(A) The purpose of this chapter is to continue to preserve, promote, and enhance the historic resources and designated historic districts of the city for educational, cultural, economic and the general welfare of the public; to continue to protect and review changes to these resources and districts which have a distinctive character or a special historic, architectural, aesthetic or cultural value to this city, state and nation; to continue to safeguard the heritage of this city by preserving and regulating its historic buildings, structures, objects, sites and districts which reflect elements of the city's historic, cultural, social, economic, political and architectural history; to continue to preserve and enhance the environmental quality and safety of these landmarks and districts; to continue to establish, stabilize and improve property values and to foster economic development.
(B) The Council finds that the city has played an important role in the development of the San Joaquin Valley of California and that this history is evidenced today through its historic buildings, structures, objects, and districts representing the commercial, industrial, social, economic, political and architectural development of the city. The Council finds that the distinctive and significant character of the city can best be maintained by protecting and enhancing its historic, architectural, aesthetic and cultural heritage and by preventing unnecessary injury or destruction of its historic resources and districts which are important community assets.
(C) The Council finds that this chapter benefits all of the residents of the city and all owners of property and declares as a matter of public policy that the preservation, protection and use of historic resources and districts are a public necessity because of their character and their value as visible reminders of the history and heritage of this city and state. The Council declares as a matter of public policy that this chapter is required in the interest of the health, prosperity, safety, welfare and economic well-being of the people. The designation and preservation of historic resources and districts and the regulation of alterations, additions, repairs, signs, removal, demolition or new construction to ensure the perpetuation of their historic character is hereby designated to be a public purpose.
(Ord. 07-28, passed 12-18-2007)