Preserve historically significant structures, neighborhoods, sites and artifacts;

Promote and facilitate the restoration and rehabilitation of historically significant structures and neighborhoods maintaining its historic architectural style; and

Prevent the premature loss or destruction of historically significant or potentially significant structures, neighborhoods, sites or artifacts. The historic preservation combining (H) district is consistent with all general plan designations.

The standards and requirements of the historic preservation combining district shall apply to the uptown area and the railroad depot neighborhood as shown on the city general plan map and zoning district map and as may be amended by the city council.

The standards and requirements of the historic preservation combining district shall apply to any building, neighborhood or site in the specified areas which is noteworthy for its:

Upon adoption of appropriate findings by the decision making body which are consistent with the purposes stated in Section 17.88.010, the planning commission may determine that the standards and requirements of this section shall apply to any structure, neighborhood or site, regardless of physical location.

The standards and requirements of the historic preservation combining district shall supplement, and be used in conjunction with, the standards and requirements of the underlying primary zoning district and other applicable codes and regulations.

The standards and requirements of the primary zoning district may be superseded when applying the standards and requirements of this section when determined to be necessary and appropriate by the planning commission.

The owner, lessee and/or other person in actual charge or possession of structure(s) which are subject to the standards and requirements of this section, shall keep in good repair all exterior and interior portions of the structure(s) whose maintenance is necessary to prevent deterioration and decay of the structure(s).

The owner, lessee and/or other person in actual charge or possession of a site or property which is subject to the standards and requirements of this section, shall maintain the site or property in such condition so as to preserve and protect its noteworthy qualities and attributes.

An application for architectural design review shall be required prior to any alterations, modifications or construction of any type which affects the exterior appearance of a structure, neighborhood or site which is subject to the standards and requirements of this section.

A demolition permit from the planning commission and the building official shall be required for the dismantling or destruction of any structure which is subject to the standards and requirements of this section.

Demolition and/or construction permits may be issued without the review and approval of the planning commission for buildings posing an immediate threat to the public health, safety and general welfare, as determined by the building official.

Unless more restrictive sign regulations apply, the design, style and size of all new, modified and/or altered sign(s) shall be reviewed by the architectural review committee and the community development director for consistency with the standards, requirements and purposes of the sign ordinance as provided for in Chapter 17.128 prior to installation or display. If new sign regulations are adopted for the historical district they shall take precedence over the signs permitted in Chapter 17.128. Any sign determined to be a part of the historical significance of the area shall be permitted to remain in place, repaired and maintained without compliance with the nonconforming provisions of the sign ordinance (i.e., roof signs, marquee signs, old theater signs, etc.).