The Design Review Board shall have the following duties:
(a) The Review Board shall function to improve the quality of life in the City by striving to further and achieve the spirit and purpose of this chapter.
(b) The Review Board shall ensure the protection of property values in order to further the City's goals of sound economic and community development.
(c) The Review Board may make recommendations, according to guidelines established by the Ohio Historic Preservation Office, to the Planning Commission and Council for additions or revisions to this Planning and Zoning Code, or recommend legislation that would best serve to develop, preserve, restore and beautify the City.
(d) The Review Board shall review and act upon all applications for certificates of appropriateness as required in Section 1104.09.
(e) The Review Board shall conduct or cause to be conducted or assist in conducting a continuing survey and inventory (approved by the Ohio Historic Preservation Office) of all property, sites or areas of architectural, archaeological, historical and aesthetic interest in the City which the Board, on the basis of information available or presented to it, has reason to believe are or will be eligible for designation as a landmark or preservation district.
(f) The Review Board shall act as a liaison, on behalf of the City, to individuals and organizations concerned with historic preservation and shall work for the continuing education of the citizens of the City with respect to the architectural and historic heritage of the City, its landmarks and preservation districts, as designated under the provisions of this chapter, and shall make every effort to improve the overall design and the environmental awareness of the people. The Review Board shall keep current a register of all landmarks and preservation districts. All landmarks shall be given a number and a description accompanied by a photograph. The reasons for designating a landmark or for recommending the establishment of additional preservation districts shall be maintained securely and set forth in writing. This register shall be made available to Council, the City Planning Commission, the Board of Zoning Appeals, the Department of Community Services and Economic Development, the Division of Engineering, the Division of Buildings and the public.
(g) The Review Board shall review all proposed National Register nominations within its jurisdiction. The City may substitute review procedures which expedite the National Register review requirements.
(h) When the Review Board considers a National Register nomination and other actions which are normally evaluated by a professional in a specific discipline, and that discipline is not represented on the Board, the Board shall seek expertise in this area before rendering its decision.
(i) The Review Board will encourage members to attend educational sessions at least once a year pertaining to the work and functions of the Board or on specific historic preservation issues. Barring extenuating circumstances, all Board members should attend such a session at least once yearly.
(Ord. 285-95. Passed 9-5-95.)