The Historic Overlay Zone is established to recognize, protect and ensure proper utilization of historic resources in the interest of public, health, safety, prosperity, social and cultural enrichment, and general welfare. The purpose of the Historic Overlay is as follows.

   (A)   Cultural history. Safeguard the heritage of the city by protecting designated buildings and structures which reflect the city’s cultural history.

   (B)   Public involvement. Encourage public understanding and involvement in the unique heritage of the city.

   (C)   Civic pride. Strengthen civic pride in the beauty and notable accomplishments of the past.

   (D)   City attractions. Protect and enhance the city’s attractions to residents and visitors and to support and stimulate business and industry.

   (E)   Aesthetic character. Enhance the visual and aesthetic character of the city.

   (F)   Promote use. Promote the use of historic buildings, structures and historic districts.

   (G)   Property rights. Protect and safeguard the property rights of the owners whose property is declared to be historic or is located in an area designated as a historic district.

(Ord. 1346, passed 5-2-12)

   (A)   Historic Overlay Zone creation. Historic Overlay zones shall be applied n the same manner as property is reclassified from one zone classification to another, as set forth in subchapter 153.210, Part 15 - Zoning Code Text and Zoning Map Amendments. When a Historic Overlay Zone has been created, it shall be designated upon the zoning map of the city as an overlay zone. At the time the Historic Overlay Zone is created, a specific set of development and design standards shall be adopted by the City Council, in addition to those applicable to the underlying zone classification, identifying the allowable uses, improvements, accessory uses, signs and other development standards which are determined to be necessary to maintain integrity of the district while allowing reasonable use of the properties therein.

   (B)   Historic designation where applied to an individual building, structure or place, such application may be referred to as a “Historic Designation”.

   (C)   Historic structure work permit. No work shall be done on any building or structure located within a Historic Overlay Zone or designated as historic unless a work permit is issued pursuant to subchapter 153.210, Administrative Procedures.

   (D)   Historic structure demolition permit. No demolition shall be done on any building or structure located within a Historic Overlay Zone or designated as historic unless a demolition permit is issued pursuant to subchapter 153.210, Administrative Procedures.

   (E)   Unsafe or dangerous exception. None of the provisions of this chapter shall be construed to prevent any work or demolition necessary to correct or eliminate any unsafe or dangerous condition of any building or structure located in a historic district, where such condition has been declared unsafe or dangerous by the city and where the work is necessary to correct or eliminate such condition, and has been ordered by the city.

(Ord. 1346, passed 5-2-12)

   The owner or occupant of a building, structure or place designated as historic or located within a Historic Overlay Zone shall maintain all exterior and interior portions of such buildings, structures and places in good repair to prevent deterioration, decay or excessive wear and tear.

(Ord. 1346, passed 5-2-12)

   Resolutions adopting a historic designation of a building, structure or place shall collectively be known as the Local Official Register of Historic Resources. The Local Official Register shall be kept on file with the Secretary of the Historic Resources Advisory Committee, who shall transmit copies to the City Clerk, the Director of Community Development and the County Librarian.

(Ord. 1346, passed 5-2-12)

   The provisions of a disposition and development agreement or owner participation agreement, approved and entered into by the City of Baldwin Park, may contain provisions superseding the provisions of this subchapter.

(Ord. 1346, passed 5-2-12)