(a) The purpose of this chapter is to preserve and protect historic properties in the City of Sharonville, and any subsequently designated local landmarks, historic district(s), contributing buildings, and historic sites. In order to preserve and protect the historic character of existing and future historic districts and/or landmarks, the regulations of this chapter are imposed in addition to other regulations in this code.
(b) The character of the City is directly linked to the economic, social, historical, and cultural health and well-being of the community. Therefore, this chapter establishes procedures to maintain the historic character of select landmarks and/or districts within the City in order to obtain the following objectives:
(1) To enhance the Sharonville Comprehensive Plan and safeguard the City's attractions to prospective residents, businesses and visitors by preserving the distinctive character of historic landmarks and/or districts;
(2) To safeguard the architectural integrity of the City's landmark buildings and allow for future addition of landmarks and/or districts to the list contained herein;
(3) To safeguard the heritage of the City by preserving sites, buildings, objects, landscapes and works of art that reflect elements of the City's cultural, social, economic, political or architectural heritage;
(4) To seek alternatives to demolition or incompatible alterations of landmarks and/or districts within the City before such acts are performed;
(5) To afford the widest possible scope of continuing vitality through private renewal and architectural creativity within appropriate controls and standards;
(6) To encourage the use or appropriate development of vacant properties, as applicable, in accordance with the character of landmarks and/or districts;
(7) To combat urban blight caused by neglect of aging buildings, sites and districts and their setting;
(8) To encourage investment in historic resources and strengthening of the City's economy;
(9) To enhance the environmental and aesthetic quality of the City;
(10) To stabilize and improve property values;
(11) To promote preservation and continued use of historic public buildings; and
(12) To protect public health, safety, convenience, comfort, prosperity, and general welfare.
(c) It is the further intent of this chapter to discourage the construction of major new buildings on lots containing historic landmarks and the subdivision of lots containing historic landmarks for the construction of new buildings in close proximity to any landmark buildings.
(Ord. 2022-22. Passed 5-10-22.)