a future time. Buildings which have been granted a historical designation by the city may not lose their designation because of revisions to the requirements. If a building, having previously received a historical designation under division (A)(1)(c) above, is modified in its outward appearance in the judgement of the city, the city may withdraw the previously awarded historical designation.
(Ord. 203, passed 7-3-2018)