HomeMy WebLinkAboutBy-LawsChris Olney
From: Kellie Fruehling
Sent: Wednesday, April 04, 2018 12:35 PM
To: Bob Miklo; Marcia Bollinger, Chris Olney
Subject: Terms
CPRB (Jul 1 — Jul i), Historic Preservation Commission (Jul 1- Jul 1), Planning & Zoning Commission (Jul 1-
Jul 1), and Public Art Advisory Committee (Jan 1- Jan 1) all have terms with the same start and end date. I
talked with Eleanor and we agreed to change the ending date on each commission by 1 day, so July 1 will now
be Jun 3o and Jan 1 will be Dec 31.
As you make changes to your by-laws, please update the ending term to the appropriate date.
Let me know if you have questions.
Thanks
Kellie Fruehling
City Clerk
City of Iowa City
410 E Washington St
Iowa City, IA 52240
(319) 356-5041
Prepared by: Marian Karr, City Clerk, 410 E. Washington St., Iowa City, IA 52240 (319) 356-5041
RESOLUTION NO. 16-202
RESOLUTION APPROVING THE BY-LAWS
OF THE IOWA CITY HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
WHEREAS, the by-laws of the Historic Preservation Commission have not been updated since
2004; and
WHEREAS, it is in the public interest to adopt by-laws which guide the procedures and actions
of the commission by clarifying the commissioners will reside in Iowa City, their terms will expire
July 1 and adding a conflict of interest portion; and
WHEREAS, the Historic Preservation Commission recommended unanimously at their February
26, 2016 and April 14, 2016 Commission meeting to approve the amended by-laws; and
WHEREAS, the proposed by-laws have been reviewed by the Council Rules Committee, and
are recommended for adoption.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF IOWA
CITY, IOWA, that:
The by-laws of the Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission, attached hereto and
incorporated by reference herein, are approved and adopted by the City Council.
Passed and approved this 21st day of June , 2016.
M OR
ATTEST:
CIT LERK
Approved By:
City Attorney's Office
s/by-laws res.doc
0
Resolution No. 16-202
Page 2
It was moved by Botchway and seconded by
Resolution be adopted, and upon roll call there were:
AYES:
NAYS: ABSENT: ABSTAIN:
Thomas the
Botchway
Cole
Dickens
Mims
Taylor
Thomas
Throgmorton
BY-LAWS
IOkYA CITY HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
(Recommended by HPC April 14, 2016)
ARTICLE I.
MEETINGS
Section 1. Regular Meetings. Regular meetings of this Commission shall be held once each month.
In addition, a date and time may be reserved for a second meeting each month for the purpose of
reviewing Certificate of Appropriateness applications. If no applications are filed for review at the
second meeting, the meeting need not occur.
Section 2. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the members may be called by the Chairperson
and shall be called by the Chairperson's at the request of three or more members of the
Commission.
Section 3. Place of Meetings. Regular meetings shall be in the City Hall or other appropriate
meeting place in Iowa City, Iowa. Should these places be unavailable, another meeting place shall
be selected. The meeting place shall be accessible to people with disabilities.
Section 4. Notre of Meeting. Notice and agenda for all regular meetings shall be distributed to all
members of the Commission and the press. Special meetings may be called upon notice to all
members of the media at least 24 hours before a special meeting is held. All provisions of the State
Open Meetings Law shall be followed.
Section 5. Quorum. A majority of the members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum at any
meeting and a majority of votes cast at any meeting at which a quorum is present shall be decisive
of any motion or election.
Section 6. Proxies. There shall be no vote by proxy.
Section 7. Public Discussion. Time shall be made available during all regular meetings for open
public discussion.
ARTICLE II.
MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. Membership. The Historic Preservation Commission shall consist of one representative
from each historic district and four members selected at -large. The Chairperson and Vice -
Chairperson will be elected annually by the Commission members. All members shall reside within
the City limits of the City of Iowa City, Iowa, and shall serve as members without compensation, but
shall be entitled to the necessary expenses, including travel expenses, incurred in the discharge of
their duties.
Section 2. Nomination. The City Council shall appoint members to the Historic Preservation
Commission as vacancies occur. If a position/appointment becomes vacant by reason of resignation
or otherwise and results in an unexpired term, the Council may choose to fill the unexpired term in
such a manner that the appointee shall continue in the position not only through the unexpired term
but also through a subsequent regular term.
ppd adm i n\byl awhpc.doc
Section 3. Terms. Members shall be appointed for three-year terms. All terms expire July 1 and no
more than four terms may expire in any given year.
Section 4. Absences. Three consecutive unexplained absences of a Commission member may
result in a recommendation to the Mayor from the Commission to discharge such member and
appoint a new Commission member.
Section 5. Orientation for New Members. Prior to the first regular meeting following their
appointment, new members shall be provided with copies of the pertinent portions of the City Code
Historic Preservation Commission By-laws, and other documents that would be useful to
Commission members in carrying out their duties.
ARTICLE III.
OFFICERS
Section 1. Number. The officers of this Commission shall be a Chairperson and Vice -Chairperson,
each of whom shall be elected by members of the Commission.
Section 2. Election and Term of Office. The officers of this Commission shall be elected annually.
Section 3. Vacancies. A vacancy in either office shall be filled by Commission members for the
unexpired portion of the term.
Section 4. Chairperson. The Chairperson shall, when present, preside at all meetings of the
members, appoint committees, call special meetings and in general perform all duties of the
Chairperson and such other duties as may be prescribed by members from time to time.
Section 5. Vice -Chairperson. In the absence of the Chairperson or in the event of death, inability or
refusal to act, the Vice -Chairperson shall perform the duties of the Chairperson and when so acting
shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the Chairperson.
ARTICLE IV.
CONDUCT OF COMMISSION AFFAIRS
Section 1. Agenda. The Chairperson or a designated representative, together with appropriate
members of the City staff, shall prepare an agenda for all regular Commission meetings. Agendas
are to be sent to Commission members, the City Council and the media at least three days prior to
the regular meetings.
Section 2. Secretary. A secretary, not to be a Commission member, shall be provided for all regular
and special meetings.
Section 3. Minutes. Minutes of all regular and special meetings are to be prepared and distributed to
Commission members and approved by the Commission prior to being sent to City Council, in the
manner prescribed by the Council. Specific recommendations for the Council are to be set off from
the main body of the minutes, and appropriately identified.
Section 4. Policies and Program . Periodically, the Commission shall review the policies and
programs of the City relating to historic preservation, and make such recommendations to the City
Council as are deemed appropriate.
3
Section 5. Referrals from Council. From time to time letters, requests for information, requests for
recommendations, and other matters are referred to the Commission by the City Council. The
Commission shall initiate the consideration of such items at the next regular meeting following
receipt, and shall notify Council of its disposition.
Section 6. Attendance at Council Meetings. The Commission Chairperson or designated
representative are to be in attendance at all City Council meetings, including informal sessions, at
which matters pertaining to the Commission are to be discussed or when actions concerning the
Commission's responsibilities are to be taken. The Commission's Chairperson is to receive Council
agenda prior to each Council meeting, and is to be otherwise notified of meetings involving
Commission business.
Section 7. Annual Repo . An annual report, detailing the activities of the Commission, shall be
prepared by the Chairperson, approved by the Commission, and submitted to the City Council.
Section 8. Liaison with Planning and Zoning Commission. At such time as the Commission
undertakes any business which is deemed pertinent to the activities of the Planning and Zoning
Commission, the Planning and Zoning Commission shall be so notified, and may send a
representative to the next meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission to act as a liaison
between the two Commissions.
Section 9. Ex parte Contacts. A member who has had a discussion of an agenda item outside of a
public meeting with an interested party shall reveal the contact prior to staff report, naming the other
party and sharing specifics of the contact, copies if in writing or a synopsis if verbal. Provided,
however, that in ruling upon applications for certificates of appropriateness, the Commission is
acting in a quasi-judicial capacity. In these matters, ex parte communications item outside of a
public meeting between members of the Commission and parties or persons with a personal interest
in the application should not occur, in accordance with Rodine v. Zoning Board of Adjustment of
Polk County, 434 N.W. 2d 124 (1988).
Section 10. Conflict of Interest. Members who believe they have a conflict of interest on a matter
about to come before the Commission shall state the reason for the conflict of interest and leave the
panel of the Commission before the discussion begins. Members who recuse themselves may
choose to leave the meeting room for the procedures for that application.
Section
11. Desi n Review Subcommittee. The Commission shall have the authority to establish a historic
preservation design review subcommittee to review and make recommendations to the Commission
regarding applications for certificates of appropriateness. Said subcommittee shall consist of three
members of the Commission, appointed annually by the Commission, to serve one year terms.
ARTICLE V.
AMENDMENTS
Section 1. These by-laws may be altered, amended or repealed and new by-laws may be adopted
by the members at any regular meeting or at any special meeting called for that purpose.
ppdadmi n\bylawhpc.doc
All
rf� ZL�J
Marian Karr1��
From: Mitch Behr n;
Sent: Wednesday, September 28, 2005 11:23 AM
To: Marian Karr
Subject: HPC question last night
The state code provisions regarding2re found at 303.20 through 303.40.
ol�
s l
�,ff.:. , CITY OF IOWA CITY
Tt MEMORANDUM
Date: September 23, 2005
To: City Council
From: Eleanor M. Dilkes, City Attorney
Re: State Requirements for City Boards and Commissions
In her memo of July 22, 2005, a copy of which is attached, Planning Director Karin Franklin set
forth the State Code requirements for city boards and commissions staffed by the Planning
Department. The following are state requirements for boards staffed by other city departments:
1) Library Board. Pursuant to Section 392.5 of the Iowa Code, any proposal to alter the
composition, manner of selection, or charge of a library board is subject to voter
approval. Pursuant to Title 11 of the City Code, the Library Board of Trustees consists of
nine members appointed by the Mayor with approval of the City Council, and a county
representative. All members of the board must be residents of the city, except for the
non-resident member, and all must be over the age of 18 years.
2) Airport Commission. Pursuant to Section 330.20 of the Iowa Code, the Airport
Commission may consist of three or five resident voters. The terms of office can be
established by city ordinance but shall be no more than six and no less than three years.
3) Airport Zoning Commission. Pursuant to Section 329.9 of the Iowa Code, the
Commission consists of two members from the City, two from the County and a Chair
selected by majority vote of the other members. The terms must be six years.
4) Airport Zoning Board of Adjustment. Pursuant to Section 329.12, the Board of
Adjustment consists of two members appointed by the City Council, two appointed by
the Board of Supervisors and one additional member as chair, selected by a majority
vote of the other members. The terms must be five years.
Cc: City Manager
Assistant City Manager
City. Clerk
eleanor/mem/brd-comm-reqs.doc
k
.:III F CITY OF IOWA CITY IP4
MEMORANDUM
Date: July 22, 2005
L�
To: Steve Atkins, City Manager
From: Karin Franklin, Director, PCD
Re: State requirements for Boards and Commissions
As requested, we have reviewed State law relative to the various appointed boards and
commissions staffed by the Planning Department. Those include Housing and Community
Development Commission (HCDC), Planning & Zoning Commission (P&Z), Board of Adjustment
(BOA), Historic Preservation Commission (HRO), and Public Art Advisory Committee (PAAC).
Only P&Z, BOA and HPC are addressed in the Code of Iowa.
303.34 A city must provide by ordinance for an historic preservation commission when an
ordinance is enacted designating an historic district. There must be at least three
members; otherwise the terms and numbers of members of the commission are left to
local discretion. Guidance is given as to the expertise of members and that not more
than one-third of the commission can also be zoning commissioners. A representative
from each designated historic district is required.-
414.6 Requirements for a zoning commission are more vague. A commission is required if a
city wants to have zoning. There are no stipulations for number, terms or qualifications.
Reference is made to a city plan commission being able to act as the zoning
commission, but there is no other reference in the Code to a plan commission.
414.7 By Code, the board of adjustment shall consist of 5 or 7 members who will serve for 5
years. A majority of the members must be persons representing the public at large and
cannot be involved in the buying or selling of real estate.
-0 -D
13
Prepared by: Shelley McCafferty, Assoc. Planner 410 E. Washington St., Iowa City, IA 52240 (319) 356-5243 _.
RESOLUTION NO. 04-32
RESOLUTION AMENDING THE BY-LAWS OF THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
WHEREAS, Resolution No. 83-371 adopted by-laws governing the meetings, membership, officers,
and conduct of the Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission; and
WHEREAS, the Commission and City Council wish to amend the Commission's by-laws to provide
for one representative from each historic district, which is consistent with State code; and
WHEREAS, the Commission and City Council wish to amend the Commission's by-laws to establish
the expiration date for all terms as March 29; and
WHEREAS, the Commission and City Council wish to amend the Commission's by-laws regarding
ex parte contacts between property owners and staff, subcommittees or members of the Historic
Preservation Commission; and
WHEREAS, the Commission and City Council wish to amend the Commission's by-laws to provide
for the establishment of a design review subcommittee to review applications for certificates of
appropriateness and make recommendations to a quorum of Historic Preservation Commission at its
regularly scheduled meetings; and
WHEREAS, the Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission has approved acceptance of the
proposed by-law amendments.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF IOWA CITY,
IOWA, THAT: the by-laws of the Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission, as amended and as
attached hereto, are approved as to form and content, and are hereby adopted.
Passed and approved this 3rd day of February _ 20_QA_.
❑R AR
L!!!
Approved by
Mgt -
ATTEST: �' ��� `],tsrJ
CM-CCLEERK City ttomey's Office
It was moved by _Wi 1 burn and seconded by Champion the Resolution be
adopted, and upon roll call there were:
AYES: NAYS: ABSENT:
x Bailey
X Champion
X Elliot
X Lehman
X O'Donnell
X Vanderhoef
x Wilburn
ppdadminVes\d typlat.doc
BY-LAWS
IOWA CITY HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
ARTICLE I
MEETINGS
Section 1. Regular Meetings. Regular meetings of this Commission shall be held once each
month. In addition, a date and time shall be reserved for a second meeting each month for the
purpose of reviewing Certificate of Appropriateness applications. If no applications are filed for
review at the second meeting, the meeting need not occur.
Section 2. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the members may be called by the
Chairperson and shall be called by the Chairpersons at the request for of three or more members
of the Commission.
Section 3. Place of Meetings. Regular meetings shall be in the Iowa City Public Library, Civic
Center or other appropriate meeting place in Iowa City, Iowa. Should these places be
unavailable, another meeting place shall be selected.
Section 4. Notice of Meeting. Notice and agenda for all regular meetings shall be distributed to
all members of the Commission and the press. Special meetings may be called upon notice to all
members of the media at least 24 hours before a special meeting is held. All provisions of the
State Open Meetings Law shall be followed.
Section 5. Quorum. A -majority of the members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum at
any meeting and a majority of votes cast at any meeting at which a quorum is present shall be
decisive of any motion or election.
Section 6. Proxies. There shall be no vote by proxy.
Section 7. Public Discussion. Time shall be made available during all regular meetings for open
public discussion.
ARTICLE II.
MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. Membership. The Historic Preservation Commission shall consist of sevenFs
one representative from each historic district and four members selected at -large; +�of
member -ship c.ha e 4F, the shekened �nrmc that nrnl 9F staggered
ecarruc-znfL�-�F2�F5: �'�'c�E'�3t - F�rr� r�-�-p ry �9�
rnem�ersla+p. The Chairperson and Vice -Chairperson will be elected annually by the Commission
members. All members shall be qualified electors of the City of Iowa City, Iowa, and shall serve
as members without compensation, but shall be entitled to the necessary expenses, including
travel expenses, incurred in the discharge of their duties.
Section 2. Nomination. The City Council shall appoint members to the Historic Preservation
Commission as vacancies occur. If a position/appointment becomes vacant by reason of
resignation or otherwise and results in an unexpired term, the Council may choose to fill the
K
unexpired term in such a manner that the appointee shall continue in the position not only through
the unexpired term but also through a subsequent regular term.
Section 3. Terms. potn e teFPRof present members, new Members shall be
appointed for three-year terms. All terms expire March 29 and no more than four terms may
expire in any.given year.
Section 4. Absences. Three consecutive unexplained absences of a Commission member may
result in a recommendation to the Mayor from the Commission to discharge such member and
appoint a new Commission member.
Section 5. Orientation for New Members. Prior to the first regular meeting following their
appointment, new members shall be provided with copies of the pertinent portions of the City
Code, Historic Preservation Commission By-laws, and other documents that would be useful to
Commission members in carrying out their duties.
ARTICLE III.
OFFICERS
Section 1. Number. The officers of this Commission shall be a Chairperson and Vice -
Chairperson, each of whom shall be elected by members of the Commission.
Section 2. Election and Term of Office. The officers of this Commission shall be elected
annually.
Section 3. Vacancies. A vacancy in either office shall be filled by Commission members for the
unexpired portion of the term.
Section 4. Chairperson. The Chairperson shall, when present, preside at all meetings of the
members, appoint committees, call special meetings and in general perform all duties of the
Chairperson and such other duties as may be prescribed by members from time to time.
Section 5. Vice -Chairperson. In the absence of the Chairperson or in the event of death, inability
or refusal to act, the Vice -Chairperson shall perform the duties of the Chairperson and when so
acting shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the Chairperson.
ARTICLE IV.
CONDUCT OF COMMISSION AFFAIRS
Section 1. Agenda. The Chairperson or a designated representative, together with appropriate
members of the City staff, shall prepare an agenda for all regular Commission meetings.
Agendas are to be sent to Commission members, the City Council and the media at least three
days prior to the regular meetings.
Section 2. Secretary. A secretary, not to be a Commission member, shall be provided for all
regular and special meetings.
Section 3. Minutes. Minutes of all regular and special meetings are to be prepared and
3
distributed to Commission members and approved by the Commission prior to being sent to City
Council, in the manner prescribed by the Council. Specific recommendations for the Council are
to be set off from the main body of the minutes, and appropriately identified.
Section 4. Policies and Programs. Periodically, the Commission shall review the policies and
programs of the City relating to historic preservation, and make such recommendations to the City
Council as are deemed appropriate.
Section 5. Referrals from Council. From time to time letters, requests for information, requests
for recommendations, and other matters are referred to the Commission by the City Council. The
Commission shall initiate the consideration of such items at the next regular meeting following
receipt, and shall notify Council of its disposition.
Section 6. Attendance at Council Meetings. The Commission Chairperson or designated
representative are to be in attendance at all City Council meetings, including informal sessions, at
which matters pertaining to the Commission are to be discussed or when actions concerning the
Commission's responsibilities are to be taken. The Commission's Chairperson is to receive
Council agenda prior to each Council meeting, and is to be otherwise notified of meetings
involving Commission business.
Section 7. Annual Repart. An annual report, detailing the activities of the Commission, shall be
prepared by the Chairperson, approved by the Commission, and submitted to the City Council.
Section 8. Liaison with Planning and Zoning Commission. At such time as the Commission
undertakes any business which is deemed pertinent to the activities of the Planning and Zoning
Commission, the Planning and Zoning Commission shall be so notified, and may' send a
representative to the next meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission to act as a liaison
between the two Commissions.
Section 9. Ex parte Contacts. Property owners will often consult with staff, subcommittees, or
members of the Historic Preservation Commission before submitting plans to the full Commission
for approval. When this occurs, property owners shall be told that the final authority rests with the
full Commission. When an application for a certificate of appropriateness is reviewed by the
Commission, any discussion between the property owner and staff, subcommittees, or members
of the Commission shall be disclosed to the full Commission.
