Within zoned historic districts, for the purposes of this subchapter, unless the context otherwise requires, the following words and phrases shall have the following meanings.
ALTERATION.
(1) Any aesthetic, architectural, mechanical or structural change to the exterior surface of any part of an existing building.
(2) Applicants should follow the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and become familiar with the requirements for tax certification of rehabilitated historic buildings.
CONTRIBUTING. A building, site, structure or object that adds to the district’s sense of time and place and meets the above criteria.
HEIGHT. The vertical distance measured between the highest part of a structure and the finished grade at the midpoint of the front facade of the principal building, excluding chimneys, mechanical equipment and other miscellaneous additions.
NON-CONTRIBUTING. A building, site, structure or object that detracts from the district’s sense of time and place and does not meet the above criteria.
ORDINARY MAINTENANCE. Any work, for which a building permit is not required by law and where the purpose and effect of such work is to correct any deterioration or decay of or damage to a structure or any part thereof and to restore the same, as nearly as may be practicable, to its condition prior to the occurrence of such deterioration, decay or damage.
PREVAILING SETBACK. The most frequently occurring distances from the front facades of all buildings in the historic district to the front property lines.
PROPORTION. The relationship between the width and height of a building front facade, windows, doors and the like.
RHYTHM. The ordered recurrent alternation of solids to voids in the front facade, streetscape and the like.
SITE UTILIZATION. The spacing between the sides of buildings.
ZONED HISTORIC DISTRICT. One or more buildings, sites, structures and/or objects, contributing and/or non-contributing, including signs affixed thereto, that are zoned historic preservation by the Mayor and Council under this subchapter, and that meet the criteria established by the National Register of Historic Places which states, “The quality of significance in American history, architecture, archaeology and culture is present in districts, sites, buildings, structures and objects that possess integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling and association and: (1) That are associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history; or (2) That are associated with the lives of persons significant in our past; or (3) That embody the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction or that represent the work of a master, or that possess high artistic values, or that represent a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction; (4) That have yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important in prehistory or history; or (5) That relates to events, personages or architectural styles that are at least fifty years old.” However, outstanding examples less than 50 years old should be evaluated on their own merits.
(Prior Code, § 12-17.02) (Ord. 747, passed - -1995; Ord. 892, passed - -2008)