§ 8-183. Powers and duties of the board.

a.

The board shall be concerned with those elements of development, redevelopment, rehabilitation, and preservation that affect visual quality in a historic preservation district. The board may not consider details of design, interior arrangements, or building features, if those details, arrangements, or features are not subject to public view, and may not make any requirement except for the purpose of preventing development, alteration, or demolition in the historic preservation district obviously incongruous with the purpose of the historic preservation district.

b.

The board may conduct a survey to identify historic buildings, sites and structures located within the city. Based on its survey, the board shall submit to the city council any amendments to the map describing the boundaries of the historic preservation district or districts. A district may be limited to the boundaries of a property containing a single building, structure, or site. The map may divide a district into primary and secondary areas.

c.

The board may also classify and designate on the map all buildings, structures, and sites within each historic preservation district described on the map. Buildings, structures and sites shall be classified as historic or non-historic in the manner set forth in subsections (d) and (e) below.

d.

Buildings, structures and sites classified as historic must possess identified historic or architectural merit of a degree warranting their preservation. They may be further classified as "outstanding," "notable," or "contributing" as defined in subsection 8-181(d) of this article. In lieu of these further classifications, the board may devise its own system of further classification for historic buildings, structures and sites.

e.

Non-contributing buildings and structures are those not classified on the map as historic under subsection 8-181(d)(4) of this article.

f.

The board may conduct additional surveys, and draw and submit additional maps for approval of the city council, as the board considers appropriate.

g.

The board may adopt preservation guidelines for architectural review. If adopted, preservation guidelines shall be published and made readily accessible to the general public.

h.

The board has the authority to receive funds, subject to city auditing practices, in order to promote its stated purposes.

i.

The board shall promote public interest in historic preservation by initiating and carrying on a public relations and community education programs.

j.

The board shall have the authority to perform the following activities, subject to city council approval:

(1)

Acquire by purchase, gift, grant, bequest, devise, or lease any real or personal property, including easements, that is appropriate for carrying out the purposes of the board;

(2)

Hold title to real and personal property;

(3)

Sell, lease, rent, or otherwise dispose of real and personal property at a public or private sale on the terms and conditions that the board considers in the best interest of the city; and

(4)

Establish procedures that the board must follow in acquiring and disposing of property.

k.

Each official of the city who has responsibility for building inspection, building permits, planning, or zoning shall provide, subject to availability, any technical, administrative, or clerical assistance requested by the board. The attorney for the city may provide legal counsel to the board.

(Ord. No. 2012-35, § 1, 11-6-2012)