(a) Findings. The City Council finds that the protection, enhancement, perpetuation and use of structures, districts and elements of historical, cultural, educational, architectural, engineering or geographic significance, located within the City, contribute to the prosperity, civic pride and general welfare of the people; and further finds that the economic, cultural and aesthetic interests of the City cannot be maintained or enhanced by disregarding the heritage of the City and that people of the City have an interest in the maintenance, preservation, demolition or other action regarding such cultural assets.
(b) Purpose.
(1) To designate, preserve, protect, enhance and perpetuate those structures and districts which reflect significant elements of the City heritage;
(2) To foster civic pride in the beauty and accomplishments of the past;
(3) To stabilize or improve the aesthetic and economic vitality and values of such structures and districts;
(4) To protect and enhance the City's attraction to tourists and visitors;
(5) To promote the use of historical structures or districts for education; and
(6) To promote and encourage continued private ownership and utilization of such buildings and other structures now owned and used, to the extent that the objectives listed above can be promoted.
(Ord. 1538. Passed 7-27-04.)