It is the purpose of this chapter to promote the recognition, preservation and continued viability of historic resources in the City of Corona in the interest of prosperity, social and cultural enrichment and the general welfare of the people of Corona, through the following principles:

   (A)   Encouraging knowledge and civic pride in the character of Corona’s heritage and its many historic resources, in accordance with the declaration of intent and purpose in the city’s General Plan;

   (B)   Providing a process and register for the public identification and official recognition of Corona’s many historic resources;

   (C)   Establishing processes for the thoughtful review of plans for future projects and developments that could affect the management and preservation of Corona’s historic resources;

   (D)   Encouraging and assisting Corona’s private property owners with the management and preservation of their own historic resources and properties;

   (E)   Promoting the management and preservation of Corona’s historic resources, including historic districts, that reflect the city’s diverse cultural, social, artistic, economic, engineering, political and architectural heritage;

   (F)   Enhancing Corona’s cultural heritage as a general attraction to residents, tourists, businesses, industries and development enterprises, thereby strengthening Corona’s general economy around its core heritage areas;

   (G)   Promoting the use of Corona’s historic resources and districts for the education, enjoyment and welfare of the people of the city.

(`78 Code, § 17.63.010.) (Ord. 3403 § 5, 2024; Ord. 2522 § 1, 2001.)

   Whenever the following words or terms are used in this chapter, they shall have the meaning established by this section.

      (1)   Events that have made a significant contribution to the history of Corona, the region, the state or the nation;

      (2)   Persons significant in Corona’s past;

      (3)   Examples of distinctive characteristics of a style, type, period or method of construction or a valuable example of the use of materials or craftsmanship;

      (4)   Special elements of the city’s cultural, social, economic, political, aesthetic, engineering, architectural or natural history;

      (5)   The work of a notable builder, designer or architect;

      (6)   Outstanding elements of architectural design, detail, materials or craftsmanship of a particular historic period;

      (7)   A unique location or physical characteristic representing an established and familiar visual feature of a neighborhood;

      (8)   An archeological or paleontological site; or

      (9)   A natural setting or feature that strongly contributes to the well being of the people of the city. The actual site, improvement or natural feature that is designated by the historic marker may or may not be listed, or may or may not be eligible for listing, on the Corona Register or the Corona Heritage Inventory.

Register, any heritage property listed on the Corona Heritage Inventory or any site, improvement or natural feature listed on the California Register or the National Register.

(`78 Code, § 17.63.020.) (Ord. 3403 § 5, 2024; Ord. 2522 § 1, 2001.)

   This chapter shall apply to all historic resources listed on the Corona Register of Historic Resources, the Corona Heritage Inventory, the California Register and the National Register.

(`78 Code, § 17.63.030.) (Ord. 3403 § 5, 2024; Ord. 2522 § 1, 2001.)

   (A)   The City Council shall establish the Corona Register of Historic Resources. The intent of this section is to provide a local register comparable with the California Register and National Register, with similar criteria, definitions and considerations.

   (B)   The Corona Register shall include structures of merit, historic artifacts, landmarks, historic markers and historic districts, and the contributing historic resources within such historic districts, as listed by the City Council in accordance with this chapter. Sites, improvements and natural features within the city’s boundaries that are listed on the California Register, the National Register, or the California Historic Landmarks shall automatically be deemed listed on the Corona Register.

   (C)   Historic resources listed on the Corona Register shall be eligible to apply for financial and other incentives established by the City Council that promote historic resource management and preservation in the city.

(`78 Code, § 17.63.040.) (Ord. 3403 § 5, 2024; Ord. 2522 § 1, 2001.)

