§ 157.003 AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION.

(A) In addition to the responsibilities conferred by other provisions of this chapter, the Commission shall:

(1) Review applications for additions, alterations, new construction, demolition of all or part of any structure or landscape elements (such as historic walls and trees designated in the Historic Preservation Application) which are located on a designated property pursuant to this chapter.

(2) Endeavor to provide technical and economic assistance, as resources permit and circumstances warrant, to facilitate compliance with this chapter.

(B) The HPC shall, to the extent it deems action appropriate, have the authority to:

(1) Negotiate with owners of properties having potentially significant historical characteristics for, and may recommend to the City Council the approval of, contracts to restrict the use of such property and to retain such historical characteristics.

(2) Review applications for preservation incentives and make recommendations thereon to the Planning Commission and City Council, including, but not limited to, negotiated Mills Act agreements pursuant to Cal. Gov’t Code §§ 50280 et seq.

(3) Establish and maintain a list of historical resources considered deserving of official recognition although not given regulatory protection under this chapter. The purposes of the list shall be to recognize the merit of and encourage the protection, enhancement, perpetuation, and use of such historical resources. For these purposes, the Commission may authorize such steps as it deems desirable, including but not limited to the issuance of certificates of recognition and the authorization of plaques.

(4) Carry out or assist studies and programs designed to identify and evaluate historical resources which are worthy of preservation.

(5) Inspect and investigate historical resources which may be worthy of preservation.

(6) Consider methods other than those described above for encouraging and achieving preservation of worthy structures, resources, sites, and districts or areas, including exploring means of financing the restoration or maintenance thereof.

(7) Make appropriate recommendations on the general subject of preservation to the Planning Commission, City Council, City Departments, other public and private agencies and bodies, and the general public.

(8) Make appropriate recommendations to the Planning Commission, City Council, City Departments, other public and private agencies and bodies and the general public to assist property owners to repair, modify, improve, rehabilitate, restore, et al, using archaic materials (especially recycled building materials), and design criteria sensitive to the particular property and surrounds.

(C) Provide comments and recommendations to the Planning Commission and Community Development Department regarding proposed projects on properties that are not specifically designated as historic, such as noncontributing structures, but are within designated historic preservation districts.

(D) Review and make recommendations to the Community Development Department, Planning Commission, and City Council regarding applications subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Cal. Pub. Res. Code §§ 21000 et seq., specifically §§ 15064.5 et seq., CEQA Guidelines California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3.

(Ord. 607-C.S., passed 3-19-96; Am. Ord. 715-C.S., passed 11-27-07; Am. Ord. 791-C.S., passed 12-4-12)