§ 65.477. Process for Demolition in an Historic Resource Area.

After property owners have submitted to the City a petition containing the signatures of at least 15% of the property owners requesting a public hearing to designate an area as an Historic Preservation District, the following shall apply for 2 years from the date when the petition was accepted by the City and only to structures at least 50 years old.

Waiting period. Demolition of a structure shall be delayed for 180 days. The 180 day period may be extended for up to an additional 180 days should the City Council find upon recommendation of the Historic Preservation Board that:

(a)

There is a program or project under way which could result in public or private acquisition of the property involving the preservation and/or restoration of such property; and

(b)

That there is reasonable ground to believe that the program or project may be successful.

Reduction or Waiver in Waiting Period. The Historic Preservation Board is authorized to reduce or waive this waiting period if the applicant agrees to perform the proposed demolition or relocation in accordance with such conditions as the Historic Preservation Board may require, which conditions must be consistent with the criteria listed in Section 65.471. If a reduction or waiver of the waiting period is sought by the applicant, this period may be reduced or waived where the owner would suffer extreme hardship, not including loss of profit, unless a reduction or waiver in the required period were allowed.

Negotiations. During this 180 day period, the Historic Preservation Board or any other party may negotiate with the owner or person in charge of the building and with any other parties in an effort to find a means of preserving the building.

Acquisitions. During this period, the Historic Preservation Board or any other party may enter into negotiations with the owner of the property or any interest therein. Nothing herein shall be construed to authorize the Historic Preservation Board to obligate the City in the acquisition of property.

(Ord. of 9-16-1991, Doc. #25102; Ord. of 4-20-1992, Doc. #25638)