   (A)   Landmarks are those physical elements of Corona’s historical development that exhibit exceptional historic, archaeological cultural, architectural, or artistic heritage that provide the community with its own unique civic identity and character. A site, improvement or natural feature shall be eligible for listing on the Corona Register as a landmark if the City Council finds that all of the following criteria are satisfied:

      (1)   It has been in existence prior to 1950, or if in existence after 1950 is of exceptional importance to the community;

      (2)   It has significant historic, cultural or architectural value and its designation as a landmark is reasonable, appropriate and necessary to promote, preserve and further the purposes and intent of this chapter;

      (3)   It exhibits one or more of the following characteristics:

         (a)   It is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the history of Corona, the region, the state or the nation;

         (b)   It is associated with the lives of persons significant in Corona’s past;

         (c)   It embodies distinctive characteristics of a style, type, period or method of construction or a valuable example of the use of materials or craftsmanship;

         (d)   It exemplifies or reflects special elements of the city’s cultural, social, economic, political, aesthetic, engineering, architectural or natural history;

         (e)   It is representative of the work of a notable builder, designer or architect;

         (f)   It exemplifies one of the best remaining architectural styles or types in a neighborhood or contains outstanding elements of architectural design, detail, materials or craftsmanship of a particular historic period;

         (g)   It is in a unique location or contains physical characteristics representing an established and familiar visual feature of a neighborhood;

         (h)   It is a potential source of archeological or paleontological interest;

         (i)   It is or contains a natural setting or feature that strongly contributes to the well being of the people of the city;

      (4)   It has integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling and association;

         (a)   Integrity is the authenticity of an historic resource’s physical identity, as evidenced by the survival of characteristics that existed during the historic resource’s period of significance, to be recognizable and to convey the reasons for its significance;

         (b)   A site, improvement or natural feature that has diminished historic character or appearance may still have sufficient integrity for the Corona Register if it retains the potential to yield significant scientific or historical information or specific data or retains sufficient character to convey the reasons for its significance. Thus, it is possible that a site, improvement or natural feature may not retain sufficient integrity to meet the criteria for listing on the California Register or National Register, but it may still be eligible for listing on the Corona Register;

         (c)   Integrity shall be judged with reference to the particular criterion or criteria which provide its eligibility. An improvement removed from its original location shall be eligible if it is significant primarily for its architectural value or it is the surviving structure most importantly associated with an historic person or event.

   (B)   A reconstructed improvement shall be eligible if the reconstruction is historically accurate, the improvement is presented in a dignified manner as part of a restoration master plan and no other original improvement survives that has the same association.

   (C)   A site, improvement or natural feature that is intended to be primarily commemorative shall be eligible if its design, age, tradition or symbolic value creates its own historic significance. Examples include, but are not limited to, public statuary, murals, monuments, sculptures, graves and birthplaces. These sites or improvements may be identified by the placement of an historic marker.

(`78 Code, § 17.63.050.) (Ord. 3403 § 5, 2024; Ord. 2522 § 1, 2001.)

   (A)   An historic district is a geographically defined area possessing a concentration of contributing historic resources that relate to each other and are unified by physical development or historical context.

   (B)   A defined area shall be eligible for listing on the Corona Register as an historic district if the City Council finds that all the following criteria are satisfied:

      (1)   The defined area is a unified geographical area with precisely defined boundaries;

      (2)   The defined area contains a significant concentration of individually recognized contributing historic resources united in character by an historic plan, physical development, cultural heritage, past events, an historic period or prehistory era, aesthetics design or architectural traditions;

      (3)   At least 75% of the contributing historic resources in the defined area are 50 years of age or older and retain their original architectural character;

      (4)   The civic and historic value of the contributing historic resources is greater as a collective whole than as individual historic resources;

      (5)   The defined area has significant historic, cultural or architectural value and its designation as an historic district promotes, preserves and furthers the purposes and intent of this chapter.

   (C)   Upon the listing of an historic district on the Corona Register, all identified contributing historic resources in the historic district shall be individually listed on the Corona Register, along with notation of the historic district’s noncontributing resources.

(`78 Code, § 17.63.060.) (Ord. 3403 § 5, 2024; Ord. 2522 § 1, 2001.)

   (A)   A structure of merit is a heritage property that does not meet the criteria identified for a landmark but includes physical elements that contribute to Corona’s heritage and are worthy of preservation.

   (B)   Heritage properties shall be eligible for listing on the Corona Register as a structure of merit if the City Council finds that one or more of the following criteria are satisfied:

      (1)   It is an example of a type of building or structure that was once common in Corona’s heritage but is now rare with most of the identifying features of the building or structure from the era preserved.

