The Historic Overlay District shall serve as
a supplement to the underlying zoning districts and shall not supplant
the regulations of the underlying zoning districts. Permitted uses
or structures within the overlay district shall be the same as those
within the underlying district. The intent of this district is to
promote and enhance the architectural heritage of the historically
significant sectors of the City; and to encourage the preservation
and enhancement of facades, signage and aesthetics of the existing
buildings; and to permit new construction in a manner which complements
the existing urban form of the district.
A. Applicability. All projects within this overlay district which require a building permit for exterior work shall be subject to preservation and enhancement review to be performed by the staff at the Department of Development and the Department of Public Works. However, should a project within this overlay district require Planning Commission review (pursuant to Article
IX), then the Planning Commission shall perform the preservation and enhancement review.
B. Procedure for review. All projects within this district
shall be reviewed within 45 days of submitting the building or site
plan. All plans for exterior work within this district shall require
the following:
(1)
Elevation drawings to include the existing and
proposed facade design;
(2)
Building plan showing location and dimensions
of all existing structure(s) and proposed improvements on site; and
(3)
Description of color, style and construction
materials in place on all existing structure(s) and proposed improvements
on site.
C. Review criteria. In accordance with the preservation
and enhancement review, the following components shall be examined
and a determination shall be made as to whether the project complies
with the intent of this chapter:
(1)
The project shall be in harmony with all historically
significant use(s) within the district;
(2)
The project shall be in harmony with the general
character of the neighborhood; and
(3)
The project shall be in harmony with the architectural
integrity and style of any effected structure(s).
D. Exception to review. Nothing in this article shall
be construed to prevent the construction, reconstruction, alteration,
restoration or demolition of any unsafe or dangerous feature which
is determined to be a threat to public safety by the Building Inspector.
E. Appeal procedure. Should the applicant choose to appeal
the determinations of staff, the Planning Commission shall review
the proposed work at its next scheduled meeting. In the event that
the applicant chooses to appeal the decision of the Planning Commission,
said applicant shall have 30 days from the date of filing said decision
with the City Clerk/Treasurer in which to commence special proceedings
pursuant to the provisions of Article 78 of the Civil Practice Law
and Rules.
[Amended 2-10-2006 by L.L. No. 2-2006; 8-28-2017; 11-25-2019 by L.L. No. 1-2020]