Section 10. Historic Review Subcommittee. The Commission may establish a subcommittee for
review applications for Certificates of Appropriateness. The subcommittee shall advise the
applicant regarding any changes required to bring their proposed project into compliance with the
Iowa City Historic Preservation Guidelines, District Guidelines and the Secretary of Interior's
Standards for Rehabilitation. The subcommittee or a designated representative shall make
recommendations to the Commission regarding compliance of the application. The subcommittee
shall be composed of three members.
ARTICLE V.
AMENDMENTS
Section 1. These by-laws may be altered, amended or repealed and new by-laws may be
adopted by the members at any regular meeting or at any special meeting called for that purpose.
Prepared by: Scott Kugler, Assoc. Planner, 410 E. Washington St., Iowa City, IA 52240 (319) 356-5243
RESOLUTION NO. 00-271
RESOLUTION AMENDING THE BY-LAWS OF THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION
COMMISSION TO PROVIDE FOR A SECOND REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING,
AS NEEDED.
WHEREAS, Resolution No. 83-371 adopted By -Laws governing the meetings, membership,
officers, and conduct of the Historic Preservation Commission; and
WHEREAS, the Commission and City Council wish to amend the Commission's By -Laws to
provide for a second regular monthly meeting as needed; and
WHEREAS, the Rules Committee of the Iowa City City Council has unanimously approved
acceptance of the proposed By -Law amendments for the Iowa City Historic Preservation
Commission.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF IOWA
CITY, IOWA, THAT: the By -Laws of the Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission, as amended
and as attached hereto, are approved as to form and content, and are hereby adopted.
Passed and approved this 1st day of August 12000
IVA Uffikeli
ATTEST'
CITY -CLERK
It was moved by Vanderhoef and seconded by
adopted, and upon roll call there were:
AYES: NAYS:
ppdadmheslhpcbylaws. doc
+�• :�aa ■FIN I
0' Donnel 1 the Resolution be
ABSENT:
Champion
Kanner
Lehman
O'Donnell
Pfab
Vanderhoef
Wilburn
BY-LAWS
IOWA CITY HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
ARTICLE I.
MEETINGS
Section 1. Regular Meetings. Regular meetings of this Commission shall be held once each
month. In addition, a date and time shall be reserved for a second meeting each month for the
purpose of reviewing Certificate of Appropriateness applications. If no applications are filed for
review at the second meeting, the meeting need not occur.
Section 2. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the members may be called by the
Chairperson and shall be called by the Chairperson's request for members of the Commission.
Section 3. Place of Meetings. Regular meetings shall be in the Iowa City Public Library, Civic
Center or other appropriate meeting place in Iowa City, Iowa. Should these places be
unavailable, another meeting place shall be selected.
Section 4. Notice of Meeting. Notice and agenda for all regular meetings shall be distributed to
all members of the Commission and the press. Special meetings may be called upon notice to all
members of the media at least 24 hours before a special meeting is held. All provisions of the
State Open Meetings Law shall be followed.
Section 5. Quorum. A majority of the members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum at
any meeting and a majority of votes cast at any meeting at which a quorum is present shall be
decisive of any motion or election.
Section 6. Proxies. There shall be no vote by proxy.
Section 7. Public Discussion. Time shall be made available during all regular meetings for open
public discussion.
ARTICLE II.
MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. Membership. The Historic Preservation Commission shall consist of seven members;
term of membership shall be three years except for the shortened terms that provide for
staggered membership. The Chairperson and Vice -Chairperson will be elected annually by the
Commission members. All members shall be qualified electors of the City of Iowa City, Iowa, and
shall serve as members without compensation, but shall be entitled to the necessary expenses,
including travel expenses, incurred in the discharge of their duties.
Section 2. Nomination. The City Council shall appoint members to the Historic Preservation
Commission as vacancies occur. If a position/appointment becomes vacant by reason of
resignation or otherwise and results in an unexpired term, the Council may choose to fill the
unexpired term in such a manner that the appointee shall continue in the position not only through
the unexpired term but also through a subsequent regular term.
K
Section 3. Terms. Upon the expiration of terms of present members, new members shall be
appointed for three-year terms.
Section 4. Absences. Three consecutive unexplained absences of a Commission member may
result in a recommendation to the Mayor from the Commission to discharge such member and
appoint a new Commission member.
Section 5. Orientation for New Members. Prior to the first regular meeting following their
appointment, new members shall be provided with copies of the pertinent portions of the City
Code, Historic Preservation Commission By-laws, and other documents that would be useful to
Commission members in carrying out their duties.
ARTI(:I F III
OFFICERS
Section 1. Number. The officers of this Commission shall be a Chairperson and Vice -
Chairperson, each of whom shall be elected by members of the Commission.
Section 2. Election and Term of Office. The officers of this Commission shall be elected
annually.
Section 3. Vacancies. A vacancy in either office shall be filled by Commission members for the
unexpired portion of the term.
Section 4. Chairperson. The Chairperson shall, when present, preside at all meetings of the
members, appoint committees, call special meetings and in general perform all duties of the
Chairperson and such other duties as may be prescribed by members from time to time.
Section 5. Vice -Chairperson. In the absence of the Chairperson or in the event of death, inability
or refusal to act, the Vice -Chairperson shall perform the duties of the Chairperson and when so
acting shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the Chairperson.
ARTICLE IV
CONDUCT OF COMMISSION AFFAIRS
Section 1. Agenda. The Chairperson or a designated representative, together with appropriate
members of the City staff, shall prepare an agenda for all regular Commission meetings.
Agendas are to be sent to Commission members, the City Council and the media at least three
days prior to the regular meetings.
Section 2. Secretary. A secretary, not to be a Commission member, shall be provided for all
regular and special meetings.
Section 3. Minutes. Minutes of all regular and special meetings are to be prepared and
distributed to Commission members and approved by the Commission prior to being sent to City
Council, in the manner prescribed by the Council. Specific recommendations for the Council are
to be set off from the main body of the minutes, and appropriately identified.
3
Section 4. Policies and Programs. Periodically, the Commission shall review the policies and
programs of the City relating to historic preservation, and make such recommendations to the City
Council as are deemed appropriate.
Section 5. Referrals from Council. From time to time letters, requests for information, requests
for recommendations, and other matters are referred to the Commission by the City Council. The
Commission shall initiate the consideration of such items at the next regular meeting following
receipt, and shall notify Council of its disposition.
Section 6. Attendance at Council Meetings. The Commission Chairperson or designated
representative are to be in attendance at all City Council meetings, including informal sessions, at
which matters pertaining to the Commission are to be discussed or when actions concerning the
Commission's responsibilities are to be taken. The Commission's Chairperson is to receive
Council agenda prior to each Council meeting, and is to be otherwise notified of meetings
involving Commission business.
Section 7. Annual Report. An annual report, detailing the activities of the Commission, shall be
prepared by the Chairperson, approved by the Commission, and submitted to the City Council.
Section B. Liaison with Planning and Zoning Commission. At such time as the Commission
undertakes any business which is deemed pertinent to the activities of the Planning and Zoning
Commission, the Planning and Zoning Commission shall be so notified, and may send a
representative to the next meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission to act as a liaison
between the two Commissions.
ARTICLE V
AMENDMENTS
Section 1. These by-laws may be altered, amended or repealed and new by-laws may be
adopted by the members at any regular meeting or at any special meeting called for that purpose.
p pd ad min\bylawh pc.d oc
RESOLUTION NO. 95-3.1.4
RESOLUTION AMENDING THE BY-LAWS OF THE IOWA CITY HISTORIC
PRESERVATION COMMISSION BY AMENDING THE PROVISIONS FOR FILLING
VACATED, UNEXPIRED TERMS.
WHEREAS, City Council, upon a recommendation from its Rules Committee, has directed all
City Boards and Commissions to amend their by-laws with regard to the filling of vacated,
unexpired terms; and
WHEREAS, City Code Section 14-4C-4C requires that changes to the by-laws of the Historic
Preservation Commission be adopted by City Council.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF IOWA CITY,
IOWA, that the By -Laws of the Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission, as amended and
as attached hereto, are approved as to form and content, and are hereby adopted.
Passed and approved this 24th day of October , 1995.
ATTEST:M�.e.r-�
CITY CLERK
YOR
Approved by
_City r torney
icef�� �_95
It was moved by Lehman and seconded by Novick the Resolution be
adopted, and upon roll call there were:
AYES: NAYS: ABSENT:
X Baker
x Horowitz
x Kubby
X Lehman
X Novick
-y Pigott
y Throgmorton
pp dadmin\hpb ylawa. res
ORDINANCE NO. 95--1695
ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 14, CHAPTER
4, "LAND CONTROL AND DEVELOPMENT,"
ARTICLE C, "HISTORIC PRESERVATION REGU-
LATIONS," SECTION 3, "HISTORIC PRESER-
VATION COMMISSION," BY AMENDING THE
MEMBERSHIP RULES OF THE HISTORIC PRES-
ERVATION COMMISSION.
WHEREAS, the City Council has directed all
City boards and commissions to amend their
bylaws with regard to the filling of vacated,
unexpired terms; and
WHEREAS, the requested amendments to the
bylaws of the Historic Preservation Commission
necessitate changes in Title 14, Chapter 4,
Land Control and Development, Article C,
Historic Preservation Regulations; and
WHEREAS, the Commission and City Council
wish to also amend the Commission's member-
ship rules by requiring the appointment of a
greater number of at large members to the
Historic Preservation Commission; and
WHEREAS, a greater number of at large
members is required in order to ensure that the
membership of the Commission consists of
individuals with the technical expertise neces-
sary to make sound decisions regarding historic
preservation issues.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF IOWA CITY,
IOWA:
SECTION I. AMENDMENT. Title 14, Chapter
4, Land Control and Development, Article C,
Historic Preservation Regulations, Section 3,
Historic Preservation Commission, is hereby
repealed and amended as follows:
a. Section 14-4C-3B is hereby repealed and
amended to read as follows:
B. Members of the Commission shall be
appointed by the City Council. At least
one resident of each designated historic
district shall be appointed to the Com-
mission. Other members shall be chos-
en at large from any part of the City
and shall have some expertise in histo-
ry, urban planning, architecture, ar-
chaeology, law, sociology or other
closely related field, or shall demon-
strate interest in the area of historic
preservation. At least four (4) mem-
bers shall hold appointments at large.
Should the number of officially desig-
32
Ordinance No. 95-3695
Page 2
nated City historic districts exceed
three (3) in number, a new member
shall be added to the Commission for
each new district in excess of three (3)
districts. The new member shall be
appointed by the City Council as soon
as practicable after the official designa-
tion of the historic district triggering the
operation of the preceding clause.
b. Section 14-4C-3D is hereby repealed and
amended to read as follows:
D. Vacancies occurring in the Commission
shall be filled by appointment by the
City Council in accordance with the by-
laws of the Commission.
SECTION Il. REPEALER. All ordinances and
parts of ordinances in conflict with the provi-
sions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed.
SECTION III. SEVERABILITY. If any section,
provision or part of the Ordinance shall be
adjudged to be invalid or unconstitutional, such
adjudication shall not affect the validity of the
Ordinance as a whole or any section, provision
or part thereof not adjudged invalid or unconsti-
tutional.
SECTION IV. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Ordi-
nance shall be in effect after its final passage,
approval and publication, as provided by law.
Passed and approved this 24th day of
October, 1995.
MAYOR '
ATTEST:
CITY CLERK
C ndby
ttarniEi' ic°l
f3-�
ppdadmin\hpcbylaw.Ord
32
Ordinance No. 95-3695
Page 3
It was moved by Pigott and seconded by Novick that the Ordinance
as read be adopted, and upon roll call there were:
AYES: NAYS: ABSENT:
x Baker
x Horowitz
x Kubby
x Lehman
Novick
x Pigott
x Throgmorton
First Consideration QI?A/95
Vote for passage: AYES: Kubby, Lehman, Novick, Pigott, Throgmorton,
Baker, Horowitz. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None.
Second Consideration 1() / 10 / 9 5
Vote for passage: AYES: Novick, Pigott, Throgmorton, Baker,
Horowitz, Kubby, Lehman. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None.
Date published 11/1/95
3�
ORDINANCE NO. 95-3691
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 14, CHAP-
TER 4, "LAND CONTROL AND DEVELOP-
MENT," ARTICLE C, "HISTORIC PRESERVA-
TION REGULATIONS," AND CHAPTER 6,
"ZONING," ARTICLE J, "OVERLAY ZONES"
TO ALLOW THE CITY TO DESIGNATE HIS-
TORIC LANDMARKS AND CONSERVATION
DISTRICTS.
WHEREAS, the City has adopted the
Iowa City Historic Preservation Plan as an ele-
ment of the Comprehensive Plan, and;
WHEREAS, the Historic Preservation
Plan calls for the adoption of legislation to allow
the City to designate and protect Historic Land-
marks, and;
WHEREAS, the Historic Preservation
Plan also calls for the adoption of legislation to
allow the City to designate and regulate devel-
opment within conservation districts to preserve
the appearance and character of its "traditional"
neighborhoods.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED
BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF 10-
WA CITY, IOWA, THAT:
SECTION I. AMENDMENT. Chapter 4, entitled
"Land Control and Development," is hereby
amended by repealing Article C, entitled "Historic
Preservation Regulations," and replacing there-
with a new Article C, entitled "Historic Preserva-
tion Regulations" as follows:
CHAPTER 4
LAND CONTROL AND DEVELOPMENT
ARTICLE
C. HISTORIC PRESERVATION
REGULATIONS
SECTION:
14-4C-1:
Purpose and Intent
14-4C-2:
Definitions
14-4C-3:
Historic Preservation Commission
14-4C-4:
Rules of the Commission
14-4C-5:
Powers of the Commission
14-4C-6:
Procedures for the Designation of
Historic Districts
and Historic Landmarks
14-4C-6.1:
Register of Historic Landmarks
and Historic Districts
14-4C-6.2:
Recording of Historic Landmarks
14-4C-6.3:
Historic Landmark Plaques
14-4C-7:
Applications for Certificates of
Appropriateness
14-4C-8:
Remedy of Dangerous Conditions
14-4C-9:
Compliance with Zoning Regula-
tions
14-4C-10:
Penalties
Ordinance No. 95-3591
Page 2
14-4C-1: PURPOSE AND INTENT: The pur-
pose of this Article is to:
A. Promote the educational, cultural, eco-
nomic and general welfare of the public
through the protection, enhancement and
perpetuation of historic districts and his-
toric and cultural landmarks located in
the City;
B. Safeguard the City's historic, aesthetic
and cultural heritage by preserving dis-
tricts, historic landmarks and properties
of historical, architectural and cultural
significance;
C. Stabilize and improve property values by
conserving historic properties;
D. Foster civic pride in the legacy of beauty
and achievements of the past;
E. Protect and enhance the City's attrac-
tions to tourists and visitors and thereby
support and stimulate business thereby
provided;
F. Strengthen the economy of the City; and
G. Promote the use of districts of historic
and cultural significance as sites for the
education, pleasure and welfare of the
people of the City. (Ord. 94-3636, 8-30-
94, eff. 9-1-94)
14-4C-2: DEFINITIONS: As used in this Article,
the following definitions shall apply:
APPLICANT: The party making application for
a certificate of appropriateness from the Iowa City
Historic Preservation Commission.
APPLICATION: A written request by a prop-
erty owner or other party to the Iowa City Historic
Preservation Commission for a certificate of ap-
propriateness.
CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS: The
document, evidencing approval by the Historic
Preservation Commission of a proposal to make
a change in appearance, which must be obtained
before a regulated permit may be issued.
CERTIFICATE OF NO MATERIAL EFFECT:
The document, issued in lieu of a certificate of
appropriateness, which signifies that the work
contemplated in the application will have no effect
on any significant architectural features of the
building, historic landmark or on the historic dis-
trict. The certificate of no material effect evidenc-
es approval by the Historic Preservation Commis-
sion and the Department of Planning and Com-
munity Development of a proposal to make a
change in appearance.
CHANGE IN APPEARANCE: Any change or
alteration of the exterior features of a landmark,
of a building or change or alteration of the ap-
pearance of a property within a historic district or
Ordinance No. 95-3691
Page 3
conservation district. This definition shall pertain
only to changes in appearance which are visible
from the public way or from adjacent properties
and for which a building, demolition, house mov-
ing or other regulated permit is required for com-
pliance with applicable City codes.' Further-
more, nothing in this definition shall be construed
to prohibit or limit normal repairs or maintenance
which do not involve alterations or changes in the
exterior features of a historic landmark or of a
building and for which no regulated permit is
required. For the purposes of this Article, chang-
es made in the color of the exterior surfaces of a
building are not considered a change in appear-
ance, but deemed to be ordinary maintenance
and repair.
CHANGE or ALTERATION: the erection of a
building on a site, the movement of a building
from or to a site, the demolition of a building, the
reconstruction or restoration of a building or any
action to change, modify, reconstruct, remove or
demolish any exterior feature of an existing build-
ing or historic landmark.
COMMISSION: The Iowa City Historic Pres-
ervation Commission, as established by Ordi-
nance 94-3636 in accord with this adopted Arti-
cle.
CONSERVATION DISTRICT: An area that
contains abutting pieces of property under
diverse ownership, the built portions of which by
majority are at least 50 years old and which:
A. According to a historic resources survey,
no more than 60% of the structures are
of a quality, integrity and condition that
qualify for historic district designation;
and
B. Represent the traditional character of
Iowa City neighborhoods through archi-
tectural characteristics, building scale,
building setback, and streetscape design;
or
C. Exemplify a pattern of neighborhood
settlement or development significant to
the cultural history or tradition of Iowa
City; or
D. Represent unique or unusual physical
character that creates a distinctiveness.
EXTERIOR FEATURES: The architectural
style, general design and arrangement of the
exterior of a building, including the kind and tex-
ture of building material and the type and style of
all windows, doors, light fixtures, signs and other
appurtenant fixtures.
See Chapter 5, Article G of this Title for moving build-
ings.
Ordinance No. 95-3691
Page 4
HISTORIC DISTRICT: An area that contains
contiguous pieces of property under diverse own-
ership which:
A. Are significant to American history, archi-
tecture, archaeology and culture or Iowa
City history, architecture, archaeology
and culture; or
B. Possess integrity of location, design,
setting, materials and workership; or
C. Are associated with events that have
made a significant contribution to the
broad patterns of our history; or
D. Are associated with the lives of persons
significant in our past; or
E. Embody the distinctive characteristics of
a type, period, method of construction;
represent the work of a master; possess
high artistic values; represent a signifi-
cant and distinguishable entity whose
components may lack individual distinc-
tion; or
F. Have yielded or may be likely to yield
information important in prehistory or
history.
HISTORIC LANDMARK: Any building, struc-
ture, object, archaeological site, area of land or
element of landscape architecture with signifi-
cance, importance or value consistent with the
criteria contained in paragraphs A.-F. of the defi-
nition of historic district contained in this Article,
which has been designated as a historic land-
mark by the Iowa City City Council pursuant to
this Article.
PROPERTY OWNER: An individual or group
of individuals, corporation, partnership, associa-
tion or in any entity, including State and local
governments and agencies, which own real es-
tate.
