Whittier Municipal Code Ch. 2.14 Historic Resources Commission

There is created and established for the city, a historic resources commission, hereinafter in this part, termed "commission," which commission shall be concerned with the study and recommendation on matters pertaining to the city's historic resources.

(Ord. No. 3122, § 15, 9-8-20)

The purpose of the commission shall be to advise the city council regarding policies, programs and procedures necessary to implement the historic resources element of the general plan.

(Ord. No. 3122, § 15, 9-8-20)

The commission shall consist of five members who shall be appointed by, and serve at the pleasure of, the city council and shall have a demonstrated interest, competence or knowledge in historic preservation in the disciplines of architecture, history, architectural history, planning, archeology or other preservation-related disciplines.

(Ord. No. 3122, § 15, 9-8-20)

The commission shall have the following powers and duties in addition to those otherwise expressly provided in this chapter:

A. To advise the city council on matters relating to historic resources of the city;

B. To oversee a continuing survey of the city so as to recommend designation of historic buildings and/or districts;

C. To recommend to the city council that certain areas, buildings or structures be designated historic buildings and historic districts;

D. To recommend amendment of appropriate and/or conflicting provisions of the zoning regulations;

E. To keep current and publish a register of historic buildings and historic districts;

F. To recommend to the city council steps to encourage public understanding of and involvement in the unique architectural and environmental heritage of the city through educational and interpretive programs;

G. To encourage the protection, retention and use of any designated or potential historic buildings and/or historic districts;

H. To recommend and encourage the protection, enhancement, appreciation and use of structures of historical, cultural, architectural, community or aesthetic value, which have not been designated as historic buildings but are deserving of recognition, so as to emphasize their importance to Whittier. The commission may recommend to the city council steps desirable to recognize these structures without imposing any regulations or controls upon them;

I. To encourage cooperation between cultural heritage groups, public and private; and

J. To review redevelopment plans, and make recommendations to the city council as to proposed historic buildings or historic districts within the area covered by such plan;

K. To not obligate, by contract or otherwise, the city in any manner.

(Ord. No. 3122, § 15, 9-8-20)

There shall be paid staff appointed by the city manager whose duties shall be to carry out the daily activities pertaining to historic resources as authorized by the city council. This staff person shall serve as the secretary to the commission and shall record accurate minutes of the meetings held by the commission, furnishing copies of all such minutes to the city council. With the exception of any staff specifically assigned to work with the commission, contact with other staff, boards or commissions shall be cleared through the city manager's office.

(Ord. No. 3122, § 15, 9-8-20)