PRESENTER: Presenter
Katie Totman, CNU-A, Historic Preservation Officer
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SUBJECT: Title
Approval of the first reading of an ordinance regarding amendments to Chapter 66 Historic Preservation, Section 66-60, Certificate of alteration for demolition.
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DEPARTMENT: Planning & Development Services
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COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: All
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Staff identified areas within Section 66-60 that would benefit from an amendment. Amendments to the ordinance are necessary to improve clarity and consistency in the demolition and building move review process. With limited buildable land, there has been an increase in these types of permits. Ensuring a clear process is crucial, as demolitions and moves outside city limits can lead to permanent loss of potential historic resources. The amendments will also help better implement the preservation of historic and cultural resources as outlined in the strategic plan. The proposed amendments were discussed and presented to the Historic Landmark Commission on April 9th, 2024, at their regular meeting and received a recommendation for approval.
On April 9, 2024, the Historic Landmark Commission made a recommendation for approval regarding modifying the subject section of Chapter 66.
ISSUE:
As the city continues to grow, we anticipate an increase in both demolition and house move permit applications. Often, the buildings in question are either derelict or incompatible with the property owner's needs. A viable alternative to demolition, which results in the permanent loss of the structure, is relocation-a valuable preservation tool in certain circumstances. Ideally, if a structure slated for demolition is found to be historically significant, it would either be preserved in its current location or moved to a new location within the city limits. This approach helps maintain the overall historic context and provides the owner with the opportunity to pursue local landmark designation in the future. To better serve applicants wishing to move non-historically designated buildings within the city limits, the Historic Landmark Commission proposes to allow staff to administratively approve these relocations, regardless of the building's eligibility for historic designation. However, if buildings eligible for historic designation are relocated outside the city limits, staff will present the information to the Historic Landmark Commission to determine if the property should be historically designated. This amendment aligns with our strategic plan and enhances our ability to preserve historic and cultural resources effectively. By facilitating the relocation of significant structures and providing a streamlined approval process for non-historically designated buildings, we aim to balance development with historic preservation.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN REFERENCE:
• Action 1.11: Update policies and codes to achieve development patterns that implement the goals of this plan.
• Action 2.25: Increase resources for historic preservation.
STRATEGIC PLAN REFERENCE:
☐Economic Mobility ☐Enhanced Connectivity ☒Community Identity
☐Organizational Excellence ☐Community Well-Being ☐N/A
• Foster a sense of community for all City residents, preserve the City’s key historic and cultural assets, expand cultural programming, and take advantage of development opportunities that complement the City’s unique heritage.
FISCAL IMPACT:
N/A
Recommendation
RECOMMENDATION:
Approval.