The city council finds that:
A.
The protection, enhancement, perpetuation and use of buildings, sites, districts, structures and objects of historical, cultural, architectural, engineering, geographic, ethnic and archaeological significance located in Kenmore is necessary in the interest of the prosperity, civic pride and general welfare of the people of Kenmore.
B.
Such cultural and historic resources are a significant part of the heritage, education and economic base of Kenmore, and the economic, cultural and aesthetic well-being of Kenmore cannot be maintained or enhanced by disregarding its heritage and by allowing the unnecessary destruction or defacement of such resources.
C.
Present preservation programs and activities are inadequate for insuring present and future generations of Kenmore residents and visitors a genuine opportunity to appreciate and enjoy our heritage.
D.
The purposes of this chapter are to:
1.
Designate, preserve, protect, enhance, and perpetuate those sites, buildings, districts, structures and objects which reflect a significant element of the cultural, aesthetic, social, economic, political, architectural, ethnic, archaeological, engineering, historic and other heritage of Kenmore, the county, State and nation;
2.
Foster civic pride in the beauty and accomplishments of the past;
3.
Stabilize and improve the economic values and vitality of landmarks;
4.
Protect and enhance Kenmore's tourist industry by promoting heritage-related tourism;
5.
Promote the continued use, exhibition and interpretation of significant sites, districts, buildings, structures, and objects for the education, inspiration and welfare of the people of Kenmore;
6.
Promote and continue incentives for ownership and utilization of landmarks;
7.
Assist, encourage and provide incentives to public and private owners for preservation, restoration, rehabilitation and use of landmark buildings, sites, districts, structures and objects;
8.
Work cooperatively with other jurisdictions to identify, evaluate and protect historic resources in furtherance of the purposes of this chapter.
(Ord. 98-0008 § 1)