      (2)   It is connected with a business or use that was once common in Corona’s heritage but is now rare.

      (3)   It is a cultural resource that does not meet all the criteria for a landmark listing yet retains sufficient integrity to satisfy one or more criteria of a landmark listed in § 17.63.050.

      (4)   It yields information or is likely to yield information important to Corona’s history or prehistory.

(Ord. 3403 § 5, 2024)

   An historic marker, as defined by this chapter, may be listed on the Corona Register by resolution of the City Council.

(`78 Code, § 17.63.070.) (Ord. 3403 § 5, 2024; Ord. 2522 § 1, 2001.)

   The Corona Heritage Inventory shall include only heritage properties listed in accordance with this chapter and approved by the Historic Preservation Board.

(`78 Code, § 17.63.080.) (Ord. 3403 § 5, 2024; Ord. 2522 § 1, 2001.)

   A site, historic artifact, improvement or natural feature shall be eligible for listing on the Corona Heritage Inventory as a heritage property if the Historic Preservation Board finds that all the following criteria are satisfied:

   (A)   An official survey describing the features, merits and quality of the site, historic artifact, improvement or natural feature has been prepared;

   (B)   The site, historic artifact, improvement or natural feature is identified as a potential resource to be conserved because of its age, and either its context in the neighborhood, its association with an historic event or period or its significance to the architectural, engineering, scientific, economic, agricultural, educational, cultural, social, artistic, political or military history of Corona.

(`78 Code, § 17.63.090.) (Ord. 3403 § 5, 2024; Ord. 2522 § 1, 2001.)

      (1)   The location or address of the proposed or expanded structure of merit, landmark, historic district or heritage property;

      (2)   The Assessor’s parcel number(s) of all properties on which the structure of merit, landmark or heritage property is located, or if application is for an historic district, then the Assessor’s parcel number for all property within the boundaries of the proposed or expanded historic district;

      (3)   If the application is for a structure of merit, landmark or historic district, then a legal description of all properties for which an Assessor’s parcel number is required;

      (4)   The name and address of the owner(s) of all property for which an Assessor’s parcel number is required, as shown on the latest assessment roll;

      (5)   A full description of the proposed or expanded structure of merit, landmark, historic district or heritage property;

      (6)   Any other information deemed necessary by the Planning Director.

      (1)   If the application is for a landmark or a structure of merit, then written and signed consent shall be obtained from all owner(s) of property on which the proposed or expanded landmark is located, as shown on the latest assessment roll;

      (2)   If the application is for an historic district, then any written protest received must constitute less than 49% of the owner(s) of property located within the boundaries of the proposed or expanded historic district, as shown on the latest assessment roll. For purposes of determining a majority protest, each property is allocated one representative to register either consent or nonconsent to the inclusion of their property within the proposed or expanded historic district. Multiple owners of a property are collectively entitled one representative. Multiple adjacent parcels under common ownership are considered one property.

      (3)   The applicant is responsible for all costs associated with the notification to the respective property owners of the opportunity to register their concurrence or protest of the proposed district.

      (1)   The Planning Director shall distribute copies of completed applications for review and comment to the Heritage Librarian, the Corona Historic Preservation Society and any other city department or outside agency that may be affected by a proposed listing or expansion.

      (2)   The owner(s) of property on which the proposed or expanded structure of merit, landmark, or heritage property is located, as shown on the latest assessment roll, shall be provided notice and a copy of the completed application.

      (3)   If application is for an historic district, then the owner(s) of property within the boundaries of the proposed or expanded historic district, as shown on the latest assessment roll, shall be provided notice and an explanation of the applicable protest procedures, in addition to a copy of the completed application.

      (4)   The notice shall establish a period of no less than 30 days for review and comment on the application and any written comments or protests received within the review period shall be transmitted to the Historic Preservation Board as part of the staff report.

