(A) Purpose of historic preservation and protection. In order to promote the educational, cultural and general welfare of the citizens of New Albany and to ensure the harmonious and orderly growth and development of the municipality; to maintain established residential neighborhoods in danger of having their distinctiveness destroyed; to enhance property values and attract new residents and businesses; to ensure the viability of the downtown and other historic commercial districts and to enhance tourism within the City of New Albany; it is deemed essential by the City of New Albany that qualities relating to its history and outward appearance of its structures be preserved. This purpose is advanced through the restoration and preservation of historic areas and buildings, the construction of compatible new buildings where appropriate, and the maintenance and insurance of compatibility in regards to style, form, proportion, texture and material between historic buildings and those of contemporary design. It is the intention of the City of New Albany, through this chapter, to preserve and protect historic and architecturally-worthy buildings, structures, sites, monuments, streetscapes and neighborhoods, which impart a distinct aesthetic quality to the city and serve as visible reminders of New Albany's historic heritage and building traditions.
(B) Definitions. For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ALTERATION. Any material or color change in the external architectural features of any building, structure or site within a historic district.
CITY. The City of New Albany, Indiana.
CLASSIFICATION. The evaluation of buildings, structures, and sites included in the Indiana Historic Sites and Structures Inventory: City of New Albany, Interim Report, and defined historically as follows:
(a) CONTRIBUTING. The "C" classification means the property is at least 40 years old, but that it does not meet the criteria for an "O" or "N" classification. The resources are important to the density or continuity of the area's historic fabric. Contributing structures can be listed in the National Register only as part of a historic district.
(b) NON-CONTRIBUTING. The "NC" classification is not included in a historic sites inventory unless it is located within the boundaries of a historic district. The properties may be less than 50 years old, or they may be older structures that have been altered in such a way that they have lost their historic character, or they may be otherwise incompatible with their historic surroundings. These properties are not eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.
(c) NOTABLE. The "N" Classification means that the property does not merit the outstanding rating, but is still above-average in its importance. A "Notable" property may be eligible for listing in the National Register.
(d) OUTSTANDING. The "O" Classification means that the property has sufficient historic or architectural significance that it is listed, or is eligible for listing, in the National Register of Historic Places. Outstanding resources may be of local, state or national importance.
DEMOLITION. The complete or substantial removal of any building, structure or site located in a historic district.
HISTORIC DISTRICT. A single building, structure, object or site, or a concentration of buildings, structures, objects, spaces or sites, the boundaries of which are described or delineated on a map approved in an ordinance adopted under this chapter.
INTERESTED PARTY OR PARTIES. One or more of the following:
(a) The Mayor of the Civil City of New Albany, Indiana;
(b) The Common Council of the Civil City of New Albany (the "Common Council");
(c) The City Plan Commission, Redevelopment Commission and/or the Board of Zoning Appeals;
(d) A neighborhood association, whether incorporated or unincorporated, a majority of whose members are residents of a historic district designated by an ordinance adopted under this chapter;
(e) An owner or occupant of property located in a historic district established by an ordinance adopted under this chapter;
(f) Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana, Inc., or any of its successors or assigns; and
(g) The state's Historic Preservation Officer designated under I.C. 14-21-1-19.
PRESERVATION GUIDELINES. The criteria, locally developed, which identify local design concerns in an effort to assist property owners in maintaining the character of the designated district or buildings during the process of rehabilitation or new construction.
PRIMARY AREA. The principal area of historic and/or architectural significance within a historic district as delineated on the map establishing the boundaries of the historic district.
ROUTINE MAINTENANCE. Work for which no certificate of appropriateness is required.
SECONDARY AREA. An area that is adjacent to a primary area and that has a visual relationship to the primary area and in which alterations to sites, structures, buildings, objects or spaces could affect the preservation of the primary area. The purpose of designating a secondary area is to assure its compatibility and harmony with the adjacent primary area.
STREETSCAPE. The appearance from a public way, the distinguishing characteristics of which are created by the width of the street and sidewalks, their paving materials and color, the design of street furniture (e.g. street lights, trash receptacles, benches and the like), use of plant materials such as trees and shrubs, and the set back, mass and proportion of those buildings that enclose the street. STREETSCAPE also includes public art, statuary and other fixtures found in, or adjacent to, the public rights-of-way.
VISUAL COMPATIBILITY. Those elements of design that meet the guidelines set out in § 151.08 of this chapter.
(Ord. G-99-334, passed 6-28-1999)