(A) No historic district or districts shall be designated until:
(1) An investigation and report describing the significance of the buildings, structures, features, sites or surroundings located in any such proposed district, and a description of the boundaries of such district has been prepared; and
(2) The Department of Cultural Resources, acting through the State Historic Preservation Officer or his or her designee, shall have made an analysis of and recommendations concerning such report and description of proposed boundaries. Failure of the department to submit its written analysis and recommendations to the governing board within 30 calendar days after a written request for such analysis has been received by the Department of Cultural Resources shall relieve the governing board of any responsibility for awaiting such analysis, and said board may at any time thereafter take any necessary action to adopt or amend its zoning ordinance.
(B) The governing board may also, in its discretion, refer the report and the proposed boundaries to any other interested body for its recommendation prior to taking action to amend the zoning ordinance. With respect to any changes in the boundaries of such district subsequent to its initial establishment, or the creation of additional districts within the jurisdiction, the investigative studies and reports required by division (A)(1) of this section shall be prepared by the Commission and shall be referred to the local planning agency for its review and comments according to procedures set forth in the zoning ordinance. Changes in the boundaries of an initial district or proposal for additional districts shall also be submitted to the Department of Cultural Resources in accordance with the provisions of division (A)(2) of this section.
(C) On receipt of these reports and recommendations, the governing board may proceed in the same manner as would otherwise be required for the adoption or amendment of any appropriate zoning ordinance provisions.
(Ord. O-2002-46, passed 8-5-02)