(A) As used in this chapter, interim report refers to the Porter County Interim Report – The Indiana Historic Sites and Structure Inventory as originally complied and as may, from time to time, be amended.
(B) No demolition permit shall be issued for any structure outside a historic district which is designated in the interim report as outstanding, notable, or contributing under the following conditions:
(1) The Building Commissioner's Office shall give, within three business days of the application for demolition permit, the commission notice of the application providing the commission with the name, address and telephone number of the owner of the structure. Notice commission shall provide the Building Department of the city with the current address and name of the individual representing the commission, to who notice should be given. The demolition permit will be placed on the agenda for public input and discussion at the next scheduled meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission.
(2) The owner not being demolition any sooner than 45 days from the date of mailing of notice to the Commission.
(3) The Historic Commission, upon application by the owner, shall place upon the property where the structure is located in plain public view, a sign, as provided by the city [meeting the standards set forth in Chapter 152] informing the public of the proposed demolition of building. Said notice shall set forth the address and phone number of the City Building Commissioner's Office and shall be in such form as approved by the Commission. The City Building Commissioner's Office shall notify the Commission of the name and phone number of any individual making an inquiry.
(C) The 45 day delay period provided for in division (B) of this section may be waived by the Board of Works and Public Safety upon the finding of an emergency based upon a danger to the public health, welfare, or safety, or upon a finding that the structure has been substantially destroyed by fire, weather or other causes.
(D) It is solely the intent and purpose of the provision to give the Commission sufficient time to notify the owner of the historic value of the property and to seek preservation of the site. The Commission shall have no authority to prevent the issuance of the permit after the 45 day notice. This division shall not apply to structures within a historic district.
(E) For the properties identified in the interim, those that have an "outstanding" (O) or "notable" (N) rating will be required to wait 60 days, due to the historic and architectural significance to the property. These properties have an O rating because they are of importance at local, state or national levels. Those that have an N rating are above average in their importance and maybe eligible for National Register.
(Ord. 3-2006, passed 2-13-06)