§ 94-83. Demolition requests.

(a)

On applications to demolish any buildings or structures within locally designated historic districts, or local landmarks, the board will approve or deny the request, or may suspend action to allow further study for a period not to exceed 90 calendar days; a suspension of action does not constitute a final decision by the board. A motion to deny such applications shall include the designation of a public notification of demolition period up to a maximum of 365 days. The length of the delay shall be determined by the board based upon the relative significance of the structure and the probable time required to arrange a possible alternative to demolition. Upon expiration of the public notification of demolition period set forth in an approved motion to deny an application, the applicant may demolish the building or structure without board approval.

(b)

During the public notification period, the board may take such steps as it deems necessary to preserve the building or structure concerned, in accordance with the purposes of this chapter. Such steps may include but shall not be limited to consultation with civic groups, public agencies and interested citizens, recommendations for acquisition of property by public or private bodies or agencies, and exploration of the possibility of moving the structure or building.

(c)

In connection with any certificate of appropriateness for demolition, the board may request permission from the owner to salvage and preserve building materials, architectural details and ornaments, fixtures and the like for reuse in restoration of other historic properties. The board may also request from the owner permission to enter the building to record the dimensions and details before demolition. This record will include photographs and scaled architectural drawings.

(d)

In addition to all other provisions of this chapter, the board shall consider the following criteria in evaluating applications for a certificate of appropriateness for demolition of designated properties in determining the length of the public notification of demolition period:

(1)

The structure is of such interest or quality that it would reasonably meet national, state or local criteria for designation as a historic resource.

(2)

The significance which the structure contributes to the historic character of a designated district.

(e)

The board may request one or more of the following items of written evidence to be submitted:

(1)

A report from a professional property appraiser stating that such building will not earn a reasonable economic return for the owner of such building on the original site.

(2)

A report from a licensed engineer or architect with experience in rehabilitation as to the structural soundness of the structure and its suitability for rehabilitation.

(3)

Estimated market value of the property both in its current condition, and after completion of the proposed demolition or removal, to be presented through an appraisal by a qualified professional expert.

(4)

An estimate from an architect, developer, real estate consultant, appraiser or other real estate professional experienced in rehabilitation as to the economic feasibility of rehabilitation or reuse of the existing structure on the property.

(f)

The board may consider development plans for a site when considering applications for certificates of appropriateness for demolition. The board may suspend action until a conceptual development plan is approved by the board.

(Code 1985, § 7-326; Ord. No. 2006, § 7, 5-10-88; Ord. No. 2011-39, § 10, 11-16-10)