(A) A historic district is a designated zone that may be superimposed over any other zoning district where the provisions of the other zoning district are applicable as well as the provisions contained herein. The historic district is intended to protect the historic character to the fullest extent of those buildings and areas so designated.
(B) All buildings within a historic district shall not be demolished or moved without first obtaining a permit from the Board of Zoning Adjustment. In such instances, upon proper application and notice, the Board of Zoning Adjustment shall conduct a public hearing to determine if the permit should be granted. The Board of Zoning Adjustment may seek advice and recommendations from the Planning Commission, any historical society, architect, engineer, historian, or other qualified person as well as any governmental agency as deemed necessary by the Board of Zoning Adjustment.
(C) Proposed construction in historic zones of new buildings, structures, or major landscape modification shall not begin without prior approval of a development plan by the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission may also call upon expert assistance to aid in reviewing any development plan. The procedure for historical review before the Planning Commission shall be the same as for the requesting of variances before the Board of Zoning Adjustment.
(D) The Board of Zoning Adjustment and the Planning Commission shall fully examine the nature of any proposal, the historical significance of any buildings to be demolished or substantially altered, the historical character of the area, the future land use of the site, and shall work to achieve architectural compatibility and to protect the historical character of the area.
(E) This section does not grant local bodies the authority to prevent a landowner from moving or demolishing a structure otherwise permissible. It is the intent of this section, and the review process herein established, to assure that a project is not ill conceived. If it is not, this process will provide the time and a forum upon which valid alternatives can be aired publicly.
(Ord. 14-1986, passed 12-1-86) Penalty, see § 152.999