The following regulations apply to historic structures identified
in the Comprehensive Plan (Warren House, Munson House, Peace House,
the historic area of Fort Stevens, the Coast Guard Lifesaving Station,
and the Hammond Town Hall).
A. The
Community Development Director shall submit any building permit which
proposes a major alteration which could impact the historical significance
of the structure or site to the Planning Commission for review.
B. The Planning Commission shall hold a public hearing on the permit after providing Type III public notice pursuant to Section
16.208.050 and notification to the State Historic Preservation Office. The Planning Commission will approve or deny the request, or recommend changes in the proposal which would enable it to be approved. In making its decision, the Planning Commission will consider, but not be limited to, the following criteria:
1. The distinguishing original qualities or character of a building,
structure, or site and its environment shall not be destroyed. The
removal or alteration of any historic material or distinctive architectural
features should be avoided when possible.
2. Distinctive stylistic features or examples of skilled craftsmanship
which characterize a building, structure, or site shall be treated
with sensitivity.
3. Deteriorated architectural features shall be repaired rather than
replaced, whenever possible. In the event replacement is necessary,
the new material should match the material being replaced in composition,
design, color, texture, and other visual qualities. Repair or replacement
of missing architectural features should be based on accurate duplications
of features, substantiated by historic, physical, or pictorial evidence
rather than on conjectural designs or the availability of architectural
features.
4. The relative cost of proposed repairs and alterations should be considered.
A property owner should not be forced to undertake alterations or
repairs to protect a structure's historic value if such work would
be unreasonably expensive.
C. The Community Development Director will place a 30-day holding period on issuance of a demolition permit. A public notice of the proposed demolition shall be provided pursuant to Section
16.208.050 and shall also be mailed to the State Historic Preservation Office. The intent of this holding period is to allow interested persons to determine if public or private acquisition and restoration is feasible, or if other alternatives are possible which would prevent demolition. If during the 30-day review period, restoration is found to be feasible, the City may extend the review period for another 30 days. If no significant activities are undertaken during the review period toward the acquisition and/or restoration of the structure, the suspension shall expire at the end of that period and a demolition permit may be issued by the Building Official, subject to other City ordinances.