Council, being mindful of the proud history of Perrysburg and of the importance of beauty in the every day lives of its residents, hereby declares as a matter of public policy that the preservation, restoration, rehabilitation and overall aesthetic improvement of the built environment are matters of public necessity involving the health, safety, prosperity and welfare of the people. The purposes of this Chapter are:
(a) To contribute to the economic, recreational, cultural and educational development of the City by:
(1) Stimulating business and attracting industry;
(2) Protecting and enhancing attractions to residents, tourists and visitors;
(3) Stabilizing and improving property values;
(4) Improving the quality of life by enhancing the visual and aesthetic character, diversity and interest of the City;
(5) Fostering civic pride in the beauty and notable accomplishments of the past; and
(6) Promoting the use and preservation of historic properties for the education and general welfare of the people of the City.
(b) To establish procedures whereby certain areas, places, sites, buildings, structures, objects and works of art shall be allowed that measure of protection afforded by the issuance of a “Certificate of Appropriateness” before any alterations, demolition or new construction can be undertaken within a Historic District or to a Listed Property, so that the following objectives are reached:
(1) To maintain and enhance the distinctive character of historic buildings, sites and areas in the City;
(2) To safeguard the architectural integrity of the City’s Listed Properties and properties within Historic Districts;
(3) To identify and safeguard the heritage of the City by preserving properties which reflect elements of the City’s cultural, social, economic, political or architectural heritage; and
(4) To review and act upon all applicants for Certificates of Appropriateness for alterations, demolition or new construction within Historic Districts or to Listed Properties.
(c) To encourage property owners in the City to work with the Historic Landmarks Commission to protect listed properties and buildings in the Historic Districts so that the character of the districts and the City may be maintained.
(d) To integrate the preservation of listed properties and Historic Districts into public and private land use planning, management and development; to identify as early as possible and resolve conflicts between the preservation of historic buildings and alternative use of the land.
(Ord. 25-2006. Passed 3-7-06.)