REGULATED PERMIT: A permit issued by the
Building Official or other official of the City, ac-
cording to the provisions of the Uniform Building
Code2, "Sign Regulations" 3, House Movers' Or-
dinance" or Fire Code". (Ord. 94-3636, 8-30-
94, eff. 9-1-94)
2 See Chapter 5, Article A of this Title.
3 See Chapter 6, Article O of this Title.
See Chapter 5, Article G of this Title.
5 See Title 7, Chapter 1 of the City Code.
Ordinance No. 95-3691
Page 5
14-4C-3: HISTORIC PRESERVATION
COMMISSION:
A. An Iowa City Historic Preservation Com-
mission is hereby reestablished and the
current members thereof are hereby
authorized and directed to fulfill their
existing terms and directives consistent
with this Article. The Commission shall
consist of seven (7) members who shall
be residents of the City.
B. Members of the Commission shall be
appointed by the City Council. At least
one resident of each designated historic
district shall be appointed to the Com-
mission. Other members shall be cho-
sen at large from any part of the City and
shall have some expertise in history,
urban planning, architecture, archaeolo-
gy, law, sociology or other closely related
field, or shall demonstrate interest in the
area of historic preservation. At least
three (3) of the members shall hold ap-
pointments at large. Should the number -
of officially designated City historic dis-
tricts exceed four (4) in number, a new
member shall be added to the Commis-
sion for each new district in excess of
four (4) districts. The new member shall
be appointed by the City Council as soon
as practicable after the official designa-
ti6n of the historic district triggering the
operation of the preceding clause.
C. Members shall serve three (3) year
terms.
D. Vacancies occurring in the Commission,
other than by expiration of term of office,
shall be filled only for the unexpired term.
E. Members may serve for more than one
term and each member shall serve until
the appointment of a successor.
F. Members shall serve without compen-
sation except for any expenses deemed
reasonable and budgeted by the City
Council.
G. A simple majority of the Commission
shall constitute a quorum for the trans-
action of business. (Ord. 94-3636, 8-30-
94, eff. 9-1-94)
14-4C-4: RULES OF THE COMMISSION:
A. The Historic Preservation Commission
shall elect from its membership a chair-
person and vice -chairperson whose term
of office shall be one year. The chairper-
son and vice -chairperson may serve for
more than one term. The chairperson
shall preside over the Commission and
Ordinance No. 95-,16 1
Page 6
have the right to vote. The vice -chairper-
son shall, in cases of absence or disabili-
ty of the chairperson, perform the duties
of the chairperson.
B. The City Manager shall designate a per-
son to serve as secretary to the Commis-
sion. The secretary shall keep a record
of all applications for certificates of ap-
propriateness, resolutions, proceedings,
and actions of the -Historic Preservation
Commission.
C. The Commission shall recommend rules
or by-laws for the transaction of its regu-
lar business to the city Council for adop-
tion. The Commission shall have the
authority to adopt rules of procedure in
connection with the approval or disap-
proval of certificates of appropriateness
subject to approval of the City Council.
D. The Commission shall keep a record,
which shall be open to public view, of its
resolutions, proceedings and actions.
The vote or failure to vote of each mem-
ber shall be recorded. The concurring
affirmative vote of a majority of those
members present shall be sufficient for a
certificate of appropriateness to be grant-
ed, or for the adoption of any resolution,
motion or other action of the Commis-
sion. The Commission shall submit a
report on its activities to the Council and
may make such recommendations to the
City Council as it deems necessary to
carry out the principles of this Article.
(Ord. 94-3636, 8-30-94, eff. 9-1-94)
14-4C-5: POWERS OF THE COMMISSION:
A. The Commission shall be authorized to
conduct studies for the identification and
designation of conservation districts,
historic districts and historic landmarks
meeting the definitions established by
this Article. The Commission may pro-
ceed at its own initiative or upon a peti-
tion from any person, group or associa-
tion.
Any request from a person, group or
association to designate a conservation
district, historic landmark or historic dis-
trict shall be commenced by submitting to
the Commission a nomination on a form
furnished by the Commission.
B. The Commission shall make a recom-
mendation to the office of the State His-
torical Society of Iowa for the listing of a
historical district or site or historic land-
mark in the National Register of Historic
Ordinance No. 95-3691
Page 7
Places and shall conduct a public hear-
ing thereon.
C. The Commission shall review and act
upon all applications for certificates of
appropriateness, pursuant to Section 14-
4C-7 of this Article.
D. The Commission shall cooperate with
property owners and City agencies pur-
suant to the provisions of Section 14-4C-
8 of this Article.
E. The Commission shall further the efforts
of historic preservation in the City by
making recommendations to the. City
Council and City commissions and
boards on preservation issues when
appropriate, by encouraging the protec-
tion and enhancement of structures with
historical, architectural or cultural value,
and by encouraging persons and organi-
zations to become involved in preserva-
tion activities.
F. The Commission shall not obligate itself
or the Cityin any financial undertaking
unless authorized to do so by the City
Council. (Ord. 94-3636, 8-30-94, eff. 9-
1-94)
14-4C-6: PROCEDURES FOR THE DESIGNA-
TION OF CONSERVATION DISTRICTS, HIS-
TORIC DISTRICTS AND HISTORIC LAND-
MARKS.
A. Report Required:
1. The Commission must make a report
to the Plan and Zoning Commission recommend-
ing that an area be designated a conservation
district, a historic district or a historic landmark.
Before any report or recommendation is submit-
ted, the Commission shall hold a public hearing
on any proposal to designate an area as a con-
servation district, a historic district or a historic
landmark. The Commission shall give notice of
the time, date, place and subject matter of such
hearing at least seven (7) days prior to the hear-
ing. Such notice shall be served by ordinary mail
addressed to each property owner of land includ-
ed within such proposed district or to each prop-
erty owner upon whose land the proposed land-
mark or any part of it is located at the owner's
last known address. If the address of any prop-
erty owner is unknown, such notice shall be
served by ordinary mail addressed to the "owner"
at the street address of the property in question.
The City Clerk shall file an affidavit of mailing set-
ting forth the date of mailing and the names and
addresses of all property owners notified pursu-
ant to this Section. After the public hearing, the
Commission shall submit its report to the Plan
Ordinance No.' 95-3691
Page 8
and Zoning Commission and shall include a pro-
posed ordinance establishing such district and
describing the boundary thereof. .
If, after the public hearing, the Commis-
sion decides to recommend the landmark for
designation, the Commission shall submit its
report to the Plan and Zoning Commission and
shall include a proposed ordinance designating
the landmark including a description thereof.
2. A copy of the report shall also be
submitted to the State Historical Society of Iowa
or its successor for review and recommendations
concerning the proposed area or historic land-
mark. Comments from the State Historical Soci-
ety or its successor regarding the proposed area
or historic landmark shall be received by the City
prior to the date of any action taken by the Plan
and Zoning Commission.
B. Plan and Zoning Commission Recom-
mendations: Within sixty (60) days of
receiving the report and the proposed
ordinance from the Commission and
recommendations from the State His-
torical Society of Iowa or its successor,
the Plan and Zoning Commission shall
submit its recommendations to the City
Council with respect to the relation of
such conservation district, historic district
or landmark designation to the Compre-
hensive Plan, Zoning Ordinances, pro-
posed public improvements and other
plans for the renewal of the area
involved. The Plan and Zoning Commis-
sion shall recommend approval, disap-
proval or modification of the proposed
conservation district, historic district or
historic landmark. The Historic Preserva-
tion Commission shall be advised of any
modifications to the proposed conserva-
tion district, historic district or historic
landmark designation which are recom-
mended to the City Council by the Plan-
ning and Zoning Commission.
C. City Council Review: If the area of. the
proposed conservation district, historic
district or historic landmark designation
as approved by the Historic Preservation
Commission is altered by the Plan and
Zoning Commission, the City Council
shall submit a description of the altered
proposed area or the petition describing
the area or the proposed historic land-
mark designation to the State Historical
Society of Iowa or its successor for re-
6 See Chapter 6 of this Title.
Ordinance No. 95-3691
Page 9
view and recommendations concerning
the altered proposed area or altered
proposed historic landmark designation.
D. State Recommendations: The recom-
mendations from the State Historical
Society of Iowa or its successor concern-
ing the proposed area or altered pro-
posed area or the proposed or altered
proposed historic landmark designation
shall be received by the City prior to
setting a public hearing conducted by the
City Council on an ordinance establishing
a conservation district, a historic district
or designating a historic landmark. Any
recommendations made by the State
Historical Society of Iowa or its succes-
sor shall be made available by the -City
to the public for viewing during normal
working hours at a City government
place of public access.
E. Public Hearing: After receiving the rec-
ommendations of the State Historical
Society of Iowa or its successor on the
proposed area and/or altered proposed
area or the proposed or altered proposed
historic landmark designation, the City
Council shall provide notice of public
hearing, as provided by law, and conduct
a public hearing on the ordinance estab
lishing a conservation district, a historic
district or a historic landmark. The City
Council may adopt or reject the ordi-
nance or may refer the conservation
district, historic district or historic land-
mark designation to the Historic Preser-
vation Commission for modification. If
the City Council refers the conservation
district, historic district or historic land-
mark designation to the Historic Preser-
vation Commission for modification, the
procedures described in subsections A
through D of this Section shall be fol-
lowed, with the following exceptions:
1. Unless substantial modifications are
proposed, the public hearing requirement de-
scribed in Subsection A above may be waived.
2. Only property owners affected by the
City Council's proposed modification shall be
notified by mail of the modification prior to action
by the Historic Preservation Commission. (Ord.
94-3636, 5-30-94, eff. 9-1-94)
14-4C-6.1. REGISTER OF HISTORIC
LANDMARKS AND HISTORIC DISTRICTS.
The City shall maintain a register of historic
landmarks and those properties located within
historic districts in Iowa City.
Ordinance No. 95-3691
Page 10
14-4C-6.2. RECORDING OF HISTORIC LAND-
MARKS.
Following the designation of a historic land-
mark by the City Council, the City Clerk shall file
a copy of the City Council ordinance designating
the historic landmark and the legal description of
the historic landmark with the building department
and shall also record the historic landmark desig-
nation in the office of the Recorder of Johnson
County, Iowa.
The Building Official shall note all historic land-
mark designations on the zoning map.
14-4C-6.3. HISTORIC LANDMARK PLAQUES.
A property designated as a historic landmark in
accordance with this article shall be eligible to
have a plaque placed upon it to recognize it as
such. The plaque shall be of a standard design
approved by the Commission and shall be so
placed as to be visible to passing pedestrians.
14-4C-7: APPLICATIONS FOR CERTIFICATES
OF APPROPRIATENESS:
A. Certificate Required: No individual or
corporation shall undertake a change in
appearance to a historic landmark, or to
a building or site within a designated
conservation district or historic district for
which a regulated permit is required, nor
shall the Building Official issue a regulat-
ed permit for a change in appearance of
a historic landmark or of a building or
site in a designated conservation district
or historic district, unless a certificate of
appropriateness or a certificate of no
material effect has been granted or un-
less the specific conservation district
ordinance for the district which contains
the property does not require review for
the change of appearance.
B. Conditions of Certificate Issuance: The
chair of the Historic Preservation Com-
mission and the secretary of the Historic
Preservation Commission, or their
designees, may issue a certificate of no
material effect if the work contemplated
in the application will have no effect on
any significant architectural features of
the building or on the conservation dis-
trict, historic district or on a historic land-
mark.
C. Application for Certificate; Review:
1. Application for a certificate of appro-
priateness shall be made to the Building Official.
The application should include drawings, photo-
graphs, sketches and other exhibits portraying
the work to be accomplished which will assist the
Ordinance No. 95-3591
Page 11
Historic Preservation Commission in the consider-
ation of the application.
2. Upon the filing of such application, the
Building Official shall immediately notify the His-
toric Preservation Commission of the receipt of
such application and shall transmit it, together
with accompanying plans and other information,
to the Commission.
3. All applications received before the
closing date, to be established by the Commis-
sion, shall be considered by the Commission at
its next regularly scheduled meeting. The Com-
mission shall review the application, according to
the duties and powers specified herein. In re-
viewing the application, the Commission may
confer with the applicant or the applicant's autho-
rized representative. In acting upon an applica-
tion, the Commission shall consider whether the
proposed change in appearance to a historic
landmark, or to a building or site within a historic
district, proposed by the application conforms to
standards set forth in the January, 1979 edition
of the Secretary of Interiors Standards for Reha-
bilitation or subsequent revisions thereof. The
Commission may use the Secretary of Interiors
Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings or
subsequent revisions thereof or other guidelines
adopted by the Commission to aid in determining
whether the proposed change in appearance to
a historic landmark, building or site conforms to
the Secretary of Interiors Standards for Rehabil-
itation or subsequent revisions thereof. The
Commission shall use the guidelines contained in
their Conservation District Report to determine
whether the proposed change in appearance to
a building or site within a conservation district
conform with the requirements of the conserva-
tion district ordinance.
D. Approval or Disapproval of Certificate:
The Commission shall approve, modify
or disapprove the application. The find-
ings of the Commission on each applica-
tion shall be contained in a written reso-
lution setting forth the full reason for its
decision and the vote of each member
participating therein. Such resolution
shall be placed on file for public inspec-
tion in the -office of the City Clerk within
five (5) business days after the meeting
at which the application was acted upon.
Thereafter, a copy of the resolution shall
be sent to the applicant by ordinary mail.
If the application is approved or ap-
proved with modifications acceptable to
the applicant, a certificate of appropriate-
ness will be issued, signed by the chair-
person and immediately transmitted
Ordinance No. 95-3691
Page 12
along with the application to the Building
Official. If the application is disapproved,
the application will be immediately trans-
mitted, along with the written resolution
of the Commission's findings, to the
Building Official.
E. Appeal to the City Council: Any appli-
cant aggrieved by any decision of the
Commission regarding a Certificate of
Appropriateness in a historic district or
for a historic landmark, may appeal the
action to the City Council. Such an ap-
peal must be in writing and must be filed
with the City Clerk no later than ten (10)
business days after the filing of the
above mentioned resolution. The City
Council shall, within a reasonable time,
hold a public hearing on the appeal, give
the public notice as required by State
law, as well as provide written notice to
the applicant and to the appellant, if
different from the applicant, and decide
the appeal within a reasonable time. In
deciding such appeal, the City Council
shall consider whether the Commission
has exercised its powers and followed
the guidelines established by law and
this Article, and whether the
Commission's action was patently arbi-
trary or capricious. In exercising the
above mentioned powers, the City Coun-
cil may, in conformity with the provisions
of this Article, reverse or affirm, wholly or
partly, or may modify the order, require-
ment, decision or determination appealed
from and may make such order,
requirement, decision or determination as
ought to be made, and to that end shall
have the powers of the Commission from
whom the appeal is taken.
F. Judicial Appeal: If not satisfied with the
decision of the City Council, the appellant
may appeal to the Johnson County Dis-
trict Court within thirty (30) days after the
City Council's decision.
G. Appeal to Board of Adjustment: Any
applicant aggrieved by any decision of
the Commission regarding a Certificate
of Appropriateness in a conservation
district may appeal the action to the
Board of Adjustment. Such an appeal
must be in writing and must be filed with
the City Clerk no later than ten (10) busi-
ness days after the filing of the Commis-
sion's resolution. The Board of Adjust-
ment shall, hold a public hearing on the
appeal, give the public notice as required
Ordinance No. 95-3691
Page 13
by State law, as well as provide written
notice to the applicant and to the appel-
lant, if different from the applicant, and
decide the appeal within a reasonable
time. In deciding such an appeal, the
Board of Adjustment shall consider
whether the Commission has exercised
its powers and followed the guidelines
established by law, this article and the
Conservation District Report, and shall
determine whether or not the Commis-
sion's actions were arbitrary and capri-
cious. In exercising these powers, the
Board of Adjustment may, in conformity
with the provisions of this article, affirm
or reverse, wholly or partly, or may modi-
fy the order, requirement, determination
or decision appealed from and may
make such order requirement, determi-
nation, or decision as ought to be made,
and to that end shall have the powers of
the Commission from whom the appeal
is taken.
H. Compliance with Certificate Required:
Certificates of Appropriateness issued on
the basis of approved applications Autho-
rize only those changes in appearance
set forth in such approved applications
and no other changes in appearance. It
shall be the duty of the Building Official
or designee to inspect, from time to time,
any work performed pursuant to such a
certificate to ensure compliance with the
requirements of such certificate. If it is
found that such work is not being carried
out in accordance with the certificate, the
Building Official shall issue a stop work
order. Any change in appearance at
variance with that authorized by the cer-
tificate shall be deemed a violation of
these regulations. (Ord. 94-3636, 8-30-
94, eff. 9-1-94)
14-4C-8: REMEDY OF DANGEROUS CONDI-
TIONS':
A. Except for emergencies as determined
by the Building Official pursuant to the
ordinances of the City, City enforcement
agencies and departments shall give the
Historic Preservation Commission at
least thirty (30) days' notice of any pro-
posed order for remedying conditions
determined to be dangerous to life,
health or property which may affect the
exterior features of any building.
See also Section 14-5F-3 of this Title.
Ordinance No. 95-3691
Page 14
B. The Commission shall have the power to
require that changes or alterations not
adversely affect the exterior features of a
building in cases where the danger to
life, health or property may be abated
without detracting from the exterior fea-
tures of the building. In such cases, it
shall be the responsibility of the Commis-
sion and the City enforcement agency or
department to cooperate with the proper-
ty owner in an attempt to achieve a pres-
ervation solution whereby the dangerous
conditions will be corrected with minimal
adverse impact on exterior features.
Such plan shall be approved by the
Commission and shall be signed by the
chair of the Commission, the property
owner and the head of the City
enforcement agency or department.
C. If a solution acceptable to the Commis-
sion, the City enforcement agency or
department and the property owner can-
not be reached within thirty (30) days or
a period of time acceptable to the City
enforcement agency or department, the
agency or department shall proceed to
issue and enforce its proposed order.
(Ord. 94-3636, 8-30-94, eff. 9-1-94)
14-4C-9: COMPLIANCE WITH ZONING REGU-
LATIONS: Any new building shall conform to all
setback requirements of the zone in which it is to
be built or moved unless in the case of a con-
servation district the conservation district ordi-
nance provides for alternative requirements.
However, if a building has been damaged or
destroyed due to fire, explosion, act of God or
other natural disasters, it may be placed upon its
original foundation or the site of the original foun-
dation regardless of the extent of damages, pro-
vided it is reconstructed as near as possible to
the original exterior designs. (Ord. 94-3636, 8-
30-94, eff. 9-1-94)
14-4C-10: PENALTIES: Any violation of this
Chapter shall be considered a simple misde-
meanor or Municipal infraction or environmental
infraction as provided for in Title 1, Chapter 4 of
the City Code. (Ord. 94-3636, 8-30-94, eff. 9-1-
94)
9 See Section 14-6Q-4 of this Title.
9 See Chapter 6, Article T of this Title for restoration of
nonconforming structures.
