Purpose. The Historic Overlay District is created to regulate the design and appearance of development activities within the downtown area. The intent of the district is to preserve and enhance the historical quality of existing downtown buildings and to attain a consistent visually pleasing image for the downtown area.

Building permit required. No building in the district shall be demolished or be altered in architectural design until a building permit is issued by the Building Inspector. "Altered in architectural design" shall include any change in the design of windows or entryways, facade design or facade siding.

Review of building plans. Within the Historic Overlay District, all plans for new construction, exterior remodeling or demolition shall be reviewed and approved by the Plan Commission prior to the issuance of a building permit.

Application requirements. Any application for a building permit within the boundaries of the Historic Overlay District shall be submitted to the Building Inspector, who shall transmit it to the Plan Commission for review and approval. In addition to the information required by the Building Code,[1] the applicant shall include building elevations and exterior architectural drawings, including enough detail to show the proposed building style, exterior materials, colors and location of signage.

Plan review guidelines. The Plan Commission shall use the following guidelines for reviewing proposed development activities to assure compliance with this section:

Plan review procedure. The Plan Commission Chairperson shall schedule a meeting of the Commission to consider the application. The Commission shall take final action to approve, deny or conditionally approve the application within 20 days of the date of submittal. Conditions of approval may include landscaping, modification to architectural design, type of construction, operational controls, sureties or deed restrictions upon the Commission's findings that these are necessary to fulfill the purpose and intent of this section.

Informal meeting recommended. Applicants are encouraged to submit conceptual plans or meet with the Commission for preliminary review and discussion prior to formal submittal of detailed plans.

Issuance of building permit. A building permit shall be issued to the applicant, stating the official action of the Plan Commission, and shall be referred to for enforcement of this section. Approved building permits shall expire in 12 months unless substantial work has been completed.

Appeal. If the project is not approved, the applicant may modify the proposal and resubmit or may choose to appeal the Commission's decision, within 30 days, to the Council, which may affirm or modify the decision of the Commission.

Penalty. Any person who shall violate any provision of this section shall be subject to a penalty as provided in Chapter 1, § 1-4 of this Code.