      (1)   After reviewing the submitted materials and receiving any public comments on the application at the public hearing, the Historic Preservation Board shall consider and recommend approval or disapproval of the application to the City Council, based on the eligibility criteria set forth in either § 17.63.050 for landmarks, § 17.63.060 for historic districts and § 17.63.065 for structures of merit;

      (2)   The City Council shall hold a public hearing to consider the Historic Preservation Board’s recommendation and by resolution may approve or disapprove the application based on the eligibility criteria set forth in either § 17.63.050 for landmarks, § 17.63.060 for historic districts and § 17.63.065 for structures of merit;

      (3)   Within 14 days of the City Council’s adoption of the resolution, the City Clerk shall mail notice of the decision and a copy of the resolution to all persons who received notice of the application under § 17.63.100(F). A copy of the resolution shall also be transmitted to all city departments;

      (4)   If the City Council approves the application, the resolution shall be recorded with the Riverside County Recorder on all property on which the approved or expanded landmark is located, structure of merit, or if the application is for an historic district, then all property within the boundaries of the approved or expanded historic district.

      (1)   After reviewing the submitted materials and receiving any public comments on the application at the public hearing, the Historic Preservation Board by resolution may approve or disapprove the application, based on the eligibility criteria set forth in § 17.63.090;

      (2)   Within 14 days of the Historic Preservation Board’s adoption of the resolution, the Historic Preservation Board Secretary shall mail notice of the decision and a copy of the resolution to all persons who received notice of the application under § 17.63.100(F). A copy of the resolution shall also be transmitted to all city departments.

(`78 Code, § 17.63.100.) (Ord. 3403 § 5, 2024; Ord. 2522 § 1, 2001.)

   (A)   An application to delete or to reduce the listing of a structure of merit, landmark, historic district or heritage property may be initiated by the City Council, the Historic Preservation Board, city officials, local entities or a member of the public. An application “to reduce the listing” is a request to narrow, decrease or otherwise diminish the size, scale, scope, boundaries, characteristics, protections or definitions applicable to an existing structure of merit, landmark, historic district or heritage property. No application to delete or reduce the listing of an historic resource that is also listed on the California Register or National Register shall be accepted.

   (B)   Applications shall be submitted to the Planning Department on forms prescribed by the Planning Director. The application shall include the same information as required under § 17.63.100(B), and the application shall identify in sufficient detail how the structure of merit, landmark, historic district or heritage property proposed for deletion or reduction meets the criteria set forth in this section. The Planning Department shall process, notice and review the application in accordance with the procedures set forth in §§ 17.63.100(D) through 17.63.100(G).

   (C)   If the application requests to delete or reduce the listing of a structure of merit, landmark or historic district, then the Historic Preservation Board shall consider and recommend, and the City Council shall approve or disapprove the application, in accordance with the procedures set forth in § 17.63.100(H), based on the criteria set forth in this section.

   (D)   If the application requests to delete or reduce the listing of a property on the Heritage Inventory, then the Historic Preservation Board shall consider and approve or disapprove the application in accordance with the procedures set forth in § 17.63.100(I), based on the criteria set forth in this section.

   (E)   The listing of a structure of merit, landmark or historic district on the Corona Register, or the listing of a heritage property on Corona Heritage Inventory, may be deleted or reduced only if one of the following findings is made. The Planning Department shall require the applicant to provide information justifying the request for deleting or reducing the listing of a historical resource.

      (1)   The structure of merit, landmark or heritage property has been destroyed or demolished by natural means, or has been determined to be an unsafe structure by the Building Official;

      (2)   New information or analysis demonstrates the structure of merit, landmark, historic district or heritage property no longer conforms to any of the applicable eligibility criteria set forth in this chapter;

      (3)   There is clear and convincing evidence that the historic significance or value of the structure of merit, landmark, historic district or heritage property has significantly diminished.

   (F)   Within 14 days of the City Council’s or Historic Preservation Board’s adoption of the resolution, notice of the decision and a copy of the resolution shall be mailed to all persons who received notice of the application under this section. A copy of the resolution shall also be transmitted to all city departments.

   (G)   If an application to delete or reduce the listing of a structure of merit, landmark or historic district is approved, then a copy of the resolution shall be recorded with the Riverside County Recorder on all property on which the deleted or reduced structure of merit, landmark is located, or if an historic district is deleted or reduced, then all property within the boundaries of the deleted or reduced historic district.

(`78 Code, § 17.63.110.) (Ord. 3403 § 5, 2024; Ord. 2522 § 1, 2001.)