Ordinance No. 95-3691
Page 15
SECTION II. AMENDMENT. Chapter 6, entitled
"Zoning," Article J, entitled "Overlay Zones," is
hereby amended as follows:
a. Section 14-6J-3, entitled "Historic Preser-
vation Overlay Zone (OHP) is hereby
repealed and replaced therewith by new
section 14-6J-3, entitled "Historic Preser-
vation Overlay Zone," as follows:
14-6J-3: HISTORIC PRESERVATION
OVERLAY ZONE (OHP)10:
A. Purpose: The purpose of the CHID zone
is to:
1. Promote the educational, cultural,
economic and general welfare of the public by
protecting, enhancing and perpetuating historic
landmarks and districts of historic and cultural
significance located in the City;
2. Safeguard the City's historic, aesthet-
ic, and cultural heritage by preserving historic
landmarks and districts of historical, architectural
and cultural significance;
3. Stabilize and improve property values
by conserving historic properties;
4. Foster civic pride in the legacy and
beauty of past achievements;
5. Protect and enhance the City's attrac-
tiveness to tourists and visitors, thereby support-
ing and stimulating business;
6. Strengthen the economy of the City;
and
7. Promote the use of historic landmarks
and districts of historic and cultural significance
as sites for the education, pleasure and welfare
of the people of the City.
B.- Descriptions:
1. An OHP zone is an area that contains
abutting pieces of property under diverse own-
ership which:
a. Are significant to American
and/or Iowa City history, architecture, ar-
chaeology and culture; or
b. Possess integrity of location,
design, setting, materials and workership;
or
c. Are associated with events
that have made a significant contribution
to the broad patterns of our history; or
d. Are associated with the lives
of persons significant in our past; or
e. Embody the distinctive char-
acteristics of a type, period, method of
construction; represent the work of a
master; possess high artistic values;
10See Chapter 4, Article C of this Title for historic preser-
vation regulations.
Ordinance No. 95-3691
Page 16
represent a significant and distinguish-
able entity whose components may lack
individual distinction; or
f. Have yielded or may likely
yield information important in pre -history
or history. (1978 Code §36-53)
2. A historic landmark is any building,
structure, object, area of land or element of land-
scape architecture with significance, importance
or value consistent with the criteria contained in
Sections 14-6J-3B of this Chapter and which has
been designated as a historic landmark by the
City Council pursuant to this Article.
C. Procedures for Designation of Historic
Landmarks, OHP and Conservation
Overlay (OC)" Zones:
1. Report by Historic Preservation Com-
mission; Hearing:
a. The Historic Preservation
Commission must make a repr%rt recom-
mending that an area be designated an
OC, OHP zone or historic landmark.
Before any report or recommendation is
submitted to the Plan and Zoning Com-
mission for review, the Historic Preser-
vation Commission shall hold a public
hearing on any proposal to designate an
area as an OC zone, OHP zone or his-
toric landmark. The Historic Preservation
Commission shall give notice of the time,
date, place and subject matter of such
hearing at least seven (7) days prior to
the hearing. Such notice shall be served
by ordinary mail addressed to each prop-
erty owner of land included in such pro-
posed OC, OHP zone or historic land-
mark at the property owner's last known
address. If the address of any property
owner is unknown, such notice shall be
served by ordinary mail addressed to
'owner" at the street address of the prop-
erty in question. The City Clerk shall file
an affidavit of mailing setting forth the
date of mailing and the names and ad-
dresses of all property owners notified
pursuant to this subsection. After this
public hearing, the Historic Preservation
Commission shall submit its report to the
Plan and Zoning Commission and shall
include a proposed ordinance establish-
ing such OC, OHP zone or historic land-
mark and describing the boundary.
"See Chapter 6, Article 5, Section 4 of this Title regarding
Conservation Overlay Zones.
Ordinance No. 95-3691
Page 17
b. A copy of the report shall also
be submitted to the State Historical Soci-
ety of Iowa or its successors for review
and recommendations concerning the
proposed area. Comments from the
State Historical Society of Iowa or its
successor regarding the proposed area
shall be received by the City prior to an
action by the Plan and Zoning Commis-
sion which sets forth recommendations to
the City Council on an ordinance estab-
lishing the proposed area as an OC,
OHP zone or historic landmark.
2. Plan and Zoning Commission Rec-
ommendation: Within sixty (60) days of receiving
the report and the proposed ordinance from the
Commission and recommendations from the
State Historical Society of Iowa or its successor,
the Plan and Zoning Commission shall submit its
recommendations to the City Council based on
the relation of such designation to the Compre-
hensive Plan, as amended, Zoning Qrdinance,
proposed public improvements and other plans
for the renewal of the area involved. The Plan
and Zoning Commission shall recommend ap-
proval, disapproval or modification of the pro-
posed OC, OHP zone or historic landmark. Upon
submission of the report of the Plan and Zoning
Commission or upon the expiration of the sixty
(60) day period, the matter shall be transmitted to
the City Council. The Historic Preservation Com-
mission shall be advised of any modifications to
the proposed OC, OHP zone or historic landmark
recommended by the Plan and Zoning Commis-
sion.
3. City Council Report Alterations to
State: If the Plan and Zoning Commission alters
the area of the proposed OC, OHP zone or his-
toric landmark as approved by the Historic Pres-
ervation Commission, the City Council shall sub-
mit a description of the altered proposed area or
the petition describing the area to the State His-
torical Society of Iowa or its successor for review
and recommendation concerning the altered pro-
posed OC, OHP zone or historic landmark.
4. State Recommendations; Hearing:
a. The City must receive rec-
ommendations from the State Historical
Society of Iowa or its successor concern-
ing the proposed OC, OHP zone or his-
toric landmark and area or altered pro-
posed OC, OHP zone or historic land-
mark and area prior to setting a public
hearing on ordinance establishing an
OC, OHP zone or historic landmark. The
City shall make any recommendations
made by the State Historical Society of
Ordinance No. 95-3691
Page 18
Iowa or its successor available to the
public for viewing during normal working
hours at a City government place of
public address.
b. After receiving the recom-
mendations of the State Historical Soci-
ety of Iowa or its successor on the pro-
posed OC, OHP zone or historic land-
mark and area and/or altered proposed
OC, OHP zone or historic landmark and
area, the City Council shall provide no-
tice of public hearing as provided by law
and conduct a public hearing on the ordi-
nance establishing an OC, OHP zone or
historic landmark. The City Council may
adopt or reject the ordinance or may
refer the OC, OHP zone or historic land-
mark designation to the Historic Preser-
vation Commission for modification. If
the City Council refers the OC, OHP
zone or historic landmark designation to
the Historic Preservation Commission for
modification, the procedures described in
subsections C1 through C4 of this Sec-
tion shall be followed, with the following
exceptions: - -
(1) Unless substantial modifications
are proposed, the public hearing require-
ment described in subsection C1 of this
Section may be waived.
(2) Only property owners affected by
the City Council's proposed modification
shall be notified by mail of the modifica-
tion prior to action by the Historic Pres-
ervation Commission. (1978 Code
§36-54; 1994 Code)
b. Article 14-6J, entitled "Overlay Zones," is
hereby amended by adding new Section
14-6J-4, entitled "Conservation Overlay
Zone (OC)," as follows:
14-6J-4: CONSERVATION OVERLAY ZONE
(OC):
A. Purpose: The purpose of the OC zone is
to:
1. Conserve the unique characteristics of
older neighborhoods, including their architectural,
historical and aesthetic qualities;
Provide for design review of new con-
struction or alteration of existing buildings to
assure compatibility with the existing character of
older neighborhoods;
2. Encourage the retention and rehabil-
itation of existing dwelling units in older neigh-
borhoods;
Ordinance No. 95-3691
Page 19
3. Stabilize property values and encour-
age reinvestment in older neighborhoods; and
4. Protect the environmental setting of
historic landmarks and historic preservation over-
lay zones in close proximity to or surrounded by
OC zones.
13% Descriptions: An OC zone is an area
that contains abutting pieces of property
under diverse ownership, the built por-
tions of which by majority are at least 50
years old and which:
1. According to a historic resources
surrey, no more than 60% of the structures are
of a quality, integrity and condition that qualify for
historic district designation; and
2. Represent the traditional character of
Iowa City neighborhoods through architectural
characteristics, building scale, building setback,
and streetscape design; or
3. Exemplify a pattern of neighborhood
settlement or development significant to the cul-
tural history or traditiori of Iowa City; or
4. Represent unique or unusual physical
character that creates a distinctiveness.
C. Procedures for Designation of OC Zones:
1. Preliminary Report:
a. Upon the petition of six or
more property owners within the pro-
posed OC zone, or upon the Historic
Preservation Commission's own initiative,
the Historic Preservation Commission
shall prepare a preliminary report regard-
ing the appropriateness of the application
of an OC zone to an area identified by
the petitioners or the Historic Preserva-
tion Commission. In making its determi-
nation as to whether or not an OC zone
should be established for the neighbor-
hood, the Historic Preservation Commis-
sion shall consider the following:
1) The degree to which the
area contains the general character and
appearance of its original period of de-
velopment;
2) The extent to which the area
evidences ongoing maintenance of exist-
ing older buildings;
3) The potential for rehabilitation
of existing buildings in the area;
4) The degree to which the area
displays traditional neighborhood charac-
ter as is evidenced by architectural
styles, building scale, building setback;
and
5) The concerns of residents
and property owners in the area.
Ordinance No. 95-3691
Page 20
If the Historic Preservation Com-
mission determines that the area does
not meet the criteria necessary for con-
sideration as an OC zone, the Historic
Preservation Commission shall end its
study and inform the petitioners of its
findings. If the Historic Preservation
Commission determines that the area or
a portion of the area contains charac-
teristics to make it appropriate for the
establishment of an OC zone, the His-
toric Preservation Commission shall
prepare a Conservation District Report.
2. Conservation District Report: The
Conservation District Report shall be prepared by
the Historic Preservation Commission in consulta-
tion with district property owners and residents.
The Conservation District Report shall:
a. Include a study of the charac-
teristics of the proposed OC zone, in-
cluding architectural characteristics, ele-
ments of the streetscape, physical con-
ditions of buildings, age of buildings,
history of buildings, and property owner-
ship patterns;
b. Define the boundaries of the
proposed OC zone;
. Contain guidelines for alter-
ation and rehabilitation of existing build-
ings within the OC zone;
c. Contain guidelines for the
construction of new buildings within the
OC zone;
d. Identify modifications, if any, to
the dimensional requirements of the
underlying zoning district based on the
prevailing character of existing develop-
ment;
e. Identify modifications, if any,
to the off-street parking requirements
which apply to uses in the underlying
zone;
f. Establish the level of review
required for changes of appearance to
buildings within the OC Zone; and
g. Contain an ordinance imple-
menting the provision of the specific OC
zone. Establishment of any OC -zone
requires City Council adoption of Conser-
vation District Ordinances specific to
each OC zone.
3. Levels of Review: For each OC zone
the Conservation District Report shall establish
the level of review required for changes of ap-
pearance according to the following categories:
a. Major review for certificate of
appropriateness: A review by the Com-
Ordinance No. 95-3691
Page 21
mission which considers proposed de-
signs which involve construction of a
building, removal of a building, demolition
of a. building, or proposed alterations of
specifically identified existing prevalent
architectural features which, according to
the conservation district ordinance and
the conservation district report prepared
by the Commission, signify the character
of that district. Major reviews shall be
conducted according to the requirements
for a certificate of appropriateness (con-
tained in Title 14-4C-7).
b. Intermediate review for certifi-
cate of appropriateness: A review by
Commission staff in consultation with the
chair of the Commission or, alternately,
the designee of the chair, who consider
proposed designs which involve existing
prevalent architectural features, which,
according to the conservation district
ordinance and to the conservation district
report, contribute to the character of the
district. An approval of a design subject
to intermediate review shall require the
assent of Commission staff in consulta-
tion with the Commission's chair or vice
chair. Written report of this review pro-
cess shall be made to the Commission
by the next scheduled Commission meet-
ing.
c. Minor review for certificate of
appropriateness: A review by appropri-
ate City staff who assess proposed de-
signs which involve exterior changes that
have no material effect on existing preva-
lent architectural features as determined
by the conservation district ordinance
and the conservation district report pre-
pared by the Commission on such indi-
vidual district. A minor review shall be
conducted in the process of issuing a
regulated building permit. Written report
of this review process shall be made to
the Commission by the next scheduled
Commission meeting.
4. Hearing: Approval of a Conservation
District Report establishing an OC zone shall be
by ordinance in accordance with the procedures
set forth in §14-6J-3C, Procedures for Designa-
tion of OHP and OC Zones, of this chapter.
SECTION III. REPEALER. All ordinances and
parts of ordinances in conflict with the provisions
of this Ordinance are hereby repealed.
SECTION IV. SEVERABILITY. If any section,
provision or part of the Ordinance shall be ad-
judged to be invalid or unconstitutional, such
Ordinance No. 95-3691
Page 22
adjudication shall not affect the validity of the
Ordinance as a whole or any section, provision or
part thereof not adjudged invalid or unconstitu-
tional.
SECTION V. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Ordi-
nance shall be in effect after its final passage,
approval and publication, as provided by law.
Passed and approved this 12th day
of September, 1995.
MA OR r t m
ATTEST: Aar e l�Ll
CITY CLERK
Approved by:
City A ey's'ai_�gc�
ppdadmiMoph-oc.ord
Ordinance No. 95-3691
Page 23
It was moved by Pigott and seconded by Lehman that the Ordinance
as read be adopted, and upon roll call there were:
AYES: NAYS: ABSENT:
x Baker
x Horowitz
Kubby
x Lehman
x Novick
x Pigott
x Throgmorton
First Consideration
Vote for passage:
Kubby, Lehman,
8/15/95
AYES: Pigott, Throgmorton, Baker, Horowitz,
Novick. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None.
Second Consideration R/Z/45
Vote for passage: AYES: Pigott, Throgmorton, Baker, Horowitz, Kubby,
Lehman, Novick.
Date published 912Q I95
BY-LAWS
IOWA CITY HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
ARTICLE I.
MEETINGS
Section 1. Regular Meeting. Regular meetings of this Commission shall be held once each
month.
Section 2. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the members may be called by the
Chairperson and shall be called by the Chairperson's request for members of the Commission.
Section 3. Place of Meetin s. Regular meetings shall be in the Iowa City Public Library, Civic
Center or other appropriate meeting place in Iowa City, Iowa. Should these places be
unavailable, another meeting place shall be selected.
Section 4. Notice of Meeting. Notice and agenda for all regular meetings shall be distributed
to all members of the Commission and the press. Special meetings may be called upon notice
to all members of the media at least 24 hours before a special meeting is held. All provisions
of the State Open Meetings Law shall be followed.
Section 5. Quorum. A majority of the members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum
at any meeting and a majority of votes cast at any meeting at which a quorum is present shall
be decisive of any motion or election.
Section 6. Proxies. There shall be no vote by proxy.
Section 7. Public Discussion. Time shall be made available during all regular meetings for
open public discussion.
ARTICLE II.
MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. Membership. The Historic Preservation Commission shall consist of seven
members; term of membership shall be three years except for the shortened terms that
provide for staggered membership. The Chairperson and Vice-Chairpersoh will be elected
annually by the Commission members. All members shall be qualified electors of the City of
Iowa City, Iowa, and shall serve as members without compensation, but shall be entitled to
the necessary expenses, including travel expenses, incurred in the discharge of their duties.
Section 2. Nomination. The City Council shall appoint members to the Historic Preservation
Commission as vacancies occur. If a position/appointment becomes vacant by reason of
resignation or otherwise and results in an unexpired term, the Council may choose to fill the
unexpired term in such a manner that the appointee shall continue in the position not only
through the unexpired term but also through a subsequent regular term.
2
Section 3. Terms. Upon the expiration of terms of present members, new members shall be
appointed for three-year terms.
Section 4. Absences. Three consecutive unexplained absences of a Commission member
may result in a recommendation to the Mayor from the Commission to discharge such member
and appoint a new Commission member.
Section 5. Orientation for New Members. Prior to the first regular meeting following their
appointment, new members shall be provided with copies of the pertinent portions of the City
Code, Historic Preservation Commission By-laws, and other documents that would be useful
to Commission members in carrying out their duties.
ARTICLE Ill.
OFFICERS
Section 1. Number. The officers of this Commission shall be a Chairperson and Vice -
Chairperson, each of whom shall be elected by members of the Commission.
Section 2. Election and Term of Office. The officers of this Commission shall be elected
annually.
Section 3. Vacancies. A vacancy in either office shall be filled by Commission members for
the unexpired portion of the term.
Section 4. Chairperson. The Chairperson shall, when present, preside at all meetings of the
members, appoint committees, call special meetings and in general perform all duties of the
Chairperson and such other duties as may be prescribed by members from time to time.
Section 5. Vice -Chairperson. In the absence of the Chairperson or in the event of death,
inability or refusal to act, the Vice -Chairperson shall perform the duties of the Chairperson and
when so acting shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the
Chairperson.
ARTICLE IV.
CONDUCT OF COMMISSION AFFAIRS
Section 1. Agenda. The Chairperson or a designated representative, together with
appropriate members of the City staff, shall prepare an agenda for all regular Commission
meetings. Agendas are to be sent to Commission members, the City Council and the media
at least three days prior to the regular meetings.
Section 2. Secretary. A secretary, not to be a Commission member, shall be provided for all
regular and special meetings.
3
Section 3. Minutes. Minutes of all regular and special meetings are to be prepared and
distributed to Commission members and approved by the Commission prior to being sent to
City Council, in the manner prescribed by the Council. Specific recommendations for the
Council are to be set off from the main body of the minutes, and appropriately identified.
Section 4. Policies and Programs: Periodically, the Commission shall review the policies and
programs of the City relating to historic preservation, and make such recommendations to the
City Council as are deemed appropriate.
Section 5. Referrals from Council. From time to time letters, requests for information,
requests for recommendations, and other matters are referred to the Commission by the City
Council. The Commission shall initiate the consideration of such items at the next regular
meeting following receipt, and shall notify Council of its disposition.
Section 6. Attendance at Council Meetings. The Commission Chairperson or designated
representative are to be in attendance at all City Council meetings, including informal
sessions, at which matters pertaining to the Commission are to be discussed or when actions
concerning the Conmission's responsibilities are to be taken. The Commission's Chairperson
is to receive Council agenda prior to each Council meeting, and is to be otherwise notified of
meetings involving Commission business.
Section 7. _Annual Report. An annual report, detailing the activities of the Commission, shall
be prepared by the Chairperson, approved by the Commission, and submitted to the City
Council.
Section S. Liaison with Planning and Zoning Commission. At such time as the Commission
undertakes any business which is deemed pertinent to the activities of the Planning and
Zoning Commission, the Planning and Zoning Commission shall be so notified, and may send
a representative to the next meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission to act as a
liaison between the two Commissions.
ARTICLE V.
AMENDMENTS
Section 1. These by-laws may be altered, amended or repealed and new by-laws may be
adopted by the members at any regular meeting or at any special meeting called for that
purpose.
a:\ppdadmKbylaws.hpc
ORDINANCE NO. q/-3h3r,
AN ORDINANCE REESTABLISHING THE HIS-
TORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION AND
SPECIFYING THAT APPEALS OF DECISIONS
OF THE COMMISSION SHALL BE MADE TO
THE CITY COUNCIL.
