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The Commission has the authority to determine the architectural merits and the extent of any proposed treatment, renovation, or
<br />• addition to a historic landmark. The commission will require drawings, plans, specifications, and/or samples where appropriate.
<br />A. Maintenance
<br />The maintenance of any historical structure or site shall in no way involve any direct physical change except for the general
<br />cleaning and upkeep of the landmark. The Commission shall encourage the proper maintenance of all structure or sites.
<br />B. Treatment
<br />Treatment shall be defined as any change of surface materials that will not alter the style or original form. Such
<br />improvements include re -roofing, glazing, or landscaping lawns and may involve a change that can potentially enhance or
<br />detract from the character of the landmark. A treatment change of any surface whether on the landmark or in its
<br />environment may require a Certificate of Appropriateness if it significantly alters the appearance of the landmark.
<br />Although these kinds of changes may not require a Building Permit, a Certificate of Appropriateness may be necessary.
<br />The commission should review the proposed treatment for character and style consistency with the original surfaces.
<br />C. Renovation and Additions
<br />Renovation is the modification of a structure, which does not alter the general massing while an addition, is a change in mass. A
<br />modification, which involves the removal of a part of the landmark, should be considered under demolition (see demolition).
<br />Additions to landmarks should not detract from the original form and unity of the landmark and should not cover singular
<br />examples of architectural detail. Additions to landmarks should be added in a manner that does not disrupt the visible unity of
<br />overall appearance of the site. The proportions, materials and ratios of the existing structures should be carried through in the
<br />additions. Care should be taken not to change or alter the following:
<br />1. Structure—Necessary structural improvements, where safety demands should be accomplished in such a
<br />way as to cause minimal visual change to the original style and construction.
<br />2. Material—Additions and improvements involving any new material in the landmark should be of the same
<br />material as the original. It should be the same size and texture. An alternative material may be allowed if it
<br />duplicates the original.
<br />a. wood—all wood trim should conform with existing trim in shape and size.
<br />b. siding materials—the Commission discourages the covering or alteration of original materials with
<br />additional siding. Structures already sided with incompatible materials should be returned to a siding similar
<br />to the original when renovation is considered.
<br />D. Demolition
<br />Historic landmarks shall not be demolished. When a landmark poses a threat to the public safety, and demolition is the only
<br />• alternative, documentation by way of photographs, measured drawings, or other descriptive methods should be made of both the
<br />exterior and interior of the landmark. The person or agency responsible for demolition of the landmark shall be responsible for
<br />this documentation.
<br />E. Moving
<br />The moving of landmarks is discouraged, however, moving is preferred to demolition. When moving s necessary, the owner of
<br />the landmark must apply to the Commission for a Certificate of Appropriateness.
<br />F. Signs
<br />No neon or flashing signs will be permitted unless they are original to the structure. Billboards and super -graphics will also be
<br />disallowed. Only one appropriate identifying sign will be permitted per business.
<br />G. Building Site and Landscaping
<br />1. Required
<br />Major landscaping items, trees, fencing, walkways, private yard lights, signs (house numbers) and benches which reflect the
<br />property's history and development shall be retained. Dominant land contours shall be retained. Structures such as: gazebos,
<br />patio decks, fixed barbecue pits, swimming pools, tennis courts, green houses, new walls, fountains, fixed garden furniture,
<br />trellises, and other similar structures shall be compatible to the historic character of the site and neighborhood and inconspicuous
<br />when viewed from a public way.
<br />2. Recommended
<br />New site work should be based upon actual knowledge of the past appearance of the property found in photographs, drawings,
<br />and newspapers. Plant materials and trees in close proximity to the building that are causing deterioration to the buildings
<br />historic fabric should be removed. However, trees and plant materials that must be removed should be immediately replaced by
<br />suitable flora. Front yard areas should not be fenced except in cases where historic documentation would indicate such fencing
<br />appropriate. Fencing should be in character with the buildings style, materials, and scale.
<br />3. Prohibited
<br />No changes may be made to the appearance of the site by removing major landscaping items, trees, fencing, walkways,
<br />outbuildings, and other elements before evaluating their importance to the property's history and development. Front yard areas
<br />shall not be transformed into parking lots nor paved nor blacktopped. The installation of unsightly devices such as TV reception
<br />dishes and solar collectors shall not be permitted in areas where they can be viewed from public thoroughfares.
<br />STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
<br />Staff accepts that the roof and roof components are deteriorated and necessitate major repair, and therefore favorably
<br />recommends approval. Staff requests the Commission remand authority to make minor decisions where contingencies exist and
<br />decisions needed acted upon with urgency.
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