§ 54-53. Powers and duties.

The historic district commission shall have the following powers and duties:

(1)

The power to issue certificates of appropriateness, notice to proceed, denial or no exterior effect for all new construction, reconstruction, restoration, alteration, color change or any other work on any resource located within historic districts.

(2)

The power to issue certificates of appropriateness, notice to proceed or denial for the moving or demolition of any resource located within historic districts.

(3)

The power to recommend to the city council the designation of additional historic districts from resources chosen according to the criteria listed in section 54-66 which, when designated, shall be subject to all the provisions of this article.

(4)

The power to render advice and guidance with respect to any proposed work on a resource located within historic districts.

(5)

The power to accept and administer grants and gifts given for historic preservation purposes within historic districts.

(6)

The power to enter into agreements and contracts with public or private agencies or individuals for the purpose of assisting the commission in carrying out its duties.

(7)

The duty to issue a written report to the city council on or before January 30 of each year concerning the work of the commission during the preceding year.

(8)

The power to disseminate information to the public concerning those resources deemed worthy of preservation and to encourage and advise property owners in the protection, enhancement, perpetuation and use of resources of historic and/or architectural interest.

(9)

The power to conduct a survey and maintain a roster of resources located within historic districts, which shall include a description of the characteristics of the resources which justified its designation, and a description of the particular features that should be preserved, and shall include the location and boundaries of the resource.

(10)

Variances. Due to peculiar conditions of design and construction in historic neighborhoods, it may be in the public interest to retain a neighborhood's historic appearance by making variances to normal requirements. Where it is deemed that such variances will not adversely affect neighboring properties, the commission shall recommend to the zoning board of appeals that such variance to standard requirements be made.

(Code 1983, § 5.329; Ord. No. 1003, 5-3-2005)