(A) From and after the designation of a historic landmark or district, no exterior portion of any building or other structure (including masonry walls, fences, light fixtures, steps and pavement, or other appurtenant features), nor above-ground utility structure nor any type of outdoor advertising sign shall be erected, altered, restored, moved, or demolished on such landmark or within such district until after an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness as to exterior features has been submitted to and approved by the Commission. In adopting an ordinance establishing a historic district, the local governing body shall provide that no building permit or other permit granted for the purposes of constructing, altering, moving, or demolishing structures shall be issued unless the Commission has first issued a Certificate of Appropriateness authorizing the construction, alteration, moving, or demolition. Any building permit or such other permit not issued in conformity with this section shall be invalid. In approving a Certificate of Appropriateness, the Commission may attach reasonable conditions necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter. A Certificate of Appropriateness shall be required whether or not a building permit is required.
(B) For purposes of this chapter, “exterior features” shall include the architectural style, general design, and general arrangement of the exterior of a building or other structure, including the kind and texture of the building material, the size and scale of the building or other structure, and the type and style of all windows, doors, light fixtures, signs, and other appurtenant fixtures. In the case of outdoor advertising signs, “exterior features” shall mean the style, material, size, and location of all such signs. In adopting an ordinance establishing a historic district, the local governing body may provide that “exterior features” also include historic signs, color, and significant landscape, archaeological, and natural features of the area. The Commission shall take no action under this section except to prevent the construction, reconstruction, alteration, restoration, moving, or demolition of buildings, structures, appurtenant fixtures, outdoor advertising signs, or other significant features which would be incongruous with the special character of the landmark or district.
(Ord. passed 5-4-1992)