It is hereby declared a matter of public policy that the protection,
enhancement, perpetuation and use of improvements or sites of special character
or special architectural or historic interest or value is a public necessity
and is required in the interest of the health, prosperity, safety and welfare
of the people. The purpose of this chapter is to:
A. Effect and accomplish the protection, enhancement and
perpetuation of such improvements, sites and districts which represent or
reflect elements of the village's cultural, social, economic, political
and architectural history.
B. Safeguard the village's historic and cultural heritage,
as embodied and reflected in such historic structures, sites and districts.
C. Foster civic pride in the notable accomplishments of
the past.
D. Stabilize and improve property values.
E. Protect and enhance the village's attractions to
residents, tourists and visitors and serve as a support and stimulus to business
and industry.
F. Improve and enhance the visual and aesthetic character
of the village.
G. Educate the public regarding the need and desirability
of a village historic preservation program and its enhancement of the quality
of life.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings
indicated:
CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS
The certificate or report issued by the Commission, approving alteration
additions, rehabilitation, reconstruction or demolition of an historic structure,
historic site or contributing structures within an historic district.
CONTRIBUTING STRUCTURE
Any improvement within an historic district which is historically
or architecturally significant through its relationship to other historically
or architecturally significant properties and which has been designated as
a contributing structure pursuant to the provisions of this chapter. Contributing
structures have maintained most of their historical or architectural characteristics
and compliment or add to the character of the historic district.
HISTORIC DISTRICT
An area designated by the Village Board, on recommendation of the
Commission, that contains two or more historic structures or sites.
HISTORIC SITE
Any parcel of land of historic significance due to a substantial
value in tracing the history or prehistory of man, or upon which an historic
event has occurred, and which has been designated as an historic site under
this chapter.
HISTORIC STRUCTURE
Any improvement which has a special character or special historic
interest or value as part of the development, heritage or cultural characteristics
of the village, state or nation and which has been designated as an historic
structure pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.
No building permit shall be issued by the Building Inspector for alteration,
construction, demolition or removal of a nominated historic structure, historic
site or the demolition of any contributing structure within a nominated historic
district from the date of the meeting of the Commission at which a nomination
form is first presented until the final disposition of the nomination by the
Village Board, unless such alteration, removal or demolition is authorized
by formal resolution of the Village Board as necessary for public health,
welfare or safety. In no event shall the delay be for more than 120 days.
In any case where the Building Inspector determines that there are emergency
conditions dangerous to life, health or property affecting an historic structure,
site or a property in an historic district, the Building Inspector may order
the remedying of these conditions without the approval of the Commission.
The Building Inspector shall promptly notify the Commission of the action
being taken. When the emergency conditions do not require demolition, the
Building Inspector shall make every effort to carry out the intent of this
chapter and to use the design guidelines of the Commission when remedying
the emergency conditions.