§ 2-911. Purpose of division; declaration of policy.

(a)

The council finds and declares the present and future of the city are founded on the contributions of the past. Many of these contributions are exemplified in districts, sites, buildings, structures and objects. It is the intention of the city to preserve these items for their historic, cultural, aesthetic and architectural significance. Such preservation is necessary for the general benefit of the city to secure the foundations of the city as a part of the living community as a source of citizen identification and in appropriation for the city's heritage. Recent history has revealed that the absence of a preservation effort has resulted in the demolition, destruction and deterioration of those items now to be identified as historic landmarks and historic districts. Therefore, it is hereby declared as a matter of public policy that the protection, enhancement, perpetuation and use of districts, sites, buildings, structures and objects for their historic, cultural, aesthetic or architectural value is a public necessity, and is required in the interest of the prosperity and welfare of the people.

(b)

The purposes of this division are to:

(1)

Effect and accomplish the protection, enhancement, perpetuation and use of districts, sites, buildings, structures and objects which reflect elements of the city's historic, cultural, aesthetic and architectural heritage;

(2)

Safeguard the city's historic, cultural, aesthetic and architectural heritage as embodied and reflected in such districts, sites, buildings, structures and objects;

(3)

Enhance and stabilize neighborhood property values;

(4)

Encourage neighborhood conservation;

(5)

Foster civic pride in the beauty and noble accomplishments of the past;

(6)

Protect and enhance the city's attraction to tourists and visitors and the support and stimulus to business and industry thereby provided;

(7)

Strengthen the economy of the city;

(8)

Promote the use of historic landmarks and historic districts for the education, enjoyment and welfare of the city;

(9)

Determine whether a building, structure, site, object or district has historic, cultural, aesthetic or architectural significance; and

(10)

Promote the safety, health, morals and general welfare of the city as a whole.

(Ord. No. 110436, § 1, 6-23-11)