Sec. 30.06. - Demolition or removal affecting a designated historic district, landmark,…

(a)

Proposed demolition or removal affecting a designated historic district, landmark, or resource that would require a demolition permit from the building department is subject to review by the heritage preservation commission (HPC) prior to issuance of a demolition permit.

(b)

For a historic district or landmark, any application for a demolition permit for which the HPC cannot make the findings below shall be deemed inconsistent with the provisions of this section and referred back to the applicant:

1.

Decision, Time Limitation. The HPC shall determine whether the application would conform to this article and the provisions of the designating resolution and shall approve, approve with modifications, disapprove, or suspend (in accordance with section 30.05(e).) the application within sixty calendar days after the filing of a complete application with the city.

2.

Review Criteria and Findings for Proposed Demolition. The issuance of a permit for the proposed demolition of a landmark or structure within a historic district shall be approved only if the following findings can be made:

a.

Demolition of the landmark or property within a historic district would correct a public safety hazard or nuisance condition, as defined by the international building code and verified by the building official in consultation with the city manager;

b.

No economically feasible alternatives to demolition of the landmark or property within a historic district exist to restore or repair the resource to a state that would abate the threat posed to public safety;

c.

Application of the standards and requirements of the California Historic Building Code would not correct deficiencies resulting in the unsafe or dangerous conditions of the designated resource; and

d.

Relocation of a landmark is not a feasible alternative to demolition.

(c)

For any proposed demolition and/or removal affecting a resource, for which a demolition permit issued by the city building department is required, the city planner shall take the proposed project to the HPC for review and advisory comments at their next regularly scheduled meeting. Upon request of the applicant, a special meeting of the HPC may be called subject to public noticing requirements.

1.

Time Limitation. The HPC shall provide any advisory comments within forty-five calendar days of receipt by the city of a complete application for the project.

(d)

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this section, the HPC shall be notified by planning staff of permit applications for demolition or removal of buildings fifty years or older that do not have a historic designation. The HPC may direct planning staff to invite the applicant to bring the project for advisory review by the HPC. Time limits applicable to processing of the permit by the building department shall apply.