[Ord. No. 96-2, § I, 1-22-1996; 8-28-2023 by Ord. No. 23-08]
In accordance with the authority granted by W.S.A. § 62.23(7)(em),
it is declared a matter of public policy that the protection, enhancement,
perpetuation and use of historic structures, sites, and districts
that represent and define the City of Lake Geneva's cultural, social,
economic, political and architectural history is a public necessity
and is required in the interest of health, prosperity, safety and
welfare of the people. Furthermore, the purpose of this section is
to:
(1) Foster civic awareness and pride in the notable accomplishments of
the past.
(2) Educate the public as to the need and value of the City of Lake Geneva's
historic preservation program and its enhancements of the quality
of life.
(3) Stabilize and improve the property values.
(4) Enhance the visual and aesthetic character of the City of Lake Geneva.
(5) Protect the City of Lake Geneva's special architectural history and
character for its residents and guests.
(6) Serve as a support and stimulus to business, industry and tourism
thereby strengthening the economy of the City.
[Ord. No. 96-2, § II, 1-22-1996; 8-28-2023 by Ord. No. 23-08]
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this chapter,
shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where
the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
ALTERATION
Any act or process which changes the exterior features of
a property or an improvement which has been designated for preservation
pursuant to the provision of this chapter.
CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS
The certificate of approval issued by the Historic Preservation
Commission approving alteration, construction or demolition of a designated
historic structure or historic site.
COMMISSION
The Historic Preservation Commission established under Article
II with the power and duties granted under this chapter.
CONSTRUCTION
Any act or process which requires a building permit.
DEMOLITION
Any act or process which destroys or removes, in whole or
in part, an improvement which has been designated for preservation
pursuant to the provisions of this chapter. For purposes of this chapter
demolition requires a permit.
EXTERIOR FEATURES
The architectural design features and materials exhibited
on the exterior of a building.
HISTORIC DISTRICT
An area designated by the City Council of Lake Geneva on
recommendation of the Historic Preservation Commission that contains
two or more historic structures or sites related historically or aesthetically
and which has been designated a historic district pursuant to the
provisions of this chapter.
IMPROVEMENT
Any building, structure, place, work of art or other object,
(such as parking facility fence, gate, wall, etc.) constituting a
physical betterment of real property or any part of such betterment
(such as light fixtures, signs, sidewalk, street furniture, etc.).
LANDMARK
(1)
Any improvement which has architectural, cultural, or historic
character or value reflecting the development, heritage, or cultural
characteristics of a distinct community present in the City, the City
itself, the state or the nation and which has been designated as a
landmark under the provisions of this chapter; or
(2)
Any land of historic significance due to a substantial value
in tracing the history or humankind, or upon which an historic event
has occurred, and which has been designated as a landmark under the
provisions of this chapter.
LANDMARK SITE
The lot or parcel identified in the official landmark designation
maintained by the City. If a landmark designation does not identify
a lot or parcel, "landmark site" means any lot, or part thereof, on
which is situated a landmark, and any abutting lot, or part thereof,
used as and constituting part of the premises on which the landmark
is situated.
The Commission may adopt specific operating guidelines for landmark
sites designation, provided that such are in conformance with the
provisions of this chapter.
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RESCISSION
The removal of a landmark designation placed on a property
under the provisions of this chapter.