Azusa Municipal Code Art. I Arts, Cultural and Historic Preservation Commission

A cultural and historic preservation commission is hereby created to lead in the application, enforcement, and education of the historic preservation regulations as set forth in this article.

(Ord. No. 00-012, § 2, 10-16-00; Ord. No. 2023-05, §§ 2, 4(Exh. A), 10-16-23)

The protection, appreciation and preservation of the cultural and historic resources of the city shall be the guiding mission and fundamental purpose of the cultural and historic preservation commission. The cultural and historic preservation commission shall work in partnership with other governmental agencies, property owners/residents, the business sector and the community at large to retain and protect those cultural and historic resources which will preserve and enhance the community.

(Ord. No. 00-012, § 2, 10-16-00; Ord. No. 2023-05, §§ 2, 4(Exh. A), 10-16-23)

(a) The commission shall consist of five members, none of whom shall be officers or employees of the city. The members of the commission shall serve four-year terms, except when appointed pursuant to section 2-32(7) to fill an unexpired term. All members shall be appointed by majority vote of the city council and shall serve pursuant to section 2-32. Members of the commission may be removed from office pursuant to section 2-32.

(b) Commission members shall be appointed from among professionals in the disciplines of architecture, history, architectural history, planning, or other historic preservation-related disciplines, such as urban planning, American studies, American civilization, cultural geography, or cultural anthropology, to the extent that such professionals are available in the community. Commission membership shall also include other persons who have demonstrated special interest, knowledge, or experience in the history, architecture or cultural heritage of the city as will provide for an adequate and qualified commission.

(c) Every member of the cultural and historic preservation commission shall have been a resident of the city for one year prior to appointment and shall remain a resident of the city while serving as a commissioner.

(Ord. No. 00-012, § 2, 10-16-00; Ord. No. 05-03, § 1, 5-2-05; Ord. No. 2023-05, §§ 2, 4(Exh. A), 10-16-23)

(a) Members of the commission shall serve at the pleasure of the city council. Commissioners shall serve terms of four years. If a vacancy occurs, it shall be filled by appointment pursuant to section 2-32. Members of the commission may be removed from office pursuant to section 2-32.

(b) The members of the commission shall receive compensation in an amount to be established by city council resolution for their services as members of the commission. Members shall also be reimbursed for any reasonable and necessary expenses incurred by them in the performance of their duties as members of the commission in an amount established by resolution of the city council.

(c) Nothing in this section shall preclude a person from subsequently applying for appointment to the commission after first leaving the commission at the expiration of that person's second consecutive term. Such an application shall be subject to the city's normal selection process, however, and former commissioners shall receive no preference, favor or additional credit in the selection process.

(d) The terms of not more than three members of the commission shall expire in any one year.

(e) Initial appointment. The initial term of appointment at formation of the commission shall be as follows: Three members for an initial term of two years, two members for an initial term of three years and one member for an initial term of four years. Thereafter, each commissioner's term shall be four years.

(Ord. No. 00-012, § 2, 10-16-00; Ord. No. 09-O7, § 1, 11-19-09; Ord. No. 2023-05, §§ 2, 4(Exh. A), 10-16-23)

(a) Officers. The commission shall elect its chair from among the appointed members for a term of one year, and subject to other provisions of law may create and fill such other offices as it may determine. The chair shall be elected at the commission's first regular meeting of each calendar year.

(b) Rules. The commission may adopt rules for the transaction of business but unless so adopted, the procedure set forth in Robert's Rules of Order, current edition, shall prevail. The secretary shall keep an accurate record of all the proceedings, decisions, findings, and resolutions of the commission, which records shall be public and at all times available in the City Hall.

(c) Committees. The commission may, as it deems necessary, appoint subcommittees of its members to perform designated functions.

(Ord. No. 00-012, § 2, 10-16-00)

(a) The commission shall hold meetings, the frequency, date and time thereof to be established by resolution of the commission.

(b) Special meetings may be called at any time by the chair or any two members of the commission in accordance with the requirements of California Government Code section 54950 et seq.

(c) Three members of the commission shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

(d) To the extent allowed by law and the rule of the commission, meetings may be conducted in a manner similar to a workshop or study session.

(e) Special meetings may be called at any time by the chair or three members of the commission by a written notice served upon each member of the commission not less than 24 hours before the time specified for the proposed special meeting.

