The purpose of this chapter is to establish a landmark and historic preservation (LHP) overlay zone to promote the public health, safety and general welfare by:
A. 
The protection, enhancement, perpetuation and use of structures, sites and areas that are reminders of past eras, events and persons important in local, state or national history, or which provide significant examples of architectural styles of the past or are landmarks in the history of architecture or are unique and irreplaceable assets to the City and its neighborhoods, or which provide for this and future generations examples of the physical surroundings in which past generations lived;
B. 
The development and maintenance of appropriate settings and environment for such structures;
C. 
The enhancement of property values, the stabilization of neighborhoods and areas of the City, the increase of economic and financial benefits to the City and its inhabitants, and the promotion of tourist trade and interest;
D. 
The enrichment of human life in its educational and cultural dimensions by serving aesthetic as well as material needs and fostering knowledge of the living heritage of the past.
(Ord. 510-98 § 2, 1998; Ord. 670-06 § 3, 2006)
As used in this chapter:
"Cultural resource"
means improvements, buildings, structures, signs, features, sites, scenic areas, views and vistas, places, areas, landscapes, trees, or other objects of scientific, aesthetic, educational, cultural, architectural or historical significance to the citizens of the City and the State of California, or the nation which may be eligible for designation or designated and determined to be appropriate for historic preservation pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.
"Demolition"
means any act or process that destroys in part or in whole an individual cultural resource, landmark or other structure within a historic district.
"Historic district"
means any delineated geographic area having historical significance, special character or aesthetic value which serves as an established neighborhood, community center, or distinct section of the City, possessing a significant concentration, linkage, or continuity of site, buildings, structures or objects united historically or aesthetically by plan or physical development; and which has been designated a historic district pursuant to this title.
"Landmark"
means any site, including significant trees or other significant permanent landscaping located on a site, place, building, structure, street improvement, street furniture, sign, work of art, natural feature or other object representative of the historical, archaeological, cultural, architectural, community, aesthetic or artistic heritage of the City and which has been designated a landmark pursuant to this Code.
"Noncontributing property"
means a building, site, structure or object that does not add to the historic architectural qualities, historic association or archaeological values for which a historic district is significant because the property:
1. 
Was not present during the period of the district or the area's historic significance; or
2. 
No longer possesses historic architectural integrity due to alterations, disturbances, additions or other changes; or
3. 
Does not independently meet the designation criteria as defined in this chapter.
"Qualified historic property"
means a property must be listed on any official Federal, State, County, or City register.
(Ord. 510-98 § 2, 1998; Ord. 670-06 § 3, 2006)
The Planning Commission:
A. 
Shall recommend to the City Council, after public hearing, the designation of landmarks and historic preservation districts, as provided in Article II of this chapter;
B. 
Shall hear and determine architecture and site approval applications for construction, alteration, demolition and remedial work on landmark sites and in historic districts, as provided in Article III of this chapter;
C. 
May take steps to encourage or bring about preservation of structures or other features where the Planning Commission has decided to suspend action on a permit application, as provided in Section 18.106.350;
D. 
Shall seek and consider comments from citizens interested in historic preservation when undertaking the powers and duties set forth in subsections A, B and C of this section.
(Ord. 510-98 § 2, 1998; Ord. 670-06 § 3, 2006)
Public comment shall be sought on all historic preservation applications that are considered for designation under Article II or require a permit under Article III. The Economic and Community Development Department shall compile a list of persons, groups and organizations which are interested in the preservation of historical and cultural resources in the City. Any known persons, groups or organizations shall be notified in writing when a property is considered for designation under Article II or a permit is required pursuant to Article III. Persons, groups or organizations shall be added to this list upon their written request.
(Ord. 510-98 § 2, 1998; Ord. 670-06 § 3, 2006)