[R.O. 2011 §34-78.1; Ord. No. 6401 §1(part), 2002]
It shall be unlawful to demolish any building, structure or humanly constructed object anywhere in the City without first obtaining the appropriate permit in accordance with the requirements of the Building Code and complying with the procedures set forth in this Section. Historic Preservation Commission review of demolitions shall be limited to those located within established historic districts and/or at established historic landmarks as set forth in this Chapter. Demolition shall be construed to include an act or process which destroys, in part or in whole, a structure or which threatens to destroy a structure by failure to maintain it in a condition of good repair and maintenance. Nothing in this Article shall be construed so as to prohibit the Building Commissioner from acting under any emergency provisions of the Property Maintenance Code.
[R.O. 2011 §34-78.2; Ord. No. 6401 §1(part), 2002]
A. 
Zoning Administrator. After examining an application for permission to demolish a building or structure and finding that the application is in proper form, contains all necessary information, and complies with all applicable provisions of City ordinances, the Zoning Administrator shall forward a copy of the application to the Historic Preservation Commission if it is determined that the application involves demolition within an established historic district or at an established historic landmark as set forth in this Chapter. If, within fifteen (15) days of the receipt of the application to demolish, the Historic Preservation Commission has not responded, the application shall be deemed approved by the Historic Preservation Commission.
B. 
Historic Preservation Commission. The Commission shall review every application for a permit subject to this Section if it is determined that the application involves demolition within an established historic district or at an established historic landmark as set forth in this Chapter.
[R.O. 2011 §34-78.3; Ord. No. 6139 §1(Exh. A (part)), 1997]
A. 
In reviewing an application for a permit subject to this Section, the Commission shall make a determination as to whether or not the proposed demolition is detrimental to the preservation of historic landmarks or historic districts. In making this determination, the Commission may consider the following criteria:
1. 
The historic value of the building or structure by reason of age or association with important figures or events; or as evidence of aspects of the history of University City, the State of Missouri or the United States; or as an embodiment of the distinctive characteristics of a type, period or method of construction; or as a representation of the work of a historically notable architect, designer or craftsperson;
2. 
The visual and spatial relationship of the building or structure to designated or potential historic landmarks or historical districts;
3. 
The state of deterioration or disrepair or structural unsoundness of the building or structure, and the practicability of rehabilitation. The Commission may require the applicant to submit documentation in a form specified by the Commission or other information necessary to determine whether the property can be rehabilitated or restored with a reasonable economic return to the owner.
[R.O. 2011 §34-78.4; Ord. No. 6139 §1(Exh. A (part)), 1997]
A. 
Historic Preservation Commission. The Commission shall recommend approval or disapproval of a permit subject to this Section within thirty (30) days after the receipt of the copy of such an application from the Zoning Administrator. In the event that the Commission does not act on an application within this time period, the Zoning Administrator shall consider the application recommended for approval. When the Commission recommends disapproval of an application, it shall render a written report to the Zoning Administrator, a copy of which shall be given to the applicant, which explains the reasons for Commission's decision.
B. 
Zoning Administrator. The Zoning Administrator shall resolve all issues within her/his jurisdiction incident to applications for permits to demolish. In the event that the Zoning Administrator approves an application for a permit to demolish after a recommendation of disapproval by the Commission, the Zoning Administrator shall immediately notify the Commission of this decision. The Zoning Administrator may, upon the recommendation of the Historic Preservation Commission, disapprove an application for permission to demolish. The Zoning Administrator may approve applications for permits to demolish, prior to forwarding such application to the Historic Preservation Commission, only for emergency demolitions when so certified by the Building Commissioner or classes of structures which are specifically exempt under rules duly established by the Historic Preservation Commission.
[R.O. 2011 §34-78.5; Ord. No. 6139 §1(Exh. A (part)), 1997]
A decision by the Zoning Administrator to approve or not to approve an application for permission to demolish a building or structure shall be considered a decision of the Zoning Administrator and may be appealed to the Board of Adjustment in accordance with the provisions of Article XII of this Chapter. In the event an appeal is filed, the Zoning Administrator shall not issue the permit for a period of thirty (30) days.
[R.O. 2011 §34-79; Ord. No. 6139 §1(Exh. A (part)), 1997]
A. 
The Zoning Administrator shall forward to the Historic Preservation Commission a copy of all Plan Commission recommendations regarding applications for rezoning or amendments to the Zoning Code. The Historic Preservation Commission may review such recommendations and appear at public meetings held by the City Council to present the views of the Commission. The recommendations of the Historic Preservation Commission are not required for amending the Zoning Code.
B. 
The Historic Preservation Commission may initiate zoning ordinance amendments by recommendation to the Plan Commission. Such recommendations shall be filed with the Zoning Administrator.