21.24.030 Consideration by Historic Preservation Committee.
A. Within thirty days after the application is deemed complete by the City, the Historic Preservation Committee shall hold a duly noticed public hearing to consider the application and shall make a written report thereon to the Planning Commission. The City recognizes that private residences are subject to change over time as needs change. In that interest, the Historic Preservation Committee is prepared to consult with the owner and architect at an early stage on the proposed remodeling plans to ensure that the City’s interest in carrying out the objectives of this Title, and the owner’s needs are both considered. In making its recommendation, the Historic Preservation Committee shall set forth in detail what, if any, effect the proposed construction, alteration or demolition will have on the significant historical, architectural or other related features of the property, as well as its recommendations, if any, as to ways in which the application can be modified to preserve such features. The Historic Preservation Committee shall use the following guidelines in evaluating an application:
1. The distinguished original qualities or character of a structure and its environment should not be destroyed. The removal or alteration of any distinctive architectural features should be avoided when possible.
2. Distinctive stylistic features or examples of skilled craftsmanship that characterize a structure shall be treated with sensitivity.
3. Contemporary design for alterations and additions to existing structures shall not be discouraged when such alterations and additions do not destroy significant historical and/or architectural material and such design is compatible with the size, scale, color, material and character of the property.
4. Wherever possible, new additions or alterations to structures shall be made in such a manner that, if such additions or alterations were to be removed in the future, the essential form and integrity of the structure would be unimpaired.
B. Following the public hearing, the Historic Preservation Committee shall submit a written report of its findings to the Planning Commission with a copy to the owner/ applicant. If the Historic Preservation Committee recommends conditional approval or denial, it shall set forth in the report its reasons, and suggest a reasonable alternative to the pending application. (Ord. 2006-6 § 1, 2006; Ord. 93-5 § 1, 1993.)