(Ord. No. 00-012, § 2, 10-16-00; Ord. No. 09-O7, § 2, 11-19-09; Ord. No. 2023-05, §§ 2, 4(Exh. A), 10-16-23)

Subject to state law and the procedures prescribed herein, the commission shall have and may exercise the following powers and duties:

(1) Establish criteria and conduct or cause to be conducted a comprehensive survey of cultural and historic resources within the boundaries of the city, and publicize and periodically update survey results;

(2) Recommend to the city council that certain areas, place, buildings, structures, natural features, works of art or similar objects having a significant historical, cultural, architectural, community or aesthetic value as part of the heritage of the city be designated as historic landmarks or potential historical landmarks, or that an area be designated a historic district or potential historic district;

(3) Compile and maintain a current register of all sites, natural features, buildings and structures designated and approved as historic landmarks, historic districts, potential historic landmarks or potential historic districts by the city council. A description of the historic landmark or historic district and its reason for inclusion shall be contained therein. Copies of said register and list shall be transmitted to the city clerk, the department of community development, community services, public works and other appropriate departments and governmental agencies;

(4) Encourage public understanding and involvement in historic, architectural, archeological and cultural heritage through educational programs such as lectures, tours, walks, reports or publications, films, open houses and special events;

(5) Explore means for the protection, retention and use of any historic landmarks, historic districts, potential historic landmarks or potential historic districts including, but not limited to, appropriate legislation, tax incentives, and financing, such as encouraging independent funding organizations or private, local, state or federal assistance;

(6) Approve, conditionally approve or disapprove in whole or in part applications for a certificate of appropriateness regarding the demolition, alteration or removal of a historic landmark or an improvement or natural feature within a historic district;

(7) Work closely with the city council, city attorney, city manager, other commissions and staff, and other local, county, state, and federal agencies in order to assure that changes that result from proposed new development will be orderly and will not damage the cultural or historic integrity of the city;

(8) Recommend and encourage the protection, enhancement, appreciation and use of historic and cultural resources which have not been designated as historic landmarks or historic districts and take such steps as it deems desirable to recognize such resources including, but not limited to, listings, certificates, letters or plaques;

(9) Render advice and guidance, upon request of property owners, on the restoration, alteration, decoration, landscaping or maintenance of any historic landmarks, historic districts, potential historic landmark or potential historic district;

(10) Review and advise upon the impact of land use, housing and redevelopment undertaken by the city, the county, or state, as they relate to historic landmarks, historic districts, potential historic landmarks or potential historic districts within the community;

(11) Recommend for adoption written standards to be used by the commission in reviewing applications for permits to construct, change, alter, modify, remodel, remove, demolish of affect any historic landmark, historic district, potential historic landmark or potential historic district;

(12) Advise and assist the city council and property owners regarding the identification of appropriate government agencies or private parties which may provide assistance in furthering the purpose of historic preservation in the city, such as granting conservation easements or providing funding;

(13) Investigate and report to the city council on the use of various federal, state, local or private funding sources and mechanisms available to promote historic preservation in the city;

(14) Review all applications for permits, environmental assessments, environmental impact reports, environmental impact statements, and other similar documents set forth in the Code, pertaining to historic landmarks, historic districts, potential historic landmarks or potential historic districts;

(15) Investigate the feasibility of participating in the Certified Local Governmental Program and make recommendations to the city council;

(16) Render advice and guidance on procedures for inclusion of a building, structure, improvement, or site on the local, state or national register;

(17) Confer recognition upon the owners or designated historic landmarks or historic districts by means of certificates, plaques or markers and from time to time, recommend that the city council issue commendations to such owners who have rehabilitated their property in an exemplary manner;

(18) Consult with the Azusa Women's Club, the Azusa Historical Society, the Azusa Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles Historical Conservancy for the purpose of performing the duties outlined in this article and advise the city council relative to communications with such organizations;

(19) Act as a working body that relies on its own expertise to research and analyze issues for decision-making purposes;

(20) Perform any other functions that may be designated by resolution or action of the city council.

(Ord. No. 00-12, § 2, 10-16-00)

(a) Within the limitations of funds appropriated in the annual budget, the director of economic and community development may designate such employees of the city to assist the commission in a manner deemed necessary and appropriate by the director.

(b) Employees of the city designated as support staff to the commission shall provide assistance to the extent specified by the director in order to assist the commission in fulfilling its responsibilities and the policies of the city as specified by the city council.

(Ord. No. 00-12, § 2, 10-16-00; Ord. No. 2023-05, §§ 2, 4(Exh. A), 10-16-23)