WHEREAS, the Code of Iowa requires that
municipal historic preservation commissions be
established by ordinance; and
WHEREAS, the Code of the State of Iowa
requires that appeals of decisions of the histor-
ic preservation commissions be made to the
governing body; and
WHEREAS, the recently adopted Code of
Ordinances of the City of Iowa City is inconsis-
tent with the Code of Iowa in this regard.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF IOWA CITY,
IOWA:
SECTION I. AMENDMENTS. Title 14, The
Unified Development Code, Chapter 4, entitled
"Land Control and Development," Article C,
entitled "Historic Preservation Regulations," of
the Code of Ordinances of the City of Iowa
City, Iowa, be and the same is hereby amended
by adopting the following Article C, "Historic
Preservation Regulations" which supersedes
the previously adopted Article C, "Historic Pres-
ervation Regulations":
CHAPTER 4
ARTICLE C. HISTORIC PRESERVATION REGU-
LATIONS
Section:
14-4C-1:
Purpose and Intent
14-4C-2:
Definitions
14-4C-3:
Historic Preservation Commission
14-4C-4:
Rules of the Commission
14-4C-5:
Powers of the Commission
14-4C-6:
Procedures for the Designation of
Historic Districts
14-4C-7:
Applications for Certificates of
Appropriateness
14-4C-8: Remedy of Dangerous Conditions
14-4C-9: Compliance with Zoning Regulations
14-4C-10: Penalties
Sec. 14-4C-1: PURPOSE AND INTENT:
The purpose of this article is to:
A. Promote the educational, cultural, economic
and general welfare of the public through
the protection, enhancement, and perpetua-
Ordinance No.g4--jr,3F,
Page 2
tion of historic districts and historic and
cultural landmarks located in the city,
B. Safeguard the City's historic, aesthetic, and
cultural heritage by preserving districts and
properties of historical, architectural, and
cultural significance,
C. Stabilize and improve property values by
conserving historic properties,
D. Foster civic pride in the legacy of beauty
and achievements of the past,
E. Protect and enhance the City's attractions
to tourists and visitors and thereby support
and stimulate business thereby provided,
F. Strengthen the economy of the city, and
G. Promote the use of districts of historic and
cultural significance as sites for the educa-
tion, pleasure and welfare of the people of
the city.
Sec. 14-4C-2: DEFINITIONS:
As used in this article, the following defini-
tions shall apply:
Applicant. The party making application for
a certificate of appropriateness from the Iowa
City Historic Preservation Commission.
Application: A written request by a property
owner or other party to the Iowa City Historic
Preservation Commission for a certificate of
appropriateness.
Certificate of appropriateness: The docu-
ment, evidencing approval by the historic
preservation commission of a proposal to make
a change in appearance, which must be ob-
tained before a regulated permit may be used.
Certificate of no material effect. The docu-
ment, issued in lieu of a certificate of appropri-
ateness, which signifies that the work contem-
plated in the application will have no effect on
any significant architectural features of the
building or on the historic district. The certifi-
cate of no material effect evidences approval
by the Historic Preservation Commission and
the Department of Planning and Community
Development of a proposal to make a change in
appearance.
Change in appearance: Any change or alter-
ation of the exterior features of a building or
change or alteration of the appearance of a
property within a historic district. This defini-
tion shall pertain only to changes in appearance
which are visible from the public way or from
adjacent properties, and for which a building,
demolition, house moving or other regulated
Ordinance No. 94-363h
Page 3
permit is required for compliance with applica-
ble city codes.'
Furthermore, nothing in this definition shall be
construed to prohibit or limit normal repairs or
maintenance which do not involve alterations
or changes in the exterior features of a build-
ing, and for which no regulated permit is re-
quired. For the purposes of this Chapter,
changes made in the color of the exterior
surfaces of a building are not considered a
change in appearance, but deemed to be ordi-
nary maintenance and repair.
Change or alteration: The erection of a build-
ing on a site, the movement of a building from
or to a site, the demolition of a building, the
reconstruction or restoration of a building, or
any action to change, modify, reconstruct,
remove or demolish any exterior feature of an
existing building.
Commission: The Iowa City Historic Preser-
vation Commission, as established by this
ordinance in accord with this adopted article.
Exterior features: The architectural style,
general design and arrangement of the exterior
of a building, including the kind and texture of
the building material and type and style of all
windows, doors, light fixtures, signs and other
appurtenant fixtures.
Historic district: An area that contains
contiguous pieces of property under diverse
ownership which:
A. Are significant to American history, archi-
tecture, archaeology and culture or Iowa
City history, architecture, archaeology and
culture; or
B. Possess integrity of location, design, set-
ting, materials and workmanship; or
C. Are associated with events that have made
a significant contribution to the broad pat-
terns of our history; or
D. Are associated with the lives of persons
significant in our past; or
E. Embody the distinctive characteristics of a
type, period, method of construction; repre-
sent the work of a master; possess high
artistic values; represent a significant and
distinguishable entity whose components
may lack individual distinction; or
'See Chapter 5, Article G of this Title for
moving buildings.
Ordinance No. 94-3636
Page 4
F. Have yielded, or may be likely to yield,
information important in prehistory or histo-
ry.
Property owner: An individual or group of
individuals, corporation, partnership, associa-
tion, or in any entity, including state and local
governments and agencies, which is the owner
of real estate.
Regulated permit: A permit issued by the
building official, or other official of the city,
according to the provisions of the Uniform
Building Code,' sign regulations,' house
movers' ordinance,' or Fire Code.'
Sec. 14-4C-3. HISTORIC PRESERVATION
COMMISSION:
A. An Iowa City Historic Preservation Commis-
sion is hereby reestablished and the current
members thereof are hereby authorized and
directed to fulfill their existing terms and
directives consistent with this Article. The
commission shall consist of seven (7) mem-
bers who shall be residents of the City of
Iowa City.
B. Members of the commission shall be ap-
pointed by the City Council. At least one
resident of each designated historic district
shall be appointed to the Commission.
Other members shall be chosen at large
from any part of the city and shall have
some expertise in history, urban planning,
architecture, archaeology, law, sociology, or
other closely related field, or shall demon-
strate interest in the area of historic preser-
vation. At least three (3) of the members
shall hold appointments at large. Should
the number of officially designated city
historic districts exceed four (4) in number,
a new member shall be added to the com-
mission for each new district in excess of
four (4) districts. The new member shall be
appointed by the Council as soon as practi-
cable after the official designation of the
historic district triggering the operation of
the preceding clause.
'See Chapter 5, Article A of this Title.
'See Chapter 6, Article O of this Title.
'See Chapter 5, Article G of this Title.
'See Title 7, Chapter 1 of the City Code.
Ordinance No. 94-3636
Page 5
C. Members shall serve three-year terms.
D. Vacancies occurring in the Commission,
other than by expiration of term of office,
shall be filled only for the unexpired term.
E. Members may serve for more than one term
and each member shall serve until the ap-
pointment of a successor.
F. Members shall serve without compensation
except for any expenses deemed reasonable
and budgeted by the Council.
G. A simple majority of the commission shall
constitute a quorum for the transaction of
business.
Sec. 14-4C-4. RULES OF THE COMMISSION:
A. The Historic Preservation Commission shall
elect from its membership a chairperson and
vice -chairperson whose term of office shall
be one year. The chairperson and vice -
chairperson may serve for more than one
term. The chairperson shall preside over
the Commission and have the right to vote.
The vice -chairperson shall, in cases of
absence or disability of the chairperson,
perform the duties of the chairperson.
B. The City Manager shall designate a person
to serve as secretary to the Commission.
The secretary shall keep a record of all
applications -for certificates of appropriate-
ness, resolutions, proceedings, and actions
of the Historic Preservation Commission.
C. The Commission shall recommend rules or
by-laws for the transaction of its regular
business to the City Council for adoption.
The Commission shall have the authority to
adopt rules of procedure in connection with
the approval or disapproval of certificates of
appropriateness subject to approval of the
City Council.
D. The Commission shall keep a record, which
shall be open to public view, of its resolu-
tions, proceedings and actions. The vote or
failure to vote of each member shall be
recorded. The concurring affirmative vote
of a majority of those members present
shall be sufficient for a certificate of appro-
priateness to be granted, or for the adoption
of any resolution, motion or other action of
the Commission. The Commission shall
submit a report on its activities to the Coun-
cil and may make such recommendations to
the Council as it deems necessary to carry
out the principles of this article.
Ordinance No. 94-3636
Page 6
Sec. 14-4C-5. POWERS OF THE COMMIS-
SION:
A. The Commission shall be authorized to con-
duct studies for the identification and desig-
nation of historic districts meeting the
definitions established by this article. The
commission may proceed at its own initia-
tive or upon a petition from any person,
group or association.
B. The Commission shall make a recommenda-
tion to the office of the State Historical
Society of Iowa for the listing of a historical
district or site in the National Register of
Historic Places and shall conduct a public
hearing thereon.
C. The Commission shall review and act upon
all applications for certificates of appropri-
ateness, pursuant to section 7 of this Arti-
cle.
D. The Commission shall cooperate with prop-
erty owners and city agencies pursuant to
the provisions of section 8 of this Article.
E. The Commission shall further the efforts of
historic preservation in the city by making
recommendations to the City Council and
city commissions and boards on preserva-
tion issues when appropriate, by encourag-
ing the protection and enhancement of
structures with historical, architectural or
cultural value, and by encouraging persons
and organizations to become involved in
preservation activities.
F. The Commission shall not obligate itself or
the City of Iowa City in any financial under-
taking unless authorized to do so by the
City Council.
Sec. 14-4C-6. PROCEDURES FOR THE DESIG-
NATION OF HISTORIC DISTRICTS:
A. Report Required:
1. The Commission must make a report to
the Plan and Zoning Commission recom-
mending that an area be designated a
historic district. Before any report or
recommendation is submitted, the Com-
mission shall hold a public hearing on
any proposal to designate an area as a
historic district. The Commission shall
give prior notice of the time, date, place,
and subject matter of such hearing.
Such notice shall be served by ordinary
mail addressed to each property owner
of land included within such proposed
district at the owner's last known ad-
Ordinance No, 94-3636
Page 7
dress. If the address of any property
owner is unknown, such notice shall be
served by ordinary mail addressed to
"owner" at the street address of the
property in question. The City Clerk
shall file an affidavit of mailing setting
forth the date of mailing and the names
and addresses of all property owners
notified pursuant to this Section. After
this public hearing the Commission shall
submit its report to the Plan and Zoning
Commission and shall include a
proposed ordinance establishing such
district and describing the boundary
thereof.
2. A copy of the report shall also be sub-
mitted to the State Historical Society of
Iowa or its successor for review and
recommendations concerning the pro-
posed area. Comments from the State
Historical Society regarding the pro-
posed area shall be received by the City
prior to the date of any action taken by
the Plan and Zoning Commission.
B. Plan and Zoning Commission Recommenda-
tions: Within sixty (60) days of the receipt
of the report and the proposed ordinance
from the Commission and recommendations
from the State Historical Society of Iowa or
its successor, the Plan and Zoning Com-
mission shall submit its recommendations to
the City Council with respect to the relation
of such designation to the Comprehensive
Plan, Zoning Ordinance', proposed public
improvements and other plans for the re-
newal of the area involved. The Plan and
Zoning Commission shall recommend ap-
proval, disapproval or modification of the
proposed historic district. The Historic
Preservation Commission shall be advised of
any modifications to the proposed historic
district which are recommended to the City
Council by the Plan and Zoning Commission.
C. City Council Review: If the area of the
proposed historic district as approved by the
Historic Preservation Commission is altered
by the Plan and Zoning Commission, the
City Council shall submit a description of
the altered proposed area or the petition
describing the area, to the State Historical
'See Chapter 6 of this Title.
Ordinance No. 94-3636
Page 8
Society of Iowa or its successor for review
and recommendations concerning the al-
tered proposed area.
D. State Recommendations: The recommenda-
tions from the State Historical Society of
Iowa concerning the proposed area or al-
tered proposed area shall be received by the
City prior to setting a public hearing con-
ducted by the City Council on an ordinance
establishing a historic district. Any recom-
mendations made by the State Historical
Society of Iowa shall be made available by
the City to the public for viewing during
normal working hours at a City government
place of public access.
E. Public Hearing: After receiving the recom-
mendations of the State Historical Society
of Iowa on the proposed area and/or altered
proposed area, the City Council shall pro-
vide notice of public hearing, as provided by
law, and conduct a public hearing on the
ordinance establishing a historic district.
The Council may adopt or reject the ordi-
nance or may refer the historic district
designation to the Historic Preservation
Commission for modification. If the City
Council refers the historic district designa-
tion to the Historic Preservation Commission
for modification, the procedures described
in subsections A through D of this section
shall be followed, with the following excep-
tions:
1 . Unless substantial modifications are pro-
posed, the public hearing requirement
described in subsection A may be
waived.
2. Only property owners affected by the
Council's proposed modification shall be
notified by mail of the modification prior
to action by the Historic Preservation
Commission.
Sec. 14-4C-7. APPLICATIONS FOR CERTIFI-
CATES OF APPROPRIATENESS:
A. Certificate Required: No individual or corpo-
ration shall undertake a change in appear-
ance of a building or site within a desig-
nated historic district for which a regulated
permit is required, nor shall the Building
Official issue a regulated permit for a
change in appearance of a building or site in
a designated historic district, unless a certif-
icate of appropriateness or a certificate of
no material effect has been granted.
Ordinance No. 94-3636
Page 9
B. Conditions of Certificate Issuance: The
chair of the Historic Preservation Commis-
sion and the secretary of the Historic Pres-
ervation Commission, or their designees,
may issue a certificate of no material effect
if the work contemplated in the application
will have no effect on any significant archi-
tectural features of the building or on the
historic district.
C. Application for Certificate; Review:
1. Application for a certificate of appropri-
ateness shall be made to the Building
Official. The application should include
drawings, photographs, sketches and
other exhibits portraying the work to be
accomplished which will assist the His-
toric Preservation Commission in the
consideration of the application.
2. Upon the filing of such application, the
Building Official shall immediately notify
the Historic Preservation Commission of
the receipt of such application and shall
transmit it, together with accompanying
plans and other information, to the Com-
mission.
3. All applications received before the clos-
ing date, to be established by the Com-
mission, shall be considered by the
Commission at its next regularly sched-
uled meeting. The Commission shall
review the application, according to the
duties and powers specified herein. In
reviewing the application, the Commis-
sion may confer with the applicant or
the applicant's authorized representa-
tive. In acting upon an application, the
Commission shall consider whether the
change in appearance to a building or
site proposed by the application con-
forms to standards set forth in the Janu-
ary, 1979 edition of the Secretary of the
Interior's "Standards for Rehabilitation"
or subsequent revisions thereof. The
Commission may use the Secretary of
the Interior's "Guidelines for Rehabilitat-
ing Historic Buildings" or subsequent
revisions thereof or other guidelines
adopted by the Commission to aid in
determining whether the proposed
change in appearance to a building or
site conforms to the Secretary of the
Interior's "Standards for Rehabilitation."
Ordinance No. 94-3636
Page 10
D. Approval or Disapproval of Certificate: The
Commission shall approve, modify, or disap-
prove the application. The findings of the
Commission on each application shall be
contained in a written resolution setting
forth the full reason for its decision and the
vote of each member participating therein.
Such resolution shall be placed on file for
public inspection in the office of the City
Clerk within five (5) business days after the
meeting at which the application was acted
upon. Thereafter, a copy of the resolution
shall be sent to the applicant by ordinary
mail. If the application is approved or ap-
proved with modifications acceptable to the
applicant, a certificate of appropriateness
will be issued, signed by the chairperson,
and immediately transmitted along with the
application to the Building Official. If the
application is disapproved, the application
will be immediately transmitted, along with
the written resolution of the Commission's
findings, to the Building Official.
E. Appeal to the City Council: Any applicant
aggrieved by any decision of the Commis-
sion may appeal the action to the City
Council. Such an appeal must be in writing
and must be filed with the City Clerk no
later than ten (10) business days after the
filing of the above -mentioned resolution.
The City Council shall, within a reasonable
time, hold a public hearing on the appeal,
give public notice as required by State law,
as well as provide written notice to the
applicant and to the appellant, if different
from the applicant, and decide the appeal
within a reasonable time. In deciding such
appeal, the City Council shall consider
whether the Commission has exercised its
powers and followed the guidelines estab-
lished by law and this Article, and whether
the Commission's action was patently arbi-
trary or capricious. In exercising the above -
mentioned powers the City Council may, in
conformity with the provisions of this Arti-
cle, reverse or affirm, wholly or partly, or
may modify the order, requirement, deci-
sion, or determination appealed from and
may make such order, requirement, decision
or determination as ought to be made, and
to that end shall have the powers of the
Commission from whom the appeal is taken.
Ordinance No. 94-3636
Page 11
F. Judicial Appeal: If not satisfied with the
decision of the City Council, the appellant
may appeal to the Johnson County district
court within thirty (30) days after the
Council's decision.
G. Compliance with Certificate Required:
Certificates of appropriateness issued on the
basis of approved applications authorize
only changes in appearance set forth in
such approved applications and no other
changes in appearance. It shall be the duty
of the Building Official or designee to in-
spect, from time to time, any work per-
formed pursuant to such a certificate to
ensure compliance with the requirements of
such certificate. If it is found that such
work is not being carried out in accordance
with the certificate, the Building Official
shall issue a stop -work order. Any change
in appearance at variance with that autho-
rized by the certificate shall be deemed a
violation of these regulations.
Sec. 14-4C-8. REMEDY OF DANGEROUS
CONDITIONS:'
A. Except for emergencies as determined by
the Building Official pursuant to the ordi-
nances of the City, City enforcement agen-
cies and departments shall give the Historic
Preservation Commission at least thirty (30)
days' notice of any proposed order for
remedying conditions determined to be
dangerous to life, health or property which
may affect the exterior features of any
building.
B. The Commission shall have the power to
require that changes or alterations not
adversely affect the exterior features of a
building in cases where the danger to life,
health or property may be abated without
detracting from the exterior features of the
building. In such cases, it shall be the
responsibility of the Commission and the
City enforcement agency or department to
cooperate with the property owner in an
attempt to achieve a preservation solution
whereby the dangerous conditions will be
corrected with minimal adverse impact on
exterior features. Such plan shall be ap-
proved by the Commission and shall be
signed by the chair of the Commission, the
'See also Section 14-5F-3 of this Title.
Ordinance No. 94-3636
Page 12
property owner, and the head of the City
enforcement agency or department.
C. If a solution acceptable to the Commission,
the City enforcement agency or department,
and the property owner cannot be reached
within thirty (30) days or a period of time
acceptable to the City enforcement agency
or department, the agency or department
shall proceed to issue and enforce its pro-
posed order.
Sec. 14-4C-9. COMPLIANCE WITH ZONING
REGULATIONS:
Any new building shall conform to all setback
requirements of the zone in which it is to be
built or moved.' However, if a building has
been damaged or destroyed due to fire, explo-
sion, act of God or other natural disasters, it
may be placed upon its original foundation or
the site of the original foundation regardless of
the extent of damages, provided it is recon-
structed as near as possible to the original
exterior design.'
Sec. 14-4C-10. PENALTIES:
Any violation of this Chapter shall be consid-
ered a simple misdemeanor or Municipal Infrac-
tion or environmental infraction as provided for
in Title 1, Chapter 4 of the City Code.
SECTION 11. REPEALER. All ordinances and
parts of ordinances in conflict with the provi-
sions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed.
