The City Council finds that the Legislature of the State of California has recognized the value of protecting and preserving sites and structures of historic, aesthetic and architectural importance and has empowered cities to adopt regulations and incentives to achieve those aims. The City Council further finds that the people of the City and the public generally will be well served by the protection and preservation of such significant sites and structures, which impart a distinct aspect to the City and which serve as visible reminders of the historical heritage of the City or the State. (Ord. 93-5 § 1, 1993.)