Chapter 20.15 — LANDMARKS

An improvement, object, or natural feature may be designated a landmark by the City Council upon recommendation of the Historic Preservation Commission if it is determined eligible, retains integrity and meets one or more of the following criteria:

• A. Exemplifies or reflects special elements of the City's cultural, social, economic, political, aesthetic, engineering, architectural or natural history; or

• B. Is identified with persons or events significant in local, State or national history; or

• C. Embodies distinctive characteristics of a style, type, period or method of construction, or is a valuable example of the use of indigenous materials or craftsmanship; or

• D. Represents the work of a notable builder, designer or architect; or

• E. Has a unique location or singular physical characteristics or is a view or vista representing an established and familiar visual feature of a neighborhood community or of the City; or

• F. Reflects significant geographical patterns, including those associated with different eras of settlement and growth, particular transportation modes, or distinctive examples of park or community planning; or

G. Has yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important in history or prehistory. A landmark shall include all improvements, objects, or natural features named in the landmark designation resolution. To qualify for landmark status, an improvement, object, or natural feature must be at least 50 years old or older.

(Ord. 910 Sec. 1, 2009)

The designation of a landmark may be initiated by the Historic Preservation Commission, the City Council, or by any person, organization, or entity. Application shall be made upon such forms and accompanied by such data and information as may be required for that purpose by the Cultural Resources Administrator so as to assure the fullest practical presentation of the facts for proper consideration of the request.

(Ord. 910 Sec. 1, 2009)

Upon the filing of a complete application, the matter shall be set for consideration before the Historic Preservation Commission. The date of such meeting shall be not more than 60 days from the date of filing of a complete application. (Ord. 910 Sec. 1, 2009)

Notice of the date, time, place and purpose of the meeting before the Historic Preservation Commission shall be given by at least one publication of a notice in a newspaper having general circulation in the City not less than 10 days prior to the date of such meeting and by depositing

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City of Norco, CA

NORCO CODE

§ 20.15.040

§ 20.15.090

in the United States mail, at least 10 days prior to the date of the meeting, a notice addressed to the owner(s) or other person(s) having legal custody and control of the subject property being considered for landmark designation and to property owners within a 300-foot radius of the subject property. When the property being considered is not real property, notice shall be given to the owner(s) or other person(s) having legal custody and control of the real property where the improvement or object is situated. The last known name and address of each owner as shown on the records of the County Assessor may be used for this notice. Failure to send any notice by mail to any property owner where the address of such owner is not a matter of public record or the non-receipt of any notice mailed pursuant to this title shall not invalidate any proceedings in connection with the proposed designation.

(Ord. 910 Sec. 1, 2009)

A public meeting shall be conducted before the Historic Preservation Commission at the time and place so fixed and noticed. The Commission may establish rules for the conduct of its meetings. Subsequent to the Historic Preservation Commission meeting, a public hearing shall be conducted before the City Council for final decision on the landmark application. (Ord. 910 Sec. 1, 2009)

The Historic Preservation Commission shall cause to be made by any of its own members or by the Cultural Resources Administrator, such investigation of facts bearing upon such application as in the opinion of the Commission will serve to provide the necessary information to assure Commission action consistent with the intent and purposes of this title. (Ord. 910 Sec. 1, 2009)

The Historic Preservation Commission shall forward to the City Council its recommendation and findings in writing regarding the designation of a landmark, in whole or in part, based on the criteria set forth in Chapter 20.15 of this title and the facts presented in connection with the application. The City Council, on the recommendation of the Historic Preservation Commission, shall make the final determination as to whether the purposes of this title are met by such designation. The City Council may continue such hearing to a time and place certain when such action is deemed necessary or desirable.

(Ord. 910 Sec. 1, 2009)

A landmark shall be designated by a numbered resolution of the City Council, which provides facts and findings based on the criteria for designation as set forth in this chapter. The Council shall adopt the resolution by a majority of the members present and voting. (Ord. 910 Sec. 1, 2009)

Notice of the designation of a landmark by the City Council shall be transmitted to all City departments, the assessor and the recorder of Riverside County, and any other departments and governmental agencies the Cultural Resources Administrator deems appropriate. Each City

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City of Norco, CA

CULTURAL RESOURCES

§ 20.15.090

§ 20.15.110

department and division shall incorporate the notice of designation as a landmark into its records, so that future decisions or permissions regarding or affecting any landmark made by the City or an official of the City will have been made with the knowledge of the landmark designation, and in accordance with the procedures set forth in this title. The City Clerk shall record all designating resolutions in the office of the Riverside County Recorder. (Ord. 910 Sec. 1, 2009)

Any person aggrieved or affected by a recommendation of the Historic Preservation Commission for the designation, repeal, modification, or denial of an application for a landmark designation may appeal to the City Council at any time within 15 days after the date upon which the Historic Preservation Commission announces its recommendation. An appeal to the City Council shall be taken by filing a letter of appeal with the Cultural Resources Administrator. Such letter of appeal shall set forth the grounds upon which the appeal is based. Within 10 days after the receipt of the letter of appeal, the Cultural Resources Administrator shall transmit to the City Council the letter of appeal, copies of the application and all other papers constituting the record upon which the action of the Commission was taken. The City Clerk shall give notice of a public hearing upon receipt of the appeal. The date of such hearing shall be not more than 30 days from the date of filing of the appeal. Upon the hearing of such appeal, the City Council shall affirm, reverse or modify the recommendation of the Commission. The City Council may continue such hearing to a time and place certain when such action is deemed necessary or desirable. (Ord. 910 Sec. 1, 2009)

The City Council, with the recommendation of the Historic Preservation Commission, shall consider a repeal or modification of a previously approved landmark designation in the same manner provided by this title for the designation of landmark if the resource no longer meets the criteria by which it was designated.

(Ord. 910 Sec. 1, 2009)

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City of Norco, CA