Subject to state law and the procedures prescribed herein, the Commission shall have and may exercise the following powers and duties:
(A) Establish criteria and conduct or cause to be conducted a comprehensive survey of historic and cultural resources within the boundaries of the city, and publicize and periodically update survey results;
(B) Recommend to the City Council that certain areas, places, buildings, structures, natural features, works of art or similar objects having a significant historical, cultural, architectural, community or aesthetic value as part of the heritage of the city be designated as Historic Landmarks, or that an area be designated an Historic District;
(C) Compile and maintain a current register of all sites, natural features, buildings and structures designated and approved as Historic Landmarks or Historic Districts by the City Council. A description of the Historic Landmark or Historic District and its reason for inclusion shall be contained therein. Copies of said register and list shall be transmitted to the City Clerk, the Departments of Community Development, Community Services, Public Works and other appropriate departments and governmental agencies;
(D) Encourage public understanding and involvement in historic, architectural, archaeological and cultural heritage through educational programs such as lectures, tours, walks, reports or publications, films, open houses and special events;
(E) Explore means for the protection, retention and use of any designated or potential Historic Landmark and Historic District, including but not limited to appropriate legislation, tax incentives, and financing, such as encouraging independent funding organizations or private, local, state or federal assistance;
(F) Approve, conditionally approve or disapprove in whole or in part applications for certificates of appropriateness regarding the demolition, alteration or removal of a landmark or an improvement or natural feature within an Historic District;
(G) Work closely with the City Council, City Attorney, City Manager, other commissions and staff, and other local, county, state, and federal agencies in order to assure that environmental changes will be orderly and will not damage the cultural or historical integrity of the city;
(H) Recommend and encourage the protection, enhancement, appreciation and use of historic and cultural resources which have not been designated as Historic Landmarks or Historic Districts and take such steps as it deems desirable to recognize such resources, including but not limited to listings, certificates, letters or plaques;
(I) Render advice and guidance, upon request of property owners, on the restoration, alteration, decoration, landscaping or maintenance of any Historic Landmark or Historic District;
(J) Review and advise upon the impact of land use, housing and redevelopment, undertaken by the city, the county, or state, as they relate to Historic Landmarks and Historic Districts within the community;
(K) Recommend for adoption written standards to be used by the Commission in reviewing applications for permits to construct, change, alter, modify, remodel, remove, demolish or affect any Historic Landmark or Historic District;
(L) Advise and assist the City Council and property owners regarding the identification of appropriate government agencies or private parties which may provide assistance in furthering the purpose of Historic Preservation in Monrovia, such as granting conservation easements or providing funding;
(M) Investigate and report to the City Council on the use of various federal, state, local or private funding sources and mechanisms available to promote historic preservation in the city;
(N) Review all applications for permits, environmental assessments, environmental impact reports, environmental impact statements, and other similar documents set forth in this code, pertaining to Historic Landmarks or Historic Districts;
(O) Investigate the feasibility of participating in the Certified Local Government Program and make recommendations to the City Council;
(P) Render advice and guidance on procedures for inclusion of a building, structure, improvement, or site on the local, state or national register;
(Q) Confer recognition upon the owners of designated Historic Landmarks or Historic Districts by means of certificates, plaques or markers and from time to time, recommend that the City Council issue commendations to such owners who have rehabilitated their property in an exemplary manner;
(R) Perform any other functions that may be designated by resolution or action of the City Council;
(S) Act as a working body that relies on its own expertise to research and analyze issues for decision-making purposes.
(`83 Code, § 2.54.070) (Ord. 95-01, § 1, 1995)