      (1)   The distinguishing original qualities or character of the historic resource shall not be compromised. The removal or alteration of any historic material or distinctive architectural features should be avoided when possible;

      (2)   The colors, textures, materials, fenestration, decorative features and details, height, scale, massing and methods of construction proposed shall be consistent with the historic period and character-defining elements of the historic resource and compatible with adjacent structures.

      (1)   Any plan involving a major alteration to an historic resource listed on the Corona Register shall require review and approval by the Historic Preservation Board. The Historic Preservation Board may impose such conditions or restrictions as it deems necessary or appropriate to achieve the purposes of this chapter.

      (2)   Any plan involving a minor alteration to an historic resource listed on the Corona Register shall require review and approval by the Planning Director. The Planning Director may impose such conditions or restrictions as the Planning Director deems necessary or appropriate to achieve the purposes of this chapter.

      (3)   Any plan involving a major alteration to a commercial, industrial, quasi-public, mixed use or multi-family development within the Downtown Revitalization Specific Plan (SP-98-01) that is listed on the Corona Register, shall require preliminary review by the Historic Preservation Board and shall require a Precise Plan application for review and approval by the Planning and Housing Commission, pursuant to the provisions of SP-98-01;

      (4)   Any plan involving the relocation or demolition of a landmark, or an historic resource listed on both the Corona Register and the California Register or National Register, shall require a public hearing, review and recommendation by the Historic Preservation Board to the City Council in accordance with the procedures set forth in § 17.63.100(H), except that any decision shall be based on the criteria set forth in § 17.63.110;

      (5)   Any plan involving the relocation or demolition of an historic resource listed on the Corona Register other than those set forth in the preceding subsection shall require public hearing, review and approval by the Historic Preservation Board in accordance with the procedures set forth in § 17.63.100(I), except that any decision shall be based on the criteria set forth in § 17.63.110;

      (6)   Any plan involving the relocation or demolition of an historic resource listed on the Corona Register shall not be approved unless one of the following findings is made. The Planning Department shall require the applicant to provide information justifying the request for relocating or demolishing a historical resource listed on the Corona Register.

         (a)   The criteria required to delete the historic resource from the Corona Register set forth in § 17.63.110(E) are satisfied;

         (b)   The historic resource has deteriorated or been modified to the extent that it is no longer representative as an historic resource to be preserved;

         (c)   Denial of the requested relocation or demolition of the historic resource will deprive the owner of all economically viable use of the site;

         (d)   Relocation or demolition of the historic resource will not have a significant effect on the achievement of the purposes of this chapter and appropriate mitigation measures will be undertaken to substantially reduce or eliminate the loss or diminishment of the historic resource;

         (e)   The historic resource is determined to be unsafe or dangerous by the Building Official and reasonable efforts to correct the situation are economically or physically infeasible.

      (1)   Any plan involving a major or minor alteration to a heritage property shall require review and approval by the Planning Director. The Planning Director may impose such conditions or restrictions as the Planning Director deems necessary or appropriate to achieve the purposes of this chapter.

      (2)   Any plan involving a major alteration to a commercial, industrial, quasi-public, mixed use or multi-family development within the Downtown Revitalization Specific Plan (SP-98-01) that is listed on the Corona Heritage Inventory shall require preliminary review by the Historic Preservation Board and shall require a Precise Plan application for review and approval by the Planning and Housing Commission, pursuant to the provisions of SP-98-01.

      (3)   Any plan involving the relocation or demolition of a heritage property shall require review and approval by the Historic Preservation Board. Upon receipt of the plan for relocation or demolition, the Planning Director shall notify the Corona Historic Preservation Society of the plan and provide a minimum 30-day waiting period from the date of the notice before action is taken by the Historic Preservation Board to approve or disapprove the plan.

      (4)   Any plan involving the relocation or demolition of a heritage property shall not be approved unless one of the following findings is made. The Planning Department shall require the applicant to provide information justifying the request for relocating or demolishing a heritage property.

