Existing buildings shall be evaluated with respect to the following items:
(a) Compatible Reuse. Every reasonable effort shall be made to provide either a compatible use for a property consistent with the City Comprehensive Plan, which requires minimal alteration of the building, structure or site and its environment, or to use a property for its originally intended purpose.
(b) Preservation of Features. The distinguishing original qualities or character of a building, structure or site and its environment shall not be destroyed. The removal or alteration of any historic material or distinctive architectural features should be avoided when possible.
(c) Respect for Period Features. All buildings, structures and sites shall be recognized as products of their own time. Alterations that have no historical basis and which seek to create an earlier appearance shall be discouraged.
(d) Respect for Changes Over Time. Changes which may have taken place in the course of time are evidence of the history and development of a building, structure or site and its environment. These changes may have acquired significance in their own right, and this significance shall be recognized and respected.
(e) Sensitivity for Distinctive Features. Distinctive stylistic features or examples of skilled craftsmanship which characterize a building, structure or site shall be treated with sensitivity.
(f) Repair of Deteriorated Architectural Features. Deteriorated architectural features shall be repaired rather than replaced wherever possible. Repair or replacement of missing architectural features should be based on accurate duplications of features, substantiated by historic, physical or pictorial evidence rather than on conjectural designs or the availability of different architectural elements from other buildings or structures. Replaced features should match design, color, texture and visual qualities, however, alternate materials may be used. Glass block shall not be used to fill window or door openings.
(g) Proper Cleaning Methods. The surface cleaning of structures shall be undertaken with the gentlest means possible. Sandblasting and other cleaning methods that will damage the historic building materials shall not be undertaken.
(h) Protection of Archeological Resources. Every reasonable effort shall be made to protect and preserve archeological resources affected by or adjacent to any project.
(i) Compatible Contemporary Additions. Contemporary design for alterations and additions to existing properties shall not be discouraged when such alterations and additions do not destroy significant historical, architectural or cultural materials and such design is compatible with the size, scale, color, material and character of the property, neighborhood or environment.
(j) New Additions. Wherever possible, new additions or alterations to structures shall be done in such a manner that if such additions or alterations were to be removed in the future, the essential form and integrity of the structure would be unimpaired.
(Ord. 16-19. Passed 9-16-19.)