It is hereby declared a matter of public policy that the protection,
enhancement, perpetuation and use of improvements or sites of special character
or special architectural, archaeological or historic interest or value is
a public necessity and is required in the interest of the health, prosperity,
safety and welfare of the people. The purpose of this chapter is to:
A. Effect and accomplish the protection, enhancement, and
preservation of such improvements, sites and districts which represent or
reflect elements of the City of Jefferson's cultural, social, economic, political
and architectural history.
B. Safeguard the City of Jefferson's historic, prehistoric
and cultural heritage, as embodied and reflected in such historic structures,
sites and districts.
C. Stabilize and improve property values and enhance the
visual and aesthetic character of the City of Jefferson.
D. Protect and enhance the City of Jefferson's attractions
to residents, tourists and visitors and serve as a support and stimulus to
business and industry.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings
indicated:
CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS
The certificate issued by the Commission approving alteration, rehabilitation,
construction, reconstruction or demolition of an historic structure, historic
site or any improvement in an historic district.
COMMISSION
The Historic Preservation Commission created under this chapter.
HISTORIC DISTRICT
An area designated by the Common Council on recommendation of the
Commission that contains two or more historic improvements or sites.
HISTORIC SITE
Any parcel of land of historic significance due to a substantial
value in tracing the history or prehistory of man, or upon which an historic
event has occurred, and which has been designated as an historic site under
this chapter, or any improvement parcel, or part thereof, on which is situated
an historic structure and any abutting improvement parcel, or part thereof,
used as and constituting part of the premises on which the historic structure
is situated.
HISTORIC STRUCTURE
Any improvement which has a special character of special historic
interest or value as part of the development, heritage or cultural characteristics
of the City of Jefferson, state or nation and which has been designated as
an historic structure pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.
IMPROVEMENT
Any building, structure, place, work of art or other object constituting
a physical betterment of real property, or any part of such betterment, including
streets, alleys, sidewalks, curbs, lighting fixtures, signs and the like.
No building permit shall be issued by the Building/Zoning Inspector
for alteration, construction, demolition, or removal of a nominated historic
structure, historic site, or any property or structure within a nominated
historic district from the date of the meeting of the Historic Preservation
Commission at which a nomination form is first presented until the final disposition
of the nomination by the Historic Preservation Commission or the Common Council,
unless such alteration, removal or demolition is authorized by formal resolution
of the Common Council as necessary for public health, welfare or safety. In
no event shall the delay be for more than 180 days.
Any person or persons violating any provision of this chapter shall
be fined $50 for each separate violation. Each and every day during which
a violation continues shall be deemed to be a separate offense. Notice of
violations shall be issued by the Building/Zoning Inspector.