(a) A certificate of appropriateness is required for the following:
(1) New construction of houses within subdivisions, excluding subsequent additions or alterations by private owners;
(2) Within Historic Districts (Section 1262.03):
A. Exterior alterations to or demolition of existing buildings, (exterior alterations include but are not limited to changes in color or materials) and;
B. All new construction.
(3) Moving, exterior alterations to or demolition of Designated Historic Buildings, Landmarks and Structures;
(4) New construction of commercial, industrial or multifamily buildings or structures; and
(5) Exterior alterations to commercial, industrial or multifamily buildings, or structures.
(6) Uplighting (as defined and generally prohibited by Section 1274.16(c)(4)) as a means of decoratively highlighting buildings.
(b) Application for certificates of appropriateness shall be filed with the City Building, Housing and Zoning Administrator in such form as may be prescribed by the Board and shall include the following:
(1) Color photographs showing the subject property in the context of adjoining properties; and
(2) Appropriate drawings showing the nature of any construction or exterior alterations proposed, indicating design, materials, colors, type of illumination and signs.
(3) Additional information and materials as required by the Architectural Board of Review.
(c) After the applicant or their representative has presented the proposal for a certificate of appropriateness the Board shall make a determination within thirty days, unless the applicant requests and the Board agrees to an extension of time. If the Board fails to render its determination within the aforesaid time period, the application for a certificate of appropriateness shall be deemed approved.
(d) Certificates of appropriateness shall be approved by the Board when the Board determines that the proposal conforms to its established guidelines and the provisions of this chapter.
(e) Wherever a certificate of appropriateness is required, completed applications must be referred to the Board by the Building, Housing and Zoning Administrator for consideration at its next available public meeting. Wherever a certificate of appropriateness is required, no permit may be issued until such certificate of appropriateness is granted.
(f) In the case of a denial of a certificate of appropriateness, the Board shall state the reasons for denial and shall suggest changes that will result in approval. In cases of special hardships, the Board may issue a certificate of appropriateness with contingencies requiring review and approval by a subcommittee of the Board. The Board shall offer to continue to meet with the owner to achieve a mutually satisfactory compromise.
(Ord. 78-2008. Passed 1-27-09.)