The purpose of this overlay district is to establish the protection and recognition of historic buildings and neighborhoods with historic merit. The overlay will require special development and design review standards for projects within this identified Historic Overlay district. This chapter provides for the identification and designation of historic places, buildings, works of art, neighborhoods, and other objects of historic or cultural interest within the city.

(Ord. 1100, passed 7-6-04)

   (A)   Applications for designation of a historic landmark may be initiated by any person who is able to demonstrate a legal vested interest in the property proposed for the landmark designation. The authorized agent of any person with a legal vested interest may also initiate an application. The Planning Director may request proof of ownership or authorization to apply prior to the acceptance of any application.

   (B)   Applications for designation of a historic district may be initiated by any individual, the Planning Director, the Planning Commission, or the City Council.

(Ord. 1100, passed 7-6-04)

   (A)   Determination of application's merit. Upon acceptance of an application for designation of a historic landmark or historic district as complete, the Planning Director will forward the application to the Design Assistance Committee for a preliminary assessment of the merits of the application, in accordance with City Council Ordinance No. 816.

   (B)   No merit determination. If the Design Assistance Committee determines that the application has no merit, the application will be rejected and no further action will be taken, unless an appeal to the Historic Preservation Commission is filed pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 16.206 (Appeals and Revocations).

   (C)   Merit determination. If the Design Assistance Committee determines that the proposed historic landmark or district designation has merit, the Commission will set a date for a public hearing to consider the application.

   (D)   Public hearing - Historic Preservation Commission.  

      (1)   A public hearing before the Historic Preservation Commission will be noticed and conducted pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 16.204 (Public Hearings).

      (2)   At the public hearing, the Commission will review the application and receive evidence as to how or why the proposed historic landmark or district represents and exemplifies an important aspect of the cultural or architectural history of the City of Santa Paula or Ventura County.

      (3)   The Commission will act by resolution to recommend to the City Council approval, approval with modifications, or denial of the proposed application.

      (4)   The Commission's resolution will include its recommendation and will be transmitted to the City Clerk for scheduling the matter for public hearing before the City Council.

   (E)   Public hearing - City Council.

      (1)   Upon receipt of the Historic Preservation Commission resolution, the City Clerk will set the matter for hearing before the City Council as provided for in Chapter 16.204 (Public Hearings).

      (2)   At the hearing, the City Council will review the Commission's recommendation and receive evidence as to how or why the proposed designation of a historic landmark or district furthers the goals of the city with respect to the identification and protection of important historic and cultural resources.

      (3)   The City Council will act by ordinance to approve, approve with modifications, or deny the application. The Council's action will be final and will become effective upon the effective date of the ordinance.

(Ord. 1100, passed 7-6-04)

   The owner or individual in charge of a designated landmark or a structure within a historic district must maintain the designated landmark or structure within the historic district in good condition, in accordance with City Council Ordinance No. 816. If the owner or individual in charge fails to make the necessary improvements for maintenance, the city may make the improvements and charge the costs as a lien against the property.

(Ord. 1100, passed 7-6-04)

   (A)   Public hearings will be required for the review and approval of a permit for alteration, restoration, construction, removal or demolition of or on a designated historic landmark or property within the historic district, unless the Building Official, in accordance with City Council Ordinance No. 816, declares the subject structure unsafe.

   (B)   The Historic Preservation Commission will serve as the hearing body on matters related to the approval/disapproval of alteration permits.

(Ord. 1100, passed 7-6-04)

   When state and federal laws are in conflict with the provisions for preservation and maintenance of historic landmarks outlined in this Title 16 and City Council Ordinance No. 816, the provisions of state and federal laws will prevail to the extent of the conflict.

(Ord. 1100, passed 7-6-04)

   In addition to the requirements contained in this Chapter 16.33, the provisions of Chapter 16.200 (Administration of the Development Code) and City Council Ordinance No. 816 will apply to the designation of historic landmarks and districts.

Chapter 16.232: Tree Removal Permit

City Council Ordinance No. 816

(Ord. 1100, passed 7-6-04)