SECTION 111. SEVERABILITY. If any section,
provision or part of the Ordinance shall be
adjudged to be invalid or unconstitutional, such
adjudication shall not affect the validity of the
Ordinance as a whole or any section, provision
or part thereof not adjudged invalid or unconsti-
tutional.
'See Section 14-6Q-4 of this Title.
'See Chapter 6, Article T of this Title for
restoration of nonconforming structures.
Ordinance No. 94-3636
Page 13
SECTION IV. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Ordi-
nance shall be in full force and effect after its
final passage, approval and publication, in
accordance with law, on September 1, 1994.
Passed and approved this _30th day of
August, 1994.
MAY —OR
ATTEST:
CITY CIL K
pprove b
City ttorney;iO fic
ppdadminVlp .Ord
Ordinance No. 94-3636
Page 14
It was moved by Kubby and seconded by Thro�r.morton that the Ordinance
as read be adopted, and upon roll call there were:
AYES: NAYS:
ABSENT:
Baker
Horowitz
Kubby
Lehman
Novick
Pigott
Throgmorton
First Consideration 8 19 194
Vote for passage: AYES: Pigott, Baker, Horowitz, Kubby,
Lehman, Novick. NAYS: None. ABSENT: Throgmorton.
Second Consideration _
Vote for passage:
Date published
9/7/94
Moved by Kubby, seconded by Novick, that the rule requiring ordinances
to be considered and voted on for passage at two Council meetings prior
to the meeting at which it is to be finally passed be suspended, the
second consideration and vote be waived and the ordinance be voted upon
for final passage at this time. AYES: Baker, Horowitz, Kubby, Lehman,
Novick, Pigott, Throgmorton. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None.
RESOLUTION NO. 90-60
RESOLUTION AMENDING THE BY-LAWS OF THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION
COMMISSION TO ALTER THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE COMMISSION AND
ALLOW THE COMMISSION TO ESTABLISH THE DAY OF THE WEEK ON
WHICH IT MEETS.
WHEREAS, Resolution No. 83-371 adopted By -Laws governing the meetings, membership,
officers and conduct of the Historic Preservation Commission; and
WHEREAS, the Commission and City Council wish to amend the Commission's By -Laws to
delete the requirement that one member of the Historic Preservation Commission be a member
of the Planning & Zoning Commission; and
WHEREAS, the Commission and City Council also wish to amend the Commission's By -Laws
in order to add a section authorizing the Planning & Zoning Commission to send a non -voting
representative to the Historic Preservation Commission, to serve in a liaison capacity, as
needed; and
WHEREAS, the Commission and City Council wish to amend the Commission's By -Laws to
state that "regular meetings of this Commission shall be held once each month" rather than
mandating the second Wednesday of each month for Commission meetings; and
WHEREAS, the Rules Committee of the Iowa City City Council has unanimously approved
acceptance of the proposed By -Law amendments for the Iowa City Historic Preservation
Commission.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF IOWA CITY,
IOWA, THAT the By -Laws of the Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission, as amended and
as attached hereto; are approved as to form and content, and are hereby adopted.
It was moved by Courtney and seconded by
adopted, and upon roll call there were:
Horowitz the Resolution be
AYES: NAYS: ABSENT:
x Ambrisco
x Courtney
x Horowitz
x Kubby
x Larson
x McDonald
x Novick
Passed and approved this 17th day of April , 1990.
;YO
Approved as to Form
ATTEST:
CITY CLERK
Legal Department
i_2-fa
BY-LAWS
IOWA CITY HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
ARTICLE I.
MEETINGS
Section 1. Regular Meeting. Regular meetings of this Commission shall be held an the
once each month.
Section 2. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the members may be called by the
Chairperson and shall be called by the Chairperson's request for members of the Commission.
Section 3. Place of Meetings. Regular meetings shall be in the Iowa City Public Library, Civic
Center or other appropriate meeting place in Iowa City, Iowa. Should these places be
unavailable, another meeting place shall be selected.
Section 4. Notice of Meeting. Notice and agenda for all regular meetings shall be distributed
to all members of the Commission and the press. Special meetings may be called upon notice
to all members of the media at least 24 hours before a special meeting is held. All provisions
of the State Open Meetings Law shall be followed.
Section 5. Quorum. A majority of the members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum
at any meeting and a majority of votes cast at any meeting at which a quorum is present shall
be decisive of any motion or election.
Section 6. Proxies. There shall be no vote by proxy.
Section 7. Public Discussion. Time shall be made available during all regular meetings for
open public discussion.
ARTICLE II.
MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. Membership. The Historic Preservation Commission shall consist of seven
members; term of membership shall be three years except for the shortened terms that provide
for staggered membership. n;;a_ mcm eF shall be a FA8FAbeF Of the oiaR, OR9 and Z^^i _
Gemmi sien to be .,...,.rote, by said G,....,-.. is o... The Chairperson and Vice -Chairperson will
be elected annually by the Commission ,members. All members shall be qualified electors of
the City of Iowa City, Iowa, and shall serve as members without compensation, but shall be
entitled to the necessary expenses, including travel expenses, incurred in the discharge of their
duties.
Section 2. Nomination. The City Council shall appoint members to the Historic Preservation
Commission as vacancies occur.
2
Section 3. Terms. Upon the expiration of terms of present members, new members shall be
appointed for three-year terms. Term Of OffiGGfor !he Risn_Rinq_and Zoning membeF r.hr 4 lae
Section 4. Absences. Three consecutive unexplained absences of a Commission member may
result in a recommendation to the Mayor from the Commission to discharge such member and
appoint a new Commission member.
Section 5. Orientation for New Members. Prior to the first regular meeting following their
appointment, new members shall be provided with copies of the pertinent portions of the City
Code, Historic Preservation Commission By-laws, and other documents that would be useful
to Commission members in carrying out their duties.
ARTICLE III.
OFFICERS
Section 1. Number. The officers of this Commission shall be a Chairperson and Vice -
Chairperson, each of whom shall be elected by members of the Commission.
Section 2. Election and Term of Office. The officers of this Commission shall be elected
annually.
Section 3. Vacancies. A vacancy in either office shall be filled by Commission members for
the unexpired portion of the term.
Section 4. Chairperson. The Chairperson shall, when present, preside at all meetings of the
members, appoint committees, call special meetings and in general perform all duties of the
Chairperson and such other duties as may be prescribed by members from time to time.
Section 5. Vice -Chairperson. In the absence of the Chairperson or in the event of death,
inability or refusal to act, the Vice -Chairperson shall perform the duties of the Chairperson and
when so acting shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the
Chairperson.
ARTICLE IV.
CONDUCT OF COMMISSION AFFAIRS
Section 1. Agenda. The Chairperson or a designated representative, together with appropriate
members of the City staff, shall prepare an agenda for all regular Commission meetings.
Agendas are to be sent to Commission members, the City Council and the media at least three
days prior to the regular meetings.
Section 2. Secretary. A secretary, not to be a Commission member, shall be provided for all
regular and special meetings.
Section 3. Minutes. Minutes of all regular and special meetings are to be prepared and
distributed to Commission members and approved by the Commission prior to being sent to
3
City Council, in the manner prescribed by the Council. Specific recommendations for the
Council are to be set off from the main body of the minutes, and appropriately identified.
Section 4. Policies and Programs. Periodically, the Commission shall review the policies and
programs of the City relating to historic preservation, and make such recommendations to the
City Council as are deemed appropriate.
Section 5. Referrals from Council. From time to time letters, requests for information, requests
for recommendations, and other matters are referred to the Commission by the City Council.
The Commission shall initiate the consideration of such items at the next regular meeting
following receipt, and shall notify Council of its disposition.
Section 6. Attendance at Council Meetings. The Commission Chairperson or designated
representative are to be in attendance at all City Council meetings, including informal sessions,
at which matters pertaining to the Commission are to be discussed or when actions concerning
the Conmission's responsibilities are to be taken. The Commission's Chairperson is to receive
Council agenda prior to each Council meeting, and is to be otherwise notified of meetings
involving Commission business.
Section 7. Annual Report. An annual report, detailing the activities of the Commission, shall
be prepared by the Chairperson, approved by the Commission, and submitted to the City
Council.
Section 8. Liaison with Planning and Zoning Commission. At such time as the Commission
undertakes any business which is deemed pertinent to the activities of the Planning and Zoning
Commission, the Planning and Zoning Commission shall be so notified, and may send a
representative to the next meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission to act as a liaison
between the two Commissions.
ARTICLE V.
AMENDMENTS
Section 1. These by-laws may be altered, amended or repealed and new by-laws may be
adopted by the members at any regular meeting or at any special meeting called for that
purpose.
,C,_�4APPROVED AS M FOR
LEGAL DEPARTMENT
RESOLUTION NO. 90- 59
RESOLUTION ADOPTING PROCEDURES AND GUIDELINES
FOR REVIEW OF PROJECTS IN HISTORIC DISTRICTS.
WHEREAS, Historic Districts have been established in order to protect and preserve the City's
architectural and historic heritage; and
WHEREAS, the Historic Preservation Commission has drafted Procedures and Guidelines for
Review of Projects in Historic Districts, a copy of which is attached hereto; and
WHEREAS, said Procedures and Guidelines are intended to establish policies, procedures and
guidelines which shall apply to the Commission's review of exterior construction and renovation
projects in Historic Districts; and
WHEREAS, said Procedures and Guidelines are intended to further design policies which will
encourage compatibility with existing and future Historic Districts.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF IOWA CITY that the
Procedures and Guidelines for Historic Districts, attached hereto, are approved as to form and
content, and are hereby adopted.
It was moved by Ambrisco and seconded by Kubbv the Resolution be
adopted, and upon roll call there were:
AYES: NAYS: ABSENT:
x Ambrisco
K Courtney
x Horowitz
X Kubby
x Larson
x McDonald
x Novick
Passed and approved this 17th day of April , 1990.
kOR
Ap ved as to Form
ATTEST:
C CLERK Legal Department
- -.2 d
PROCEDURES AND GUIDELINES FOR REVIEW OF PROJECTS IN HISTORIC DISTRICTS
SECTION A: PROCEDURES
APPLICABILITY
In an officially designated historic district, any exterior alterations or new construction which
require a City permit must be approved by the Historic Preservation Commission. Examples
of alterations or construction that may require approval include, but are not limited to, an
addition to a house, construction of a porch, construction of a garage, or demolition of a
building. Examples of exterior work that do not require historic preservation review include
house painting, reroofing when no structural members are involved, and construction of a
fence not exceeding six feet in height. .
INITIATING REVIEW
When a person applies for a permit to demolish a building, to alter an existing structure, or to
construct a new building in a historic district, the project will require a Certificate of No Material
Effect or a Certificate of Appropriateness. These Certificates will be part of the building or
demolition permit. No project may begin until both the historic preservation and building
inspection review processes have been completed:
III. STANDARDS FOR REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS
In reviewing applications, the standards enumerated in the Secretary of Interior's Standards for
Rehabilitation in Section 27-87 of the Iowa City Code of Ordinances and locally adopted
guidelines, if any, shall be applied.
IV. APPLYING FOR A CERTIFICATE
Application for a Certificate of No Material Effect or a Certificate of Appropriateness is obtained
from the Iowa City Building Division of the Housing and Inspection Services Department. This
Application must be filed as part of the building or demolition permit application process. The
applicant must submit the application form, a site plan and elevation drawings, both drawn to
scale. The plan and drawings need not be professionally prepared. The applicant may submit
additional materials, such as photographs or materials to be used. The application will be
made to the Building Division of the. Department of Housing and Inspection Services, located
in the Civic Center at 410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, Iowa.
V. CERTIFICATE OF NO MATERIAL EFFECT
A. When to Apply.
A Certificate of No Material Effect shall be applied for when, in the opinion of the
Building Inspector, the proposed alteration or construction is minor, will not affect the
appearance of the building, and will not compromise the character of the neighborhood.
Examples of such minor effects include installation or improvement of fire escapes
which are unobtrusive and not visible from the street, and minor alterations to
outbuildings such as installing ventilation equipment or widening garage doors to
accommodate modern vehicles.
-2-
B. Review Process.
Upon the filing of an application for a Certificate of No Material Effect, the Building
Division shall forward the Application to the Department of Planning and Program
Development ("PPD"). Within two (2) working days after PPD receives the completed
application, the Chairperson, or his/her designee, together with another member of the
Historic Preservation Commission shall meet to determine if a Certificate of No Material
Effect should be issued. If, after review, the application does not trigger the Certificate
of Appropriateness standards set in Sec. 27-87 of the Iowa City Code of Ordinances,
the Chairperson and the Commission member shall issue a Certificate of No Material
Effect, and shall notify both the applicant and the Building Inspector within two (2)
working days thereafter. The Permit may then be issued if the project complies with
all other applicable City codes.
If the Certificate of No Material Effect is denied, the applicant shall' be notified in writing
within two (2) working days of such denial, and the application shall be forwarded to
the Historic Preservation Commission for review for a Certificate of Appropriateness.
VI. CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS
A. When to Apply.
A Certificate of Appropriateness shall be applied for when, in the opinion of the Building
Inspector, the proposed alteration or construction will affect the appearance of the
building or the district; when a Certificate of No Material Effect is denied; or when
demolition is requested. Application shall be made to the Building Division of the
Department of Housing and Inspection Services located in the Civic Center at 410 E.
Washington Street, Iowa City, Iowa.
B. Review process.
Standard Review: The Historic Preservation Commission shall designate a regular time
and place each week when and where it will have special meetings to review
applications for Certificates of Appropriateness. The Commission will meet at that time
only to review such applications. If no such applications have been made, the
Commission need not meet. Public notice of the meetings shall be given to news
media and posted in the lobby of the Civic Center, located at 410 E. Washington Street,
Iowa City, Iowa. The meetings shall be open to the public.
In order to expedite the review process, an application for a Certificate of Appropriate-
ness must be received in the Department of Planning and Program Development at
least two (2) working days before the time for a scheduled review meeting of the
Historic Preservation Commission.
Applications will be reviewed by the staff only to determine that the proposed
construction is in compliance with Zoning and Building Code requirements. If the
Commission, after review, determines the application requires major changes or
additions, the Commission shall defer the application for consideration at a regular
-3-
monthly meeting. In such event; the Applicant shall be informed in writing of the time
and place of such regular meeting.
Monthly Meeting Review: In order to be placed on the regular monthly agenda, an
application for a Certificate of Appropriateness must be received in the Department of
Planning and Program Development no less than 12 working days prior to the
scheduled monthly meeting.
VII. COMMISSION MEETING FORMAT
A quorum of a majority of the voting members of the Commission is required for a meeting.
At the meeting, the Commission will hear first from staff to gain background information about
the application. The Commission will then hear from the applicant or his/her designated
representative. All site plans, elevation drawings, photographs, and other materials shall be
made available to the Commission at this time. The Commission members will then have the
opportunity to question both staff and the applicant. Members of the public will be invited to
present their views; persons in support of the Application shall be heard first, then persons
opposing such application. Every effort will be made to work with the applicant to achieve a
project design which will meet the standards of the Commission and the needs of the
applicant. The Commission may approve, modify, or disapprove the application. An affirmative
vote of a majority of those members present is needed to approve or modify an application.
The Commission's findings on each application shall be set forth in a written resolution, to be
filed in the City Clerk's office as a public record.
VIII. APPEAL
If an application for either a Certificate of Appropriateness or Certificate of No Material Effect
is approved, then the applicant may continue with the permit process. If the application is
denied, the applicant has ten (10) working days after the Commission's resolution is filed in
the City Clerk's office to file a written appeal to the City Council. The appeal may be made
by letter to the City Council. The letter may be accompanied by any materials submitted to
the Historic Preservation Commission.
APPIOED AS TO FO y U
c � ram-
LEGAL DEPARTMENT
la— 9G
SECTION B: GUIDELINES
The following are guidelines intended to guide property owners in the construction of new
buildings and exterior alterations in Iowa City's designated historic districts. In addition, these
guidelines shall be used by the Historic Preservation Commission in determining whether to
issue Certificates of Appropriateness and for the review of demolition permits. In no case may
these guidelines be used to attempt to replace or override the requirements of the Iowa
City Zoning Ordinance.
GENERAL
A. The design of new structures need not mimic historical styles. The intent of
these guidelines is to encourage creativity in design, including contemporary
styles. However, such designs must be harmonious with surrounding structures,
and must not compromise the historic character of the district.
B. Compatibility and harmony will be measured as those attributes relate to the
historic structures which contribute to the historic character in a district, and not
as they relate to buildings which do not contribute to said character.
C. These guidelines may be amended from time to time as deemed appropriate by
the Historic Preservation Commission and the City Council.
II. BUILDING HEIGHT
A. The number of stories of new buildings should be, to the nearest half -story, the
average of the number of stories of adjacent buildings characteristic of the
district, not to exceed the maximum height allowed by the Zoning Ordinance.
III. ROOF FORM
A. Roof pitch and roof shape should be similar to existing architecturally significant
structures located in the district.
B. The roof volumes and number of roof faces of new construction should be
similar to that of buildings of architectural significance within the immediate area.
C.. Roofing materials should be consistent with the style of the building on which
the roof is being placed, and should also be consistent with the predominant
materials used on surrounding buildings.
IV. VERTICAL EMPHASIS
A. When vertical emphasis is a dominant characteristic in the historic district, it
should be reinforced by overall building height, vertical windows, doors with
transoms, grouping of windows and/or window bays, and floor -to -floor heights.
2
B. The exterior floor -to -floor heights of new construction should match those of
adjacent historic buildings or other buildings of architectural significance which
exist in the same district.
V. STREETSCAPE
A. Setbacks should be similar to surrounding buildings.
B. Spacing between buildings on a block and the size of building fronts should be
similar to the existing spacing and size that is already established on a block
face.
C. Blank facades which break the pattern on the street should not be used in
historic districts.
VI. THE FRONT
A. Entry levels of new buildings should match the height of entry levels of adjacent
architecturally significant buildings unless the topography of the site makes this
inappropriate.
B. Emphasis should be given to the entry so that the entry is visible from the street.
Front porches and steps, emphasis at door areas, and other decorative features
can be used if such is already established as a neighborhood pattern.
C. Porches should have a connection to the interior by the use of windows and
doors.
VII. DETAILS
A. The windows of new construction should repeat the lines, size and shape of
window openings used on surrounding buildings.
B. Large areas of solid blank wall should not be created on any highly visible
elevations.
Vill. OUTBUILDINGS AND GARAGES
A. Garages and other outbuildings should be located in positions relative to the
main building which are similar to other garages and outbuildings in the historic
district, to the extent such placement is possible under the Zoning Ordinance.
B. Double -wide garage door openings are discouraged if visible from the public
right-of-way.
C. Additional curb cuts should not be created where an existing -alley is being used
for the sole means of access by at least 50% of the lots on the block. A curb
3
cut may be created when there is no other reasonably functional alternative for
access to garages and outbuildings.
D. New outbuildings should be subordinate to and compatible with the main
building.
E. The roof form of any new outbuilding should be similar to the main building.
F. Prefabricated metal outbuildings are strongly discouraged.
IX. OTHER CONSTRUCTION
A. Garages built into new residential structures should not visually dominate the
front of the building, nor be set closer to the street than the main part of the
building.
B. The amount of exposed foundation should be similar to other architecturally
significant buildings in the district.
C. To the extent possible, required parking should be placed behind the principal
building, and be hidden from street view.
