Any site, structure, building, interior space, district or natural feature, may be designated as an historic resource if it has significant character, interest or value as part of the development, heritage or cultural characteristics of the city, state or nation, and if it falls into one or more of the following categories:
A. Historical Significance:
1. It is the location of or is associated in a significant way with an historic event which had a significant affect upon the city, state or nation; or
2. It is associated in a significant way with the life of a person important in the history of the city, state or nation; or
3. It is associated in a significant way with an important aspect of the cultural, political or economic heritage of the community, city, state or nation.
B. Architectural Significance:
1. It embodies the distinctive visible characteristics or an architectural style, period or a method of construction; or
2. It is an outstanding work of designer or builder; or
3. It contains elements of extraordinary or unusual architectural or structural design, detail, use of material, or craftsmanship; or
4. It portrays the environment of a group of people in an era of history characterized by a distinctive architectural style.
C. Neighborhood Significance: Because of its prominent spatial location, contrasts of siding, age or scale, it is an easily identifiable visual feature of its neighborhood or the city and contributes to the distinctive quality or identity of its neighborhood or the city.
D. Historic Districts: In addition to the above criteria, the following also may be considered in determining if an area of related historic resources shall be designated as an historic district:
1. Areas which consist of a linkage of sites, structures, buildings, objects and spaces, a majority of which form a recognizable entity;
2. A group of structures, buildings or sites which provide the area with a sense of uniqueness;
3. Areas which have a major historic focal point or points within the area;
4. Areas which contain a relatively dense grouping of historic resources;
5. Areas which are readily definable by manmade and/or natural boundaries.
(1979 Code § 11.03.010; Ord. 80-7, 2-21-1980; amd. Ord. 85-4, 2-7-1985; Ord. 92-9, 1-9-1992; 1999 Code)