[R.O. 2011 § 125.290; R.O. 2009 § 33.100; Ord. No. 05-161, 5-27-2005; Ord. No. 08-16, 1-23-2008; Ord. No. 24-001, 1-2-2024]
There shall be a Historic Landmarks Preservation and Architectural Review Board (HLPARB) which is a Committee that shall be known as and referred to as the Landmarks Board and which shall have the composition, powers and duties as prescribed in Chapter 125, Article I and Chapter 400 of this Code of Ordinances. To the extent the words "Historic Landmarks Preservation and Architectural Review Board (HLPARB)" appear in this Code of Ordinances, the words shall mean the "Landmarks Board" as established in this Section. The terms "Historic Landmarks Preservation and Architectural Review Board," "HLPARB" and "Landmarks Board" may be used interchangeably.
[R.O. 2011 § 125.300; R.O. 2009 § 33.105; CC 1981 § 2-256; Ord. No. 93-5, 1-21-1993; Ord. No. 96-1, 1-16-1996; Ord. No. 08-16, 1-23-2008]
A. 
When reviewing and acting upon an application, the Historic Landmarks Preservation and Architectural Review Board will adhere to the following standards or criteria in the Historic Downtown District:
1. 
Preservation of the distinctive historical character, natural beauty and maintenance of the charm and atmosphere of the district's buildings and properties is of paramount importance.
2. 
Restorative or adaptive modification to buildings shall serve to enhance the historic nature of the district while maintaining a sustainable environment for new development.
3. 
Efforts at building improvements shall be handled on an individual basis, based upon a building's own merits, its potential contribution to the district and appropriateness of any changes to the period the building best represents.
4. 
New construction shall exemplify conformity or to be complimentary to district architecture and neighboring structures.
5. 
All improvement activities shall have a complimentary relationship, be sensitive in design, be harmoniously blending and serve to make use of or to enhance the unique Victorian flair and history of the district as a mixed use area, including, but not limited to, office, residential, retail, food, entertainment, service and government uses.
6. 
The Board shall also use the following standards in evaluating the historical significance of an applicant property and its bearing upon an applicant's improvement proposal:
a. 
It has significant character, interest or value as part of the development, heritage or cultural characteristics of the City, State or nation; or is associated with the life of a person significant in the past.
b. 
It is the site of a historic event with a significant effect on society.
c. 
It exemplifies the cultural, political, economic, social or historic heritage of the community.
d. 
It portrays the environment in an era of history characterized by a distinctive architectural style.
e. 
It embodies those distinguishing characteristics of an architectural type or engineering specimen.
f. 
It contains elements of design, detail, materials or craftsmanship which represent a significant innovation.
g. 
It is part of, or related to, a square, park or other distinctive area which should be developed or preserved according to a plan based on a historic, cultural or architectural motif.
h. 
It is in a unique location of singular physical characteristics which represent an established and familiar visual feature of the neighborhood, community or City.
i. 
It has yielded, or is likely to yield, information important in prehistory or history.
7. 
Within six (6) months from the date that the Historic Landmarks Preservation and Architectural Review Board is appointed and approved, the Board shall develop further detailed review criteria to be used in the evaluation of improvement proposals in the Historic Downtown District. The Board's recommended criteria shall be presented to City Council for approval.
[R.O. 2011 § 125.310; R.O. 2009 § 33.119; CC 1981 § 2-211; Ord. No. 86-2, 1-7-1986; Ord. No. 96-1, 1-16-1996; Ord. No. 08-16, 1-23-2008]
A. 
When reviewing an application for a structure or structural change, the Historic Landmarks Preservation and Architectural Review Board shall be guided to the greatest extent practicable by the following standards:
1. 
The public necessity of the proposed construction or use.
2. 
The public purpose or interest in land or buildings to be protected.
3. 
The historic or architectural value and significance of the structure and its relationship to the historic value of the surrounding area.
4. 
The age and character of the historic structure, its condition and its probable life expectancy and the appropriateness of the proposed changes for the period during which the structure was built.
5. 
The general compatibility of the site plan and the exterior design, arrangement, texture and materials proposed to be used.
6. 
The view of the structure or area from a public street.
7. 
The present character of the setting of the structure or area and its surroundings.
8. 
The probable effect of the proposed construction on trees, wooded areas or historic sites.