§ 14-26. Maintenance of historic properties.

(a)

Expedited review procedures for approval of routine maintenance: The commission may adopt expedited review procedures for approval of routine maintenance to historic properties or to buildings or structures in historic districts. Routine maintenance to historic properties includes ordinary maintenance or repair of any exterior architectural or environmental feature in or on a historic property to correct deterioration, decay or damage, or to sustain the existing form that does not involve a material change in design, material or outer appearance. Expedited review procedures shall waive the requirements for submission of an application for a certificate of appropriateness and for consideration at a public meeting.

(b)

Failure to provide ordinary maintenance or repair: Property owners of historic properties or properties within historic districts shall not allow their buildings to deteriorate by failing to provide ordinary maintenance or repair. The commission shall be charged with the following responsibilities regarding deterioration by neglect:

(1)

The commission shall monitor the condition of historic properties and existing buildings in historic districts to determine if they are being allowed to deteriorate by neglect. Such conditions as broken windows, doors and openings which allow the elements and vermin to enter, the deterioration of exterior architectural features, or the deterioration of a building's structural system shall constitute failure to provide ordinary maintenance or repair.

(2)

In the event the commission determines a failure to provide ordinary maintenance or repair, the commission will notify the owner of the property and set forth the steps which need to be taken to remedy the situation. The owner of such property will have ninety (90) days in which to do this.

(3)

In the event that the condition is not met in ninety (90) days, the owner shall be punished as provided in section 14-29 of this article and, at the direction of the city council, the commission may perform such maintenance or repair as is necessary to prevent deterioration by neglect. The owner of the property shall be liable for the cost of such maintenance and repair performed by the commission.

(Ord. No. A-74, § 6, 6-19-90)