The HAPC shall have the following authority and duties in addition to those otherwise specified.
(a) The HAPC shall create its own "Rules of Procedure" which will determine the operations of that body.
(b) The HAPC shall be empowered to conduct or coordinate a survey or surveys of all areas, places, structures, works of art, or objects in Oxford which the HAPC has reason to believe are or will be eligible for designation as historic sites or historic districts.
(c) The HAPC shall keep a register of all historic sites and historic districts designated under this Chapter and those in Oxford designated by the state or federal government.
(d) The HAPC shall review all proposed National Register nominations for properties within its jurisdiction. When necessary for review of a proposed nomination, the HAPC may seek expert advice before rendering a decision, which expertise may be academic or consulting in nature.
(e) The HAPC shall establish guidelines for conservation and preservation of historic structures within Oxford's historic districts.
(f) The HAPC shall work for the continuing education of the citizens of Oxford in regard to the historic and architectural heritage of Oxford and the historic sites or historic districts designated under the provisions of this Chapter.
(g) The HAPC shall obtain material regarding preservation and restoration and make such materials available to the general public.
(h) The HAPC will conduct or encourage members to attend educational sessions or to seek in-depth consultation with the Ohio Historic Preservation Office (OHPO) annually. Such training should pertain to the work and functions of the HAPC or to specific historic preservation issues. Barring extenuating circumstances, all HAPC members shall participate in such a session at least once annually.
(i) The HAPC shall advise Council and its other boards and Commissions on matters related to historic preservation or historic districts and regulations.
(j) With the consent of Council and the owners of property on which improvement funds would be applied, the HAPC may make application for federal, state, institutional, or private technical or financial assistance.
(k) The HAPC shall recommend to Council programs designed to encourage historic preservation when such programs would require commitments of the City or expenditure of City funds.
(l) The HAPC shall seek to establish and maintain a Historic Trust Account to provide funding for programs and improvements that serve the purposes of this Code. Rules and procedures for the administration of any such fund shall be approved by resolution of Council and kept on file with the Administrator.
(m) The HAPC shall recommend to Planning Commission and Council the designation of historic districts or sites.
(n) Except for minor alternations, changes, or substitution of like-for-like materials, as allowed, the HAPC shall be responsible for the review and decisions on COAs. The HAPC shall review all plans for the construction, alteration, repair, moving, or demolition of structures, sites, and areas in an historic district. Only the HAPC is empowered to issue a COA, except that the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) may issue a COA upon appeal.
(o) The HAPC shall have the authority to call in experts to aid in its deliberations.
(Ord. 3530. Passed 6-4-19.)