X. DEMOLITION
Based upon National Register Criteria for Evaluation established by the National Park
Service, a structure's classification as key, contributing or intrusion will govern the review
of any request for demolition.
A. A Certificate of Appropriateness for the demolition of any key structure will be
denied unless the applicant can demonstrate that the building is structurally
unsound and irretrievable and/or the denial of a demolition permit would create
a significant economic hardship for the applicant.
B. A Certificate of Appropriateness for the demolition of any contributing structure
may be approved, after a 60-day period from date of application, during which
the applicant and the Commission may endeavor to find an alternative means
of developing the site.
C. Any structure which is not a key or contributing structure in the historic district
shall be considered an intrusion and will be approved for demolition upon
request.
":::��PPR AS TO FO
LEGAL DEPARTMENT
A-11- 11e
CITY OF IOWA CITY
CIVIC CENTER 410 E. WASHINGTON ST. IOWA CITY, IOWA 52240 (319) 356-5000
-ILED ��ry
STATE OF IOWA 1985 DEC 19 D 6: 18
SS
� fil'COR��i:
JOHNSON COUNTY
JONNS0N L0..1017A
I, Marian K. Karr, City Clerk of the City of Iowa City, Iowa,
do hereby certify that the Ordinance attached hereto is a true and
correct copy of the Ordinance No. 85-3268 which was passed by
the City Council of Iowa City, Iowa, at a regular meeting held on
the 17th day of December 19 85 , all as the
same appears of record in my office.
Dated at Iowa City, Iowa, this 18th day of
19 85 .
Marian K. Karr
City Clerk
December
ORDINANCE NO. 8S-3268
ORDINANCE AMENDING THE POWERS OF THE
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION AS
SPECIFIED IN THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION
ORDINANCE.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF IOWA CITY, IOWA:
SECTION I. AMENDMENT. That the Iowa City
Code of Ordinances Section 27-85 is
deleted and the following is inserted in
lieu thereof:
Section 27-85. Powers of the Commission.
(a) The Commission shall be authorized to
conduct studies for the identifica-
tion and designation of historic
districts meeting the definitions
established by this article. The
Commission may proceed at its own
initiative or upon a petition from
any person, group or association.
(b) The Commission shall make a recommen-
dation to the Office of Historic
Preservation of the Iowa State
Historical Department for the listing
of a historical district or site in
the National Register of Historic
Places and shall conduct a public
hearing thereon.
(c) The Commission shall review and act
upon all applications for Certifi-
cates of Appropriateness, pursuant to
Section 27-87.
(d) The Commission shall cooperate with
property owners and city agencies
pursuant to the provisions of Section
27-88.
(e) The Commission shall further the
efforts of historic preservation in
the city by making recommendations to
the City Council and city commissions
and boards on preservation issues
when appropriate, by encouraging the
protection and enhancement of
structures with historical, architec-
tural or cultural value, and by
encouraging persons and organizations
to become involved in preservation
activities.
(f) The Commission shall not obligate
itself or the City of Iowa City in
any financial undertaking unless
authorized to do so by the City
Council.
SECTION II. CERTIFICATION. The City
C erk is hereby authorized and directed to
certify a copy of this oridnance to the
County Recorder of Johnson County, Iowa,
upon final passage of publication as
provided by law.
SECTION III. REPEALER. All ordinances
and parts of ordinances in conflict with
the provision of this ordinance are hereby
repealed.
SECTION IV. SEVERABILI-TY. If any
sec ion, provision or part of the Ordi-
nance shall be adjudged to be invalid or
unconstitutional, such adjudication shall
not affect the validity of the Ordinance
as a whole or any section, provision or
part thereof not adjudged invalid or
unconstitutional.
SECTION V. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Ordi-
nance shaTT be in effect after its final
passage, approval and publication as
required by law.
Passed and approved this 17th day of
December, 198
MAYOR
ATTEST:
ITY CLERK
It was moved by Baker , and seconded by Ambrisco
that the ordinance as read -Fe-adopted and upon roll ca-T1 there
were:
AYES: NAYS: ABSENT:
x_ AMBRISCO
x BAKER
x DICKSON
x_ ERDAHL
X MCDONALD
X STRAIT
X ZUBER
First consideration 11/19/85
Vote for passage: Ayes: Erda 1, McDonald, Strait, Zuber,
Ambrisco, Baker, Dickson. Nays: None.
Second consideration 12/3/85 _
Vote for passage Ayes: Strait, Zuber, Ambrisco, Baker,
Dickson, McDonald. Nays: None. Absent: Erdahl.
Date published 12/24/85
BOOK 8is PAJE t5
AIRPORT COMMISSION
76-1i
AIRPORT ZONING COMMISSION
AIRPORT ZONING BD. OF ADJUSTMENT
ASSESSOR'S EXAMINING BD.
--
BD. OF ADJUSTMENT
'?rivv ¢v
BD. OF APPEALS
T"R 10R t10
�� c
BD. OF ELECTRICAL EXAMINERS AND APPEALS
Pklp,P 6,0
�G o
BD. OF EXAMINERS OF PLUMBERS
4
�G U
BD. OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
BD. OF REVIEW
BD. OF TRUSTEES FOR POLICE RETIREMENT
BD. OF TRUSTEES FOR FIRE RETIREMENT
BROADBAND TELECOMMUNICATION COMM.
CITY CONFERENCE BD.
CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY NEEDS
/ 9 76
DESIGN REVIEW
/975�
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMM.
/ 72.2-
HOUSING COMMISSION
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
MAYOR'S YOUTH EMPLOYMENT BD.
/9CQ S-5161
PARKS AND REC. COMMISSION
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
PROJECT GREEN
RESOURCES CONSERVATION COMMISSION
l i 77
RIVERFRONT COMMISSION
1973
SENIOR CENTER COMMISSION
/9 7 9
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: August 5, 1985
To: Planning and Zoning Commission n��pA /
From: Monica Moen, Associate Planner '�lY'�'`"
Re: Proposed Amendment to the Historic Preservation Ordinance
At its July 10, 1985, meeting, the Historic Preservation Commission proposed
to amend Section 27-85, "Powers of the Commission," of the Historic Preserva=
tion Ordinance to permit review of local nominations of historic districts or
sites to the National Register of Historic Places. This proposal emerged in
response to the Commission's interest in having the City seek Certified Local
Government (CLG) status.
The State Office of Historic Preservation has formulated Iowa's Certified
Local Government historic preservation program. Initiated by the National
Park Service and administered by the State Historic Preservation Office, the
program intends to expand the preservation policy -making and administrative
roles of local political subdivisions. By satisfying basic federal require-
ments, CLGs become collectively eligible for ten percent of Iowa's Historic
Preservation Fund money from the National Park Service to pursue local needs.
In order to become certified, a local government must meet several require-
ments, chief of which are to have enacted and approved an historic preserva-
tion ordinance and appointed an historic preservation commission to enforce
the ordinance. The attached information outlines the minimal requirements
for certification.
The City meets all but one of the CLG program guidelines. The element which
needs to be addressed in the Historic Preservation Ordinance is the Commis-
sion's responsibility to review all proposed National Register nominations
located within Iowa City. It is proposed that the following language which
would satisfy this requirement be inserted as Paragraph (b) of Section 27-85
of the Iowa City.Code of Ordinances):
(b) The Commission shall make a recommendation to the Office of
Historic Preservation of the Iowa State Historical Department
for the listing of a historical district or site in the
National Register of Historic Places and shall conduct a public
hearing thereon.
The Historic Preservation Commission has reviewed and approved this amendment
and is forwarding this change to you for your consideration. A copy of the
proposed ordinance amendment is attached. If you have questions or require
additional information prior to the August 12 informal Planning and Zoning
Commission meeting, please do not hesitate to call me at 356-5247. I will
attend your August 12 meeting to answer any questions you may have.
bjl/14
IOWA CERTIFIED LOCAL GOVERNMENT PROGRAM
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this program is to help local communities recognize and
promote their historic and architectural heritage. In essence, the Certified
Local Government (CLG) program constitutes a partnership between state and
local governments designed.to enhance the ideals of historic preservation
through the development of locally -initiated programs. These ideals involve
neighborhood betterment and linking economic development to the preservation
of a community's heritage. Local governments may annually apply for federal
grant funds earmarked for local historic preservation
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTIFICATION:
1. A city or town (not a county) must pass an historic preservation
ordinance. This is a form of proclamation expressing community recognition of
historic resources worthy of preservation. The ordinance should both affirm
civic pride in the legacy of beauty and achievements of the past, and express
a desire to promote these through economic development and commerce.
2. The ordinance must allow for the creation of an historic preservation
commission with no fewer than three members. Commission responsibilities
should be explicitly stated. At minimum, the commisssion must meet three
times yearly. It must also consider in an open meeting any National Register
nomination in its jurisdiction. Commission membership should also include one
representative from each designated district. Counties must also create an
historic preservation commission.
3. Historical commissions will have the responsibility to
identify/designate local landmarks or historic districts in its
jurisdiction. This can be done for community recognition and for future
planning efforts.
4. I--f desired, a local government may issue certificates of
appropriateness to owners of designated properties or structures contributing
to the historic significance of a designated district.
5. A Certified Local Government must maintain a system for the survey and
inventory of historic properties for local use. The Office of Historic
Preservation strongly recommends community surveys of historic properties
because awareness of these resources is an indispensible planning tool for
preservation activities.
6. The Certified Local Government shall provide for adequate public
participation in local historic preservation programs, including the
nomination of properties to the National Register of Historic Places. Proper
records of this participation must be kept. A very brief annual report will
be required for all activities.
I
r
KINDS OF MATCHING GRANT ACTIVITIES:
1. To conduct a survey and/or inventory of historic properties in the
community.
2. To prepare nominations of buildings, sites, structures, objects and
districts to the National Register of Historic Places.
3. To prepare and publish studies about a community's history through its
buildings.
4. To foster a community education program about historic preservation
through the establishment a research center, the development of information
about investment tax credits for historic commercial and income -producing
buildings, preservation easements, walking tours, Hain Street activities, or
other historic preservation -related gatherings.
5. To design a streetscape plan to be used as a model for restoration
work.
6. To incorporate historic preservation with economic development.
7. Other related preservation activities which demonstrate a specific,
realistic end product. General administrative support can be included in such
activities.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE STATE:
1. To monitor the grants and Certified Local Government activities within
the framework outlined in the minimum requirements.
2. To make available orientation materials about historic preservation.
3. To act as the granting agency. This includes proportionate
distribution between CLGs.- The state will produce yearly grant criteria. It
should be remembered that a CLG will not automatically receive funds each
year. Grants are awarded on a competitive basis.
HOW TO BECOME CERTIFIED:
1. The chief elected official(s) submits a written proposal and request
for certification.
2. The proposal acknowledges the local government's intent to fulfill all
regulations of a CLG.
3. Submittal of a copy of the historic preservation ordinance and list of
commission members.
4. Provide a list of potential historic sites or districts.
5. The local government will then enter into an agreement with the Office
of Historic Preservation, and receive approval from the National Park Service.
b 6.1v
Printers fee
CERTIFICATE OF PUBLICATION
STATE OF IOWA, Johnson County,ss:
THE IOWA CITY PRESS -CITIZEN
I.
Bronwyn S. Van Fossen. being duly
sworn. say that I am the cashier of the
IOWA CITY PRESS -CITIZEN. a news-
paper published in said county. and that
a notice. a printed copy d which is
hereto attac ed. was published in said
paper _ timefsl. on the fol.-
]owing datefsf:
Cashier
Subscribed and Sworn to before. me
this 17_ day of1�lf, A:D.
19?y.
Notary Public
�• /fL- �6 • fro
b I MARGAMU
•
OFFICIAL PURIiGATMW
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
N00ce Of publit beg r.1ng to consider
AMENDMENTS TO THE KSTORIC PRESERVATION
ORDINANCE xhich establish a..Certfficate of
No Material Effect and modify the proce-.
dures for designating histofic districts,
Notice is hereby given that a public
hearing will he held by the City Council
of Iowa City, Iowa, on the 28th day of
August, 1984, in the Council Chambers at
�- the C1ric Center, Iowa City, Iowa; at
r+hish hearing the Council will Consider
amendments to the dLstariS Preservation
Ordinance establishing a C®rtiffcete of No
Material Effect and Modifying the proce-
dures for designating historic districts.
Caplts of the proposed amendments are an
file for public examination in the Office
of the City Clerk, Civic Center, Iowa
;iti+ foul. This notice is given pursuant
to Chapter 35P.3 of the code of Iowa 1983.
--fasted At Iowa City this 3rd day of
August, 1984
�an , Karr,Yarr, C Gy C eiic
8d6di August 11. 196a
ri
ORDINANCE NO. 85-3268
ORDINANCE AMENDING THE POWERS OF THE
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION AS
SPECIFIED IN THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION
ORDINANCE.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF IOWA CITY, IOWA:
SECTION I. AMENDMENT. That the Iowa City
Code of Ordinances Section 27-85 is
deleted and the following is inserted in
lieu thereof:
Section 27-85. Powers of the Commission.
(a) The Commission shall be authorized ,to
conduct studies for the identifica-
tion and designation of historic
districts meeting the definitions
established by this article. The
Commission may proceed at its own
initiative or upon a petition from
any person, group or association.
(b) The Commission shall make a recommen-
dation to the Office of Historic
Preservation of the Iowa State
Historical Department for the listing
of a historical district or site in
the National Register of Historic
Places and shall conduct a public
hearing thereon.
(c) The Commission shall review and act
upon all applications for Certifi-
cates of Appropriateness, pursuant to
Section 27-87.
(d) The Commission shall cooperate with
property owners and city agencies
pursuant to the provisions of Section
27-88.
(e) The Commission shall further the
efforts of historic preservation in
the city by making recommendations to
the City Council and city commissions
and boards on preservation issues
when appropriate, by encouraging the
protection and enhancement of
structures with historical, architec-
tural or cultural value, and by
encouraging persons and organizations
to become involved in preservation
activities.
(f) The Commission shall not obligate
itself or the City of Iowa City in
any financial undertaking unless
authorized to do so by the City
Council.
SECTION II. CERTIFICATION. The City
C erk is hereby authorized and directed to
certify a copy of this oridnance to the
County Recorder of Johnson County, Iowa,
upon final passage of publication as
provided by law.
SECTION III. REPEALER. All ordinances
and parts of ordinances in conflict with
the provision of this ordinance are hereby
repealed.
SECTION IV. SEVERABILITY. If any
section, provision or part of the Ordi-
nance shall be adjudged to be invalid or
unconstitutional, such adjudication shall
not affect the validity of the Ordinance
as a whole or any section, provision or
part thereof not adjudged invalid or
unconstitutional.
SECTION V. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Ordi-
nance shall a in effect after its final
passage, approval and publication as
required by law.
Passed and approved this 17th day of
December, 1985 !,
ATTEST: '4' yi�e
ITY CLERK
�'^ Ravi �
s�,?+nr��. r►�
It was moved by Baker and seconded by Ambrisco
that the Ordinance as read a adopted and upon ro ca ere
were:
AYES: NAYS: ABSENT:
AMBRISCO
-_ BAKER
-_ DICKSON
-X ERDAHL
.— MCDONALD
X STRAIT
X ZUBER
First consideration 11/19/85
Vote for passage: Ayes: Erd 1, McDonald, Strait, Zuber,
Ambrisco, Baker, Dickson. Nays: None.
Second consideration 12/3 85
Vote for passage Ayes: Strait, Zuber, Ambrisco, Baker,
Dickson, McDonald. Nays: None. Absent: Erdahl.
Date published 12/24/85
_,,- ny-
ORDINANCE NO.
11984 va v,SC'� ►D L. uT03G�
AN ORDINjNCE ESTABLISHING AN HISTORIC PRESERVATION
MARIAN P. KAR CITY, IOWA, AND PROVIDING FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF HISTORIC
crry CLOFffION DISTRICTS, AND DEFINING POWERS AND DUTIES IN ASSOCIATION
NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF IOWA CITY,
IOWA:
SECTION I. PURPOSE AND INTENT. The purpose of this ordinance is to:
A. Promote the educational, cultural, economic and general welfare of the
public through the protection, enhancement, and perpetuation of
districts and historic and cultural significance located in the City
of Iowa City.
B. Safeguard the City's historic, aesthetic, and cultural heritage by
preserving districts of historical, architectural, and cultural
significance.
C. Stabilize and improve property values by conservation of historic
properties.
D. Foster civic pride in the legacy of beauty and achievements of the
past.
E. Protect and enhance the City's attractions to tourists and visitors
and the support and stimulus to business thereby provided.
F. Strengthen the economy of the City, and
G. Promote the use of districts of historic and cultural significance as
sites for the education, pleasure and welfare of the people of the
City.
SECTION II. DEFINITIONS
A. APPLICANT. The party making application for a Certificate of Appropri-
ateness from the Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission.
B. APPLICATION. A written request by a property owner or other party to
the Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission for a Certificate of
Appropriateness.-
C. CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS. The document, evidencing approval by
the Historic Preservation Commission of a proposal to make a change in
appearance, must be obtained before a Regulated Permit may be issued.
D. CERTIFICATE OF NO MATERIAL EFFECT. The document, issued in lieu o_f_a
Certificate of Appropriateness before a regulated permit is issued,
which signifies that the work contemplated in the application will
have no effect on anv significant architectural features of the
buildino r on the historic district. The Certificate of No Material
Eff ct evidences -approval by the Historic Preservation Commission and
the Department of Planninq and Program Development -of a proposal to
make a change in aggearance.
Ordinance No.
Page 2
E. CHANGE IN APPEARANCE. Any change or alteration of the exterior
features of a building or change or alteration of the appearance of a
property within an historic district. This definition shall pertain
only to changes in appearance which are visible from the public way or
from adjacent properties, and for which a building, demolition, house
moving or other regulated permit is required for compliance with
applicable city codes. Furthermore, nothing in this definition shall
be construed to prohibit or limit normal repairs or maintenance which
do not involve alterations or changes in the exterior features of a
building, for which no regulated permit is required. For the purposes
of this ordinance, changes made in the color of the exterior surfaces
of a building are considered to be ordinary maintenance and repair.
F. CHANGE OR ALTERATION. The erection of a building on a site, the
movement of a building from or to a site, the demolition of a build-
ing, the reconstruction or restoration of a building, or any action to
change, modify, reconstruct, remove or demolish any exterior feature
of an existing building.
G. COMMISSION. The Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission, as
established by this Ordinance.
H. EXTERIOR FEATURES. The architectural style, general design and
arrangement of the exterior of a building, including the kind and
texture of the building material and type and style of all windows,
doors, light fixtures, signs and other appurtenant fixtures.
I. HISTORIC DISTRICT. An area that contains contiguous pieces of property
under diverse ownership which:
1. Are significant to American history, architecture, archaeology and
culture or Iowa City history, architecture, archaeology and
culture,
2. Possess integrity of location, design, setting, materials and
workmanship.
3. Are associated with events that have made a significant contribu-
tion to the broad patterns of our history, or
4. Are associated with the lives of persons significant in our past
or
5. Embody the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, method
of construction; represent the work of a master; possess high
artistic values; represent a significant and distinguishable
entity whose components may lack individual distinction.
6. Have yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important in
pre -history or history.
