Monrovia Municipal Code Ch. 2.54 Historic Preservation Commission

An Historic Preservation Commission is hereby created to lead in the application, enforcement, and education of the historic preservation regulations as set forth in Title 17.

(`83 Code, § 2.54.010) (Ord. 95-01, § 1, 1995)

The protection, appreciation and preservation of the historic and cultural resources of Monrovia shall be the guiding mission and fundamental purpose of the Historic Preservation Commission. The Historic Preservation Commission shall work in partnership with property owners/residents, the business sector and the community at large to retain and protect those historic and cultural resources which will preserve and enhance our small town atmosphere.

(`83 Code, § 2.54.020) (Ord. 95-01, § 1, 1995)

(A) The Historic Preservation Commission shall consist of an odd number of unpaid members, not to exceed seven but no less than five, appointed by the Mayor, none of whom shall be officers or employees of the city. All members of the Commission shall be residents in the city, and shall have a demonstrated interest in and knowledge of historic preservation and the historic and cultural resources of the city, based on either professional, academic, or lived experiences.

(B) Commission members shall be appointed from among residents with a demonstrated special interest, knowledge, or experience in the history, architecture or cultural heritage of Monrovia, or in the subjects of architecture, history, architectural history, planning, maintenance or renovation of historic structures, or other historic preservation-related subject areas, such as urban planning, American studies, American civilization, cultural geography, or cultural anthropology, to the extent that such individuals are available in the community and willing to serve.

(`83 Code, § 2.54.030) (Ord. 95-01, § 1, 1995; Ord. 2023-01, § 1, 2023)

(A) Members of the Historic Preservation Commission shall be appointed by the Mayor with the approval of the City Council.

(1) Commissioners shall serve at the pleasure of the City Council.

(2) The term of office for each Commissioner shall be three years, commencing on July 1st of the year of appointment and terminating June 30th three years thereafter.

(3) If a vacancy occurs, other than by expiration of the term, the Mayor shall fill the vacancy pursuant to the selection process established in § 2.46.040.

(B) (1) At the end of any Commissioner's term, the Commissioner may apply for appointment to the Historic Preservation Commission pursuant to the selection process established in § 2.46.040.

(2) Members who apply for re-appointment shall follow the same selection process as new applicants.

(C) (1) The terms of the Commissioners shall be staggered.

(2) The terms of not more than three members of the Historic Preservation Commission shall expire in any one year.

(D) Members of the Historic Preservation Commission shall serve without compensation.

(`83 Code, § 2.54.040) (Ord. 95-01, § 1, 1995; Ord. 99-12 § 8, 1999; Ord. 2003-14 § 6, 2003)

(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.

(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.

(`83 Code, § 2.54.050) (Ord. 95-01, § 1, 1995)

(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 a majority of 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, as required pursuant to state law.

(C) A majority of members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

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

(`83 Code, § 2.54.060) (Ord. 95-01, § 1, 1995; Ord. 2023-01, § 2, 2023)

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

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

(B) Recommend to the City Council that certain areas, places, 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 that an area be designated an Historic District;

(C) Compile and maintain a current register of all sites, natural features, buildings and structures designated and approved as Historic Landmarks or 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 Departments of Community Development, Community Services, Public Works and other appropriate departments and governmental agencies;

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

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

(F) Approve, conditionally approve or disapprove in whole or in part applications for certificates of appropriateness regarding the demolition, alteration or removal of a landmark or an improvement or natural feature within an Historic District;

(G) 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 environmental changes will be orderly and will not damage the cultural or historical integrity of the city;

(H) 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;

(I) Render advice and guidance, upon request of property owners, on the restoration, alteration, decoration, landscaping or maintenance of any Historic Landmark or Historic District;

(J) 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 and Historic Districts within the community;

(K) Recommend for adoption written standards to be used by the Commission in reviewing applications for permits to construct, change, alter, modify, remodel, remove, demolish or affect any Historic Landmark or Historic District;

(L) 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 Monrovia, such as granting conservation easements or providing funding;

(M) 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;

(N) Review all applications for permits, environmental assessments, environmental impact reports, environmental impact statements, and other similar documents set forth in this code, pertaining to Historic Landmarks or Historic Districts;

(O) Investigate the feasibility of participating in the Certified Local Government Program and make recommendations to the City Council;

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

(Q) Confer recognition upon the owners of 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;

(R) Perform any other functions that may be designated by resolution or action of the City Council;

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

(`83 Code, § 2.54.070) (Ord. 95-01, § 1, 1995)

(A) Within the limitations of funds appropriated in the annual budget, the Director of 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 to perform work for the Commission shall provide assistance to the extent specified by the Director and work with the Commission to the end that the policies of the city, as specified by the City Council are carried out.

(C) Staff support shall be limited in areas of research and analysis, staff reports and communications.

(`83 Code, § 2.54.080) (Ord. 95-01, § 1, 1995)

(A) Any person not satisfied with a decision or determination by the Commission shall have the right to appeal to the City Council if a written request is submitted to the City Clerk accompanied by the required appeal fee within ten days after such decision. In the event such an appeal is taken, all project activity shall be suspended and the applicant shall be subject to all of the provisions of this code which would have applied had such application been made to the Council in the first instance.

(B) The grounds for consideration and decision by the Council shall be specified in the written appeal. The Council, upon receipt of the appeal, shall set the matter for public hearing. Following the hearing, the Council shall affirm, reverse or modify the decision of the Commission.

(C) A fee set by Council resolution shall be paid to the city upon the filing of each appeal.

(`83 Code, § 2.54.090) (Ord. 95-01, § 1, 1995)