The purpose of the historic preservation review commission is to identify, register, designate, preserve, protect, enhance and perpetuate those historic structures, districts and neighborhoods which contribute to the cultural and aesthetic heritage of Benicia; to foster civic pride in the beauty and accomplishments of the past; to stabilize and improve the economic value of certain historic structures, districts and neighborhoods; to promote and encourage continued private ownership and utilization of such buildings and other structures now so owned and used; to conduct design review in historic overlay (H) districts as provided for in Chapter 17.108 BMC; and to advise and assist the city council in implementing the goals, policies and programs set forth in the city's general plan relating to preservation and enhancement of the city's historic character and protection of the city's archaeological sites and resources.
(Formerly 2.56.010; Ord. 01-3; Ord. 05-01 § 1; Ord. 08-05 § 1)
A historic preservation review commission is established in the city. The commission consists of seven voting members.
(Formerly 2.56.020; Ord. 01-3; Ord. 05-01 § 1; Ord. 08-05 § 1)
A. 
Each member of the historic preservation review commission shall be a Benicia resident and have a demonstrated special interest, competence or knowledge of historic preservation.
B. 
Members shall, to the extent possible, be:
1. 
Professionals in the disciplines of history, architecture, architectural history, planning, prehistoric and historic archaeology, folklore, cultural anthropology, curation, conservation, and landscape architecture or related disciplines, such as urban planning, American studies, American civilization, or cultural geography, to the extent that such professionals are available in the community; or
2. 
Lay members who have demonstrated special interest, competence, experience, or knowledge in historic preservation.
C. 
At least two members shall be owners of a historic property within the historic district. One of these members shall be the owner of a residence in the historic district. The other member shall be the owner of either a residence or business property in the historic district.
(Formerly 2.56.030; Ord. 01-3; Ord. 05-01 § 1; Ord. 08-05 § 1)
A tie vote on any matter before the commission shall be deemed to be a disapproval thereof.
(Ord. 08-05 § 1)
The commission shall:
A. 
Conduct design reviews for restoration, remodeling and development projects in the historic overlay (H) zones in accordance with Chapter 17.08 BMC and/or Chapter 17.54 BMC, or which involve city-owned historical buildings. Ensure that restoration, remodeling and new development complies with the "Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historical Properties," the criteria contained in the general plan and the criteria in the adopted historic plans for each district. Support decisions by specific findings based on the "Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historical Properties," the general plan and the adopted historic plans for each district, as detailed in the relevant sections of the Benicia Municipal Code, as they may be amended from time to time;
B. 
Maintain a program to compile, record and update an inventory of cultural resources within the city. The inventory shall be based on comprehensive surveys conducted in conformance with state survey standards and procedures;
C. 
Make policy recommendations to the city council on matters that relate to historic preservation and the restoration of designated buildings and districts;
D. 
Review and certify CEQA documents for projects which require only HPRC approval and review CEQA documents and make recommendations for approval to the planning commission and city council as appropriate;
E. 
Each commission member is expected to annually attend an informational or educational meeting, seminar, workshop or conference that pertains directly to the work of the commission or would be approvable by the State Office of Historic Preservation;
F. 
Produce an annual report, in accordance with the requirements of certified local government, on the activities of the commission;
G. 
Oversee and establish a program to assist owners of historic homes in lower-income areas to apply for low interest loans through community development block grants (CDGBs), when available;
H. 
Oversee the publicizing of opportunities and incentives for historic preservation to owners of historic buildings;
I. 
Oversee the maintenance of a list of historic preservation review commission educational materials. These items will have been determined by the commission as providing important background information necessary for commissioners to do the work of the commission. The commission may modify this list at its discretion. As soon as is practicable after appointment, commissioners are required to review the items on this list;
J. 
Pursuant to the program established by the city council, oversee a program for property tax incentives in accordance with the California Mills Act and recommend to the city council execution of Mills Act agreements. Provide potential buyers with information about the California Mills Act and federal investment tax credits;
K. 
Maintain a program to coordinate with the California Archaeological Inventory to develop and maintain an inventory of existing and potential archaeological sites;
L. 
Maintain a program to inform title companies that properties in Benicia may be affected by historic preservation regulations;
M. 
Work with Main Street, the Benicia Historical Society, the Benicia Historical Museum at the Camel Barns, and other community groups on historic preservation issues;
N. 
Recommend nomination of properties for the California and National Register;
O. 
Create, maintain and increase the community awareness of our historic resources;
P. 
Oversee the administration of the city's official historic plaque program; and
Q. 
Perform other duties as provided by the city council.
(Formerly 2.56.140; Ord. 01-3; Ord. 05-01 § 1; Ord. 08-05 § 1)