         (a)   The heritage property is not a good example of an historic period or architectural style;

         (b)   The heritage property has deteriorated or been modified to the extent that it is no longer representative as an historic resource to be preserved;

         (c)   Denial of the requested relocation or demolition of the heritage property will deprive the owner of all economically viable use of the site;

         (d)   Relocation or demolition or removal will not have a significant effect on the achievement of the purposes of this chapter;

         (e)   The heritage property is determined to be unsafe or dangerous by the Building Official and reasonable efforts to correct the situation are infeasible;

         (f)   The heritage property is inconsistent with the zoning designation for the site and adaptive re-use of the heritage property to achieve consistency is not economically viable.

(`78 Code, § 17.63.120.) (Ord. 3403 § 5, 2024; Ord. 2522 § 1, 2001.)

   (A)   Any decision made by the Historic Preservation Board, under the authority delegated to the Historic Preservation Board in this chapter, may be appealed pursuant to the limitations and procedures set forth in Chapter 17.93 of the code.

   (B)   Any decision made by the Planning Director, under the authority delegated to the Planning Director in this chapter, may be appealed pursuant to the limitations and procedures set forth in Chapter 17.95 of the code.

   (C)   All appeals brought under this section shall be accompanied by a filing fee established by the City Council.

(`78 Code, § 17.63.130.) (Ord. 3403 § 5, 2024; Ord. 2522 § 1, 2001.)

   (A)   The Historic Preservation Board shall consider and recommend to the Planning and Housing Commission approval or disapproval of any proposed amendment to the historic resources element of the General Plan or any other proposed amendment to the General Plan that could affect any historic resource listed on the Corona Register or the Corona Heritage Inventory.

   (B)   The Historic Preservation Board may consider and recommend to the City Council programs for the comprehensive survey of potential historic resources, including potential landmarks and historic districts, for possible listing on the Corona Register or Corona Heritage Inventory and may recommend to the City Council programs to update annually, or as appropriate, the survey of historic resources in the city.

   (C)   The Historic Preservation Board may consider and recommend to the City Council programs to encourage public outreach, public appreciation and education regarding the management and preservation of historic resources.

   (D)   The Historic Preservation Board shall consider and make a recommendation to the City Council on any other matter which the City Council deems important to the management and preservation of historic resources in the city.

(`78 Code, § 17.63.140.) (Ord. 3403 § 5, 2024; Ord. 2522 § 1, 2001.)

   (A)   The Heritage Librarian, or appointed designee, shall maintain records concerning all historic resources as listed on the Corona Register or Corona Heritage Inventory, information regarding any potential historic resources that are pending listing on the Corona Register or Corona Heritage Inventory and other available records, reports or studies concerning existing or demolished historic sites, improvements and natural features.

   (B)   The Heritage Librarian, or appointed designee, shall act in an advisory capacity to the Planning Director in regard to any pending listing of an historic resource on the Corona Register or Corona Heritage Inventory and any application for the expansion, deletion, reduction, alteration, modification or demolition of an historic resource listed on the Corona Register or Corona Heritage Inventory.

(`78 Code, § 17.63.150.) (Ord. 3403 § 5, 2024; Ord. 2522 § 1, 2001.)

   (A)   The Corona Historic Preservation Society (Society) shall receive timely notice of applications submitted for the listing or deletion of historic resources on either the Corona Register or the Heritage Inventory. The Society may, at its discretion, provide comments to the Planning Department regarding such applications or otherwise act in a voluntary advisory capacity.

   (B)   The Society’s program for the identification and placement of historic markers shall not be subject to the provisions of this chapter.

(`78 Code, § 17.63.160.) (Ord. 3403 § 5, 2024; Ord. 2522 § 1, 2001.)

   The City Council may establish preservation incentives to encourage owners to designate, maintain, preserve and improve historic resources. The incentives may include, but are not limited to, those set forth in the historic resources element of the General Plan. Only historic resources listed on the Corona Register shall be eligible to apply for preservation incentives.

(`78 Code, § 17.63.170.) (Ord. 3403 § 5, 2024; Ord. 2522 § 1, 2001.)

