(A) Prior to the filing of an application for a certificate of appropriateness, the historic preservation officer shall informally review the proposed work with the owner to determine whether a certificate is necessary. The historic preservation officer may waive the requirement for an application in cases of minor or insignificant alterations. All new construction in an historic district shall require a certificate of appropriateness. Prior to the commencement of any work requiring a certificate of appropriateness the owner shall file an application for a certificate with the Historic Preservation Board. A complete application shall contain:
(1) Name, address, telephone number of applicant and a detailed description of proposed work;
(2) Location and photograph of the property and adjacent properties, and copies of any historical photographs if pertinent;
(3) Elevation drawings of the proposed construction or changes;
(4) Samples of materials to be used;
(5) If the proposal includes signs or lettering, a scale drawing showing the type of lettering to be used, all dimensions and colors, a description of materials to be used, method of illumination, if any, and a plan showing the sign’s location on the property;
(6) If the application is for new construction, the names and addresses of adjoining property owners and property owners within 200 feet of the location. The owners shall be given written notice of the Board’s hearing on the application which shall include a description of the proposed construction; and
(7) Any other information which the Historic Preservation Board may deem necessary in order to visualize the proposed work.
(B) No building permit shall be issued for the proposed work until a certificate of appropriateness has first been issued by the Historic Preservation Board. The certificate of appropriateness required by this chapter shall be in addition to and prior to, and not in lieu of, any building permit that may be required by any other ordinance of the city.
(C) The Historic Preservation Board shall review the application at a regularly scheduled or special meeting within 30 days from the date the application is received, at which time an opportunity will be provided for the applicant and interested parties to be heard. The Historic Preservation Board shall approve, deny, suspend for a specified period not to exceed 30 days, or approve with modifications the permit within ten days after the review meeting. In the event the Historic Preservation Board does not act within 45 days of the receipt of the application, the certificate shall be deemed granted.
(D) All decisions of the Historic Preservation Board shall be in writing. The Historic Preservation Board decision shall state its findings pertaining to any denial or modification of the application. A copy of the findings shall be sent to the applicant. Additional copies shall be filed as a part of the public record on that property and dispersed to appropriate city departments, e.g., building inspection.
(E) An applicant for a certificate of appropriateness dissatisfied with the action of the Historic Preservation Board relating to the denial or modification of a certificate of appropriateness shall have the right of appeal to the City Commission within 30 days after receipt of notification of the action. The City Commission shall give notice and conduct its hearing on the appeal in the same manner as provided in the general zoning regulations of the city.
(Ord. 618, passed 8-28-2001)