§ 14-1001. Public Policy and Purposes.

It is hereby declared as a matter of public policy that the preservation and protection of buildings, structures, sites, objects, and districts of historic, architectural, cultural, archaeological, educational, and aesthetic merit are public necessities and are in the interests of the health, prosperity, and welfare of the people of Philadelphia. The purposes of this Chapter 14-1000 are to:

(1)   Preserve buildings, structures, sites, and objects that are important to the education, culture, traditions, and economic values of the City;

(2)   Establish historic districts to assure that the character of such districts is retained and enhanced;

(3)   Encourage the restoration and rehabilitation of buildings, structures, sites, and objects that are designated as historic or that are located within and contribute to the character of districts designated as historic without displacing elderly, long-term, and other residents living within those districts;

(4)   Afford the City, interested persons, historical societies, and organizations the opportunity to acquire or to arrange for the preservation of historic buildings, structures, sites, and objects that are designated individually or that contribute to the character of historic districts;

(5)   Strengthen the economy of the City by enhancing the City's attractiveness to tourists and by stabilizing and improving property values; and

(6)   Foster civic pride in the architectural, historical, cultural, and educational accomplishments of Philadelphia.