Buellton Municipal Code Ch. 12.20 Historical Landmarks

The purpose of this chapter is to promote the economic welfare and prosperity of the city by preserving and protecting those places, sites, buildings, structures, works of art and other objects having a special historical or esthetic character or interest, for the use, education and view of the general public and to remind the citizens of this county and visitors from elsewhere of the historical background of the city.

(Prior code § 11.25.010; Ord. 94-6 § 3, 1994)

The city council is authorized to receive and act upon applications to investigate and designate places, sites, buildings, structures, works of art and other objects within the city as having historic, esthetic or other special character or interest and being worthy of consideration for protection, enhancement or perpetuation as such.

(Prior code § 11.25.020; Ord. 94-6 § 3, 1994; Ord. 11-01 § 4, 2011)

In designating any place, site, building, structure, work of art or other object as being of historical, esthetic or other special character or interest and worthy of protection under this chapter, the city council shall be subject to the following express standards:

A. The landmark designated shall have historical, esthetic or special character or interest for the general public and not be limited in interest to a special group of persons.

B. The designation of such landmark shall not require the expenditure of any unreasonable amount of money to carry out the purposes of this chapter.

C. The designation of such landmark shall not infringe upon the right of a private owner thereof to make any and all reasonable uses of such landmark which are not in conflict with the purposes of this chapter.

(Prior code § 11.25.030; Ord. 94-6 § 3, 1994; Ord. 11-01 § 4, 2011)

A. The city council shall impose for permanent adoption any or all of the following conditions it deems best suited to carry out the purposes of this chapter. The council shall set a public hearing to be advertised once in a newspaper of general circulation in the city at least ten days prior to the date of such hearing. At such hearing, the council may approve, modify or disapprove the designation of a property for historic designation and the conditions to be imposed. The action of the council shall be final and shall take effect immediately.

B. Conditions that may be imposed under this section are as follows:

1. Demolition, removal or destruction, partially or entirely, may be prohibited unless express consent in writing is first had and obtained from the city council. Such consent may impose all reasonable conditions deemed appropriate by the council to accomplish the purposes of this chapter.

2. No alterations, repairs, additions or changes (other than normal maintenance and repair work) shall be made unless and until all plans therefor have first been reviewed by the city council and approved or modified, and reasonable conditions imposed as deemed necessary, and that all such work shall be done under the direction and control of the city council or other qualified persons designated by it.

3. That only certain specified uses may be made, or that certain specified uses shall be prohibited.

4. That no buildings or structures exposed to public view within a specified distance may be placed, erected, moved in, altered, enlarged or removed (other than normal maintenance and repair work) without approval, with reasonable conditions imposed where deemed necessary by the city council, first had and obtained.

5. Other reasonable requirements, restrictions or conditions to meet special or unique circumstances.

(Prior code § 11.25.040; Ord. 94-6 § 3, 1994; Ord. 11-01 § 4, 2011)

The city manager is charged with the responsibility for the enforcement of the provision of this chapter and all conditions imposed under this chapter.

(Prior code § 11.25.050; Ord. 94-6 § 3, 1994; Ord. 11-01 § 4, 2011)

It is unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to violate any of the provisions of this chapter. Each separate day or any portion thereof on which any violation occurs shall be deemed to constitute a separate offense punishable as provided in this code.

(Prior code § 11.25.080; Ord. 94-6 § 3, 1994; Ord. 11-01 § 4, 2011)