Purpose: to protect those structures, sites and areas that are remainders of past eras, events and persons important in local, state or national history, or which provide significant examples of architectural styles of the past, or which are unique and irreplaceable assets to the county and its communities.

(Ord. No. 4643, 1993.)

Pursuant to the normal zoning procedures:

(a)

An individual structure or an integrated group of structures on a single lot or lots having a special historical, architectural or aesthetic interest or value as a historic structure may be designated; and

(b)

An area having special historical, architectural or aesthetic interest or value as a historic district may be designated. Before creating a historic district the advice of local citizens and committees may be sought.

(Ord. No. 4643, 1993.)

No zoning permit authorizing alterations (including demolition) in the exterior of a structure within the boundaries of a historic district and no zoning permits authorizing construction of a new building within the boundaries of a historic district shall be granted unless approval has been granted by the county landmarks commission. Minor alterations may be reviewed and approved by staff in conformance with adopted design guidelines and standards. In all cases where the request for a zoning permit involves demolition alone, however, the county landmarks commission shall take action on such request within six (6) months of the date of application for the permit. It is not intended by this chapter to grant the county landmarks commission jurisdiction over zoning or use permit matters other than in the area of design review.

(Ord. No. 4643, 1993; Ord. No. 6020, § I, 3-12-2013.)

Alterations to existing structures and construction of new structures within historic districts shall be consistent with the historic district design guidelines adopted by the board of supervisors including:

1.

Bodega Historic District Design Guidelines.

2.

Freestone Historic District Design Guidelines.

3.

Occidental Historic District Design Guidelines.

(Ord. No. 6020, § I, 3-12-2013.)

In determining whether to approve or to disapprove an application for a zoning permit required by Section 26-68-020, the county landmarks commission shall apply the standards:

(a)

Described in the purpose of this article, set out in the ordinance codified in this chapter; and

(b)

Such additional standards as may be specifically delineated upon the particular sectional district map establishing the historic zoning district for a particular area.

(Ord. No. 4643, 1993.)

(a)

Any interested person(s) may appeal the decision of the county landmarks commission under this article to the Sonoma County planning commission in the manner required by Section 26-92-040.

(b)

Any interested person(s) may appeal the decision of the planning commission under this article to the Sonoma County board of supervisors in the manner required by Section 26-92-160.

(Ord. No. 4643, 1993.)