This Commission shall have plenary power and authority within the jurisdictional limits of the city and within the limits of available funds to:
(A) Make a survey of, and designate as historic landmarks, buildings, structures, sites, objects, and districts which constitute principal historical and architectural sites which are of local, regional, state, or national significance. No building, structure, site, or object shall be deemed to be historic unless it has been prominently identified with or best represents some major aspect of or ideals related to the history of the locality, city, region, state, or nation. In the case of buildings or structures which are to be designated, they shall embody the principal or unique features of an architectural type, demonstrate the style of a period of our history or method of construction, serve as an illustration of the work of a master builder, designer, or architect whose genius influenced the period in which he or she worked, or has significance in current time;
(B) Prepare a register of buildings, structures, sites, objects, or districts which meet the requirements of division (A) above, publish lists of such properties, and, with the consent of the property owner(s), inspect such properties from time to time setting forth appropriate information concerning the registered buildings, structures, sites, and objects;
(C) With the consent of the property owner, certify and mark with appropriately designed markers, buildings, structures, sites, objects, and districts which it has registered;
(D) Establish standards for the care and management of certified landmarks and withdraw such certification for failure to maintain the standards so prescribed;
(E) Acquire by purchase, gift, or lease, and administer registered landmarks and easements and interests therein, both real and personal, within the limits of funds available;
(F) Lease or sell property so acquired under terms and conditions designed to ensure the proper preservation of the landmark in question;
(G) Establish historic districts for registered landmarks, utilizing the same guidelines set forth in division (A) above, and designate the area thereof by appropriate markers;
(H) Identify historical districts for registered landmarks, and aid and encourage the city in which the district or landmark is located to adopt rules and regulations for the preservation of architectural values;
(I) Prepare and place historical markers on or along the highway or street closest to the location which is intended to be identified by such markers;
(J) Seek the advice and assistance of individuals, groups, and departments or agencies of government who or which are conducting historical preservation programs and coordinate the same insofar as possible;
(K) Seek and accept gifts, bequests, endowments, and funds from any and all sources for the accomplishment of the functions of the Commission;
(L) Adopt rules and regulations concerning the operation of the Commission, the functions and responsibilities of its officers, employees, assistants, and other personnel, and such other matters as may be necessary to carry out the purpose of this order; and
(M) Adopt such other rules and regulations as may be deemed necessary to effectuate the purpose of this subchapter, but no such rules and regulations shall be inconsistent with the provisions of any plan or any Planning Commission of a municipality or county.
(Ord. passed 5-4-1998)