   Pursuant to Cal. Gov’t Code, Article 12, § 50280 (known as the Mills Act), the City Council may enter into a contractual agreement with the owner(s) of an historic property listed on the Corona Register, or the State or National Register of Historic Places, for the purpose of the preservation, rehabilitation and maintenance of a designated historic resource. The terms of a historic property preservation agreement allow the owner to receive a reduction in property taxes in exchange for the property owner’s commitment to specific restoration improvements and satisfactory maintenance of the Register property. The agreement shall include, but not be limited to, the contract provisions as required under state law and shall extend for a minimum period of ten years, renewed annually, until and unless a notice of non-renewal or cancellation is filed. The application process, review procedures and required contract provisions forpreservation agreements shall be established by separate resolution of the City Council.

(`78 Code, § 17.63.180.) (Ord. 3403 § 5, 2024; Ord. 2522 § 1, 2001.)

   Pursuant to the State of California Health and Safety Code, the Building Official shall apply the State Historical Building Code in issuing any permit, entitlement or approval for any alteration of an historic resource for the purpose of preserving, rehabilitating, relocating or continuing use of the historic resource. The State Historical Building Code shall be applied as provided in this section to the extent it does not result in an unsafe condition, as determined by the Building Official.

(`78 Code, § 17.63.190.) (Ord. 3403 § 5, 2024; Ord. 2522 § 1, 2001.)

   (A)   Nothing in this chapter shall prevent the construction, alteration, repair, restoration, stabilization or demolition of an historic structure if the Building Official has determined the historic resource creates an unsafe or dangerous condition that is an immediate threat to public health or safety and the proposed action is necessary to mitigate the unsafe or dangerous condition.

   (B)   Prior to issuing a permit for any action authorized under this section, the Building Official shall make all reasonable efforts to consult with the Planning Director and Code Compliance Division to determine if there are feasible alternatives to the proposed action that will adequately protect the public health and safety.

   (C)   Nothing in this chapter shall prevent the trimming, alteration or removal of heritage trees listed in either the Corona Register or Heritage Inventory, if the city’s Landscape Resources Manager has determined that the preservation of the tree(s) will create an unsafe or dangerous condition that is a threat to public health or safety.

(`78 Code, § 17.63.200.) (Ord. 3403 § 5, 2024; Ord. 2522 § 1, 2001.)

   (A)   Whenever any project, action or approval by the city may alter, relocate or demolish a landmark, historic district, heritage property or any other historic resource, the department responsible for the project, action or approval shall consult with the Planning Director as early in the process as possible to ensure conformance with the provisions and objectives of this chapter.

   (B)   Whenever a public project or improvement involves a resource or district listed on the Corona Register or Heritage Inventory, the improvement, repair or replacement shall be performed in such a manner as to be consistent with the historic context of the site and surrounding area. The improvements include, but are not limited to: the installation, repair and replacement of sidewalks, curb and gutter, street trees, streetlights, walls and fencing and any other such physical elements which are visible to the general public and can be considered a contributing resource to an historic property or district.

(`78 Code, § 17.63.210.) (Ord. 3403 § 5, 2024; Ord. 2522 § 1, 2001.)

   The owner(s) of property listed on the Corona Register or Corona Heritage Inventory, the owner(s) of property on which an historic resource is located or the owner(s) of property within an historic district shall maintain and keep in good repair and shall prevent deterioration and decay of the historic resource or any portion of the site, improvements or natural features that contribute to the characteristic of the historic resource. The owner(s) of such property, or any other person responsible for the maintenance or repair of the property, shall avoid actions that create adverse impacts to adjacent properties and shall comply with all applicable codes, laws and regulations governing the maintenance and repair of property in the city, including those established by this chapter.

(`78 Code, § 17.63.220.) (Ord. 3403 § 5, 2024; Ord. 2522 § 1, 2001.)

   (A)   Any person who violates this chapter, or who fails to comply with a condition of permit, entitlement or approval issued in accordance with this chapter, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

   (B)   Any person who alters, relocates or demolishes an historic resource in violation of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be required, at that person’s sole cost and expense, to restore the historic resource and any site, improvement, natural feature or portion thereof that contributes to the characteristics of the historic resource to its condition prior to such alteration, relocation or demolition.

(`78 Code, § 17.63.230.) (Ord. 3403 § 5, 2024; Ord. 2522 § 1, 2001.)