J. PROPERTY OWNER. An individual or group of individuals, corporation,
partnership, association, or any entity, including state and local
governments and agencies which is the owner of real estate.
Ordinance No.
Page 3
K. REGULATED PERMIT. A permit issued by the Building Official, or other
official of the City of Iowa City according to the provisions of 1)
Building Code, 2) Sign Regulations, 3) House Movers Ordinance, or 4)
Fire Code.
SECTION III. IOWA CITY HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
A. An Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission is hereby established.
The Commission shall initially consist of seven (7) members who shall
be residents of the City of Iowa City.
B. Members of the Commission shall be appointed by the City Council. At
least one resident of each designated area of historical significance
shall be appointed to the Commission. Other members shall be chosen
at large from any part of the city and shall have some expertise in
history, urban planning, architecture, archaeology, law, sociology, or
other closely related field, or shall demonstrate interest in the area
of historic preservation. At least three of the members shall hold
appointments at large. Should the number of officially designated city
historic districts exceed four in number, a new member shall be added
to the Commission for each new district in excess of four districts.
No more than one-third of the members of the Commission shall belong
to the City's Planning and Zoning Commission.
C. The original appointment of the members of the Commission shall be two
(2) for one year, two (2) for two years, and three (3) for three
years. The members appointed from designated historic districts shall
serve three year terms. After the initial appointment of members the
term for each member shall be three years.
D. Vacancies occurring in the Commission, other than by expiration of
term of office, shall be filled only for the unexpired term.
E. Members may serve for more than one term and each member shall serve
until the appointment of a successor.
F. Members shall serve without compensation.
G. A simple majority of the Commission shall constitute a quorum for the
transaction of business.
SECTION IV. RULES OF THE COMMISSION
A. The Historic Preservation Commission shall elect from its membership a
chairperson and vice -chairperson whose term of office shall be one
year. The chairperson and vice -chairperson may serve for more than
one term. The chairperson shall preside over the Commission and have
the right to vote. The vice -chairperson shall, in cases of absence or
disability of the chairperson, perform the duties of the chairperson.
B. The City Manager shall designate a person to serve as secretary to the
Commission. The secretary shall keep a record of all applications for
Certificates of Appropriateness, resolutions, proceedings, and actions
of the Historic Preservation Commission.
Ordinance No.
Page 4
C. The Commission shall recommend rules or by-laws for the transaction of
its regular business to the City Council for adoption. The Commission
shall have the authority to adopt rules of procedure in connection
with the approval or disapproval of Certificates of Appropriateness
subject to approval of the City Council.
D. The Commission shall keep a record, which shall be open to public
view, of its resolutions, proceedings and actions. The vote or failure
to vote of each member shall be recorded. The concurring affirmative
vote of a majority of those members present shall be sufficient for a
Certificate of Appropriateness to be granted, or for the adoption of
any resolution, motion or other action of the Commission. The
Commission shall submit a report on its activities to the Council and
may make such recommendations to the Council as it deems necessary to
carry out the principles of this ordinance.
SECTION V. POWERS OF THE COMMISSION
A. The Commission shall be authorized to conduct studies for the identi-
fication and designation of Historic Districts meeting the definitions
established by this ordinance. The Commission may proceed at its own
initiative or upon a petition from any person, group or association.
B. The Commission shall review and act upon all applications for Certifi-
cates of Appropriateness, pursuant to Section VII of this ordinance.
C. The Commission shall cooperate with property owners and city agencies
pursuant to the provisions of Section VIII of this ordinance.
D. The Commission shall further the efforts of historic preservation in
the city by making recommendations to the City Council and city
commissions and boards on preservation issues when appropriate, by
encouraging the protection and enhancement of structures with histori-
cal, architectural or cultural value, and by encouraging persons and
organizations to become involved in preservation activities.
E. The Commission shall not obligate itself or the City of Iowa City in
any financial undertaking unless authorized to do so by the City
Council.
SECTION VI. PROCEDURES FOR THE DESIGNATION OF HISTORIC DISTRICTS.
A. The Commission may make a report recommending that an area be desig-
nated an historic district. Before any report ❑r recommendation is
submitted to the Planning and Zoning Commission for review, the
Commission shall hold a public hearing on any proposal t❑ designate an
area as an historic district. The Commission shall give prior notice
of the time, date, place, and subject matter of such hearing. Such
notice shall be served by ordinary mail addressed to each property
owner of land included within such proposed district at his or her
last known address. If the address of any property owner is unknown
such notice shall be served by ordinary mail addressed to "owner" at
the street address of the property in question. The City Clerk shall
file an affidavit of mailing setting forth the names, addresses, and
date of mailing of all property owners notified pursuant to this
section. Such affidavit shall be filed with the clerk in the records
of his/her office. After this public hearing the Commission shall
Ordinance No.
Page 5
submit its report to the Planning and Zoning Commission and shall
include a proposed ordinance establishing such district and describ-
ing the boundary thereof.
A copy of the report shall also be submitted to the Office of Historic
Preservation of the o�State Historical Departmen or review and
recommendations concerning the proposed area. Comments from the
Office of Historic Preservation regarding the proposed area shall be
received by the City rior to the date of any action taken by the
PTanning & Zoning❑mmission which sets forth recommendations o the
City Council on an ordinance establishing the proposed area as an
historic district.
B. Within sixty (60) days of the receipt of the report, of recommenda-
tions from the Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission and the
Office of Historic Preservation of the Iowa State Historical Depart-
ment, and of the propose or inance, the Planning and Zoning ommis-
sion shall submit its recommendations to the City Council with respect
to the relation of such designation to the comprehensive plan, zoning
ordinance, proposed public improvements and other plans for the
renewal of the area involved. The Planning and Zoning Commission
shall recommend approval, disapproval or modification of the proposed
historic district. Upon submission of the report of the Planning and
Zoning Commission, or upon the expiration of the sixty (60) day
period, the matter shall be transmitted to the City Council. The
Historic Preservation Commission shall be advised of any modifi-
cations to the proposed historic district which are recommended b
the Planning and Zoning Commission.
C. If the area of the proposed historic district as approved by the
Historic Preservation Commission is altered by the Planning and Zoning
Commission, the City Council shall submit a description of the altered
proposed area of historical significance or the petition descr—'�6i ing
the area, to the Office of Historic Preservation of the Iowa State
Historical Department for review and recommendations concerning the
proposed area.
D. The recommendations from the Office of Historic Preservation concern-
in2 the proposed area or altered proposed area shall be received
the City prior to setting a public hearing conducted by the City
uouncii on an ordinance establishing an historic district. An
recommendations made by the Office of Historic Preservation shall be
made availaDie Dy the Uity to the public for viewing duri ng normal
working hours at a city government place of ublic access.
U on receiving the recommendations of the Office of Historic Preserva-
tion on the. proposed- area and/or alterea proposedarea the City
Council shall provide notice of such hearing as provided by law and
conduct a pUhlir hearin on the ordinance establishing an historic
district. The Council -may adopt or reject the ordinance or may refer
the historic district designation to the Historic Preservation
Commission for modification. If the Council refers the is oric
district esi na ion to the Historic Preservation Commission for
modification, the procedures described in Paragraphs A_through D of
This Section shall be followed with the exceptions that unless
substantial modifications are proposed the public hearing requirement
described in Para rah A may be waived and only property owners
Ordinance No.
Page 6
affected by the Council proposed modification shall be notified b
mail of the modification prior to acF`5`ny the Historic Preservation
Commission.
SECTION VII. APPLICATIONS FOR CERTIFICATES OF APPROPRIATENESS
A.
After adoption of the Historic Preservation Ordinan
corporation shall undertake a change in appearanc
site within a designated historic district for
permit is required, nor shall the Building Official
permit for a change in appearance of a building
Certificate of Appropriateness or a Certificate of
has been granted.
e
ce no individual or
of a building or
which a regulated
issue a regulated
or site, unless a
No Material Effect
B. The Chair of the Historic Preservation Commission and the Secretary of
the Historic Preservation Commission, or their designees, may issue a
Certificate of No Material Effect if the work contem lated in the a -
lication will have no effect on any significant architectural
features of the building or on the historic district.
C. Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness shall be made to the
Building Official. The application should include drawings, photo-
graphs, sketches and other exhibits portraying the work to be accom-
plished which will aid the Historic Preservation Commission in the
consideration of the application.
D. Upon the filing of such application, the Building Official shall
immediately notify the Historic Preservation Commission of the receipt
of such application and shall transmit it together with accompanying
plans and other information to the Commission, unless the application
pertains solely to the interior of the structure.
E. All applications received before the closing date, to be established
by the Commission, shall be considered by the Commission at its next
regularly scheduled meeting. The Commission shall review the applica-
tion according to the duties and powers specified herein. In review-
ing the application the Commission may confer with the applicant or
the applicant's authorized representative. In acting upon an applica-
tion the Commission shall consider whether the change in appearance to
a building or site proposed by the application conforms to standards
set forth in the January 1979 revised edition of the Secretary of the
Interior's "Standards for Rehabilitation." The Commission may use the
Secretary of Interior's "Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic
Buildings" or other guidelines adopted by the Commission to aid in
determining whether the proposed change in appearance to a building or
site conforms to the Secretary of Interior's "Standards for Rehabili-
tation.-"
F. The Commission shall approve, modify, or disapprove the application.
The findings of the Commission on each application shall be contained
in a written resolution setting forth the full reason for its decision
and the vote of each member participating therein. Such resolution
shall be placed on file for public inspection in the office of the
City Clerk within five business days after the meeting at which the
application was acted upon. Thereafter, a copy of the resolution shall
be sent to the applicant by ordinary mail. If the application is
approved or approved with modifications acceptable to the applicant a
Ordinance No.
Page 7
Certificate of Appropriateness will be issued, signed by the Chairper-
son, and immediately transmitted along with the application to the
Building Official. If the application is disapproved it will be
immediately transmitted, along with the written resolution of the
Commission's findings, to the Building Official.
G. Any applicant aggrieved by any decision of the Commission may appeal
the action to the City Council. Such an appeal must be in writing and
must be filed with the City Clerk no later than 10 business days after
the filing of the above mentioned resolution. The City Council shall,
within a reasonable time, hold a public hearing on the appeal, give
public notice thereof as well as notice to the applicant and to the
appellant, if different from the applicant, and decide the appeal
within a reasonable time. In deciding such appeal, the City Council
shall consider whether the Commission has exercised its powers and
follow the guidelines established by law and this ordinance, and
whether the Commission's action was patently arbitrary or capricious.
In exercising the above -mentioned powers the City Council may, in
conformity with the provisions of this ordinance, reverse or affirm,
wholly or partly, or may modify the order, requirement, decision, or
determination appealed from and may make such order, requirement,
decision, or determination as ought to be made, and to that end shall
have the powers of the Commission from whom the appeal is taken.
H. If not satisfied with the decision of the City Council the appellant
may appeal to the Johnson County district court within 60 days after
the Council's decision.
I. Certificates of Appropriateness issued on the basis of approved
applications authorize only changes in appearance set forth in such
approved applications and no other changes in appearance. It shall be
the duty of the Building Official or his/her designee to inspect from
time to time any work performed pursuant to such a Certificate to
insure compliance with the requirements of such Certificate. If it is
found that such work is not being carried out in accordance with the
Certificate, the Building Official shall issue a stop work order. Any
change in appearance at variance with that authorized by the Certifi-
cate shall be deemed a violation of these regulations and shall be
punishable as provided in Section X of this ordinance.
SECTION VIII. REMEDY OF DANGEROUS CONDITIONS
A. Except for emergencies as determined by the Building Official pursuant
to the ordinances of the City of Iowa City, City enforcement agencies
and departments shall give the Historic Preservation Commission at
least 30 days notice of any proposed order which may affect the
exterior features of any building for remedying conditions determined
to be dangerous to life, health or property.
B. The Commission shall have the power to require that changes or
alterations not adversely affect the exterior features of a building
in cases where the danger to life, health or property may be abated
without detracting from the exterior features of the building. In
such cases it shall be the responsibility of the Commission and the
city agency or department to cooperate with the property owner in an
attempt to achieve a preservation solution whereby the dangerous
conditions will be corrected with minimal adverse impact on exterior
Ordinance No.
Page 8
features. Such plan shall be approved by the Commission and shall be
signed by the Chair of the Commission, the property owner, and the
head of the city agency or department.
C. If a preservation solution acceptable to the Commission, the City
agency or department, and the property owner cannot be reached within
30 days or a period of time acceptable to the city agency or depart-
ment, the agency or department shall proceed to issue and enforce its
proposed order.
SECTION IX. COMPATIBILITY WITH EXISTING ZONING REGULATIONS. Any new
building shall conform to all setback requirements of the zone in which it
is to be built or moved. If a building which has lost 100% or more of its
assessed value due to fire or other natural disasters is to be recon-
structed as near as possible to the original exterior design, it may be
placed upon its original foundation or the site of the original founda-
tion.
SECTION X. ENFORCEMENT, VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES
A. It shall be the duty of the Building Official to enforce these
regulations and to bring to the attention of the City Council any
violations or lack of compliance herewith.
B. Any person who violates, disobeys, omits, neglects or refuses to
comply with any provision of this ordinance shall be charged with a
simple misdemeanor to be prosecuted in a court of appropriate juris-
diction in Johnson County, Iowa.
C. Violations of Section VII and VIII of this Ordinance are deemed and
declared to be a nuisance, and as such may be subject to summary
abatement by means of a restraining order or injunction issued by the
District Court.
SECTION XI. SEVERABILITY. Should any section or provision of this
ordinance be decided by a court of this state to be unconstitutional or
invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the ordinance as a
whole or any part thereof other than the part so decided to be unconstitu-
tional or invalid.
SECTION XII. SHORT TITLE. This ordinance shall be known as may be cited
as "The Historic Preservation Ordinance of the City of Iowa City, Iowa."
SECTION XIII. REPEALER. All ordinances and parts of ordinances in
conflict with the provision of this ordinance are hereby repealed.
SECTION XIV. EFFECTIVE DATE. This ordinance shall take effect immedi-
ately upon passage and publication as required by law.
Passed and approved this
MARIAN KARR, CITY CLERK
beelved & Approved
By The tegat Department
L'� _, 71st ��
Council Activities
July 31, 1984
Page 3
sion, moved by Ambrisco, seconded by Baker, to set a public hearing for
8/14/84 to hear the appeal of the fraternity. The Mayor declared the
motion defeated, 0/6, Erdahl absent.
Moved by Ambrisco, seconded by Dickson, to set a public hearing for
8/28/84- on proposed amendments to the _Historic Presentation Ordinance
which establish a Certificate of No Material Effect and modify the
procedures for designating historic districts. The Mayor declared the
motion carried unanimously, 6/0, Erdahl absent.
Moved by Strait, seconded by Dickson, to set a public hearing for
8/28/84 on a proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance regarding the
provisional use language for dwellings in the CB2 zone. The Mayor declared
the motion carried unanimously, 6/0, Erdahl absent.
Moved by Dickson, seconded by Baker, to set a public hearing for
8/28/84 on a proposed amendment to Section 36-88 of the Zoning Ordinance,
amendment of the ordinance, to bring the procedures therein into'compli-
ance with recent state legislation amending Chapter 414 of the Iowa Code.
The Mayor declared the motion carried unanimously, 6/0, Erdahl absent.
A public hearing was held on amendments to the Zoning Ordinance to
bring the Iowa City Municipal Code into compliance with recent State
legislation regarding manufactured housing. No one appeared.
A public hearing was held on an ordinance to rezone property at 624
S. Gilbert Street from CI-1 to CC-2. David Poula, attorney for the
purchaser, and Ken O'Donnell, realtor for the purchaser, appeared to
answer questions. Staffinember Knight present for discussion.
Moved by Zuber, seconded by Strait, to adopt RES. 84-213, Bk. 83, pp.
698-700, APPROVING THE FINAL PLAT OF BDI 5TH ADDITION LOCATED AT THE
NORTHERNMOST END OF HEINZ ROAD, contingent on approval of legal papers.
Affirmative roll call vote unanimous, 6/0, Erdahl absent. The Mayor
declared the resolution adopted.
Moved by Zuber, seconded by Ambrisco, to adopt RES. 84-214, Bk. 839
p: 701, APPROVING THE PRELIMINARY AND FINAL LARGE SCALE NON-RESIDENTIAL
DEVELOPMENT (LSNRD) PLA14 OF PHARMACEUTICAL DEVELOPMENT SYSTEMS, INC.
LOCATED ON LOT ONE OF BDI 5TH ADDITION. Affirmative roll call vote
unanimous, 6/0, Erdahl absent. The Mayor declared the resolution adopted.
Moved by Ambrisco, seconded by Dickson, to adopt RES. 84-215, Bk. 83,
p. 702, APPROVING THE PRELIMINARY AND FINAL LARGE SCALE NON-RESIDENTIAL
DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR H.P. SMITH COMPANY. Affirmative roll call vote
unanimous, 6/0, Erdahl absent. The Mayor declared the resolution adopted.
Public hearing was held on amendments to the Urban Renewal Plan.
Ernie Lehman, representing the Iowa City Chamber of Commerce, appeared re
the Blackhawk Minipark and urged Council to have the easement request by
the Paul -Helen Bldg. owners appraised and a value assessed to the property
owners of the building.
Council Activities
July 31, 1984
Page 4
Moved by Strait, seconded by Dickson, to defer indefinitely the
public hearing on proposed signage easement agreement between the'City of
Iowa City and Dr. Harry A. Johnson, Jr., dba Mid -City Hotel Associates
-Iowa City. The Mayor declared the motion carried unanimously, 6/0, Erdahl
absent.
Public hearing was held re acquiring and operating ten (10) dwelling
units pursuant to the United States Housing Act of 1937. Strait ques-
tioned if name, locations, and estimated costs had to be known and
discussed at this time. The City Mgr. stated that no locations would be
pursued until the application was approved. A memo would be sent to
Council to clarify this matter. No one appeared.
Public hearing was held on plans, specifications, form of contract
and cost estimate for the construction of sanitary sewer improvements
-Sewer System Rehabilitation. No one appeared.
Moved by Zuber, seconded by Ambrisco, to adopt RES. 84-216, Bk. 83,
p. 703, ADOPTING PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, FORM OF CONTRACT AND COST ESTIMATE
FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF SANITARY SEWER IMPROVEMENTS - SEWER SYSTEM
REHABILITATION AND AUTHORIZE BIDS TO BE RECEIVED UNTIL 10:00 A.M. ON THE
21ST DAY OF AUGUST, 1984. Affirmative roll call vote unanimous, 6/0,
Erdahl absent. The Mayor declared the resolution adopted.
Leonard Yeggy, 840 St. Anne's Drive, appeared and raised concerns re
spraying of chemicals and herbicides. Staff will contact the County Health
Department re the concerns. Glenn Shoemaker, Shoemaker and Haaland,
appeared re his letter on the Council agenda �iDnsent Calendar regarding
engineering services for the Rochester Avenue Reservoir project. Mr.
Shoemaker questioned the City bidding procedures. Staff will send
material to the Herbert Hoover Engineering Society for review.
The Mayor announced the following vacancies: Riverfront Comm. - one
vacancy for a three-year term for a representative of the University of
Iowa. This appointment will be made at the 9/11/84 City Council meeting.
Councilmember Zuber thanked Press Citizen reporter John Campbell for
the fine job in service to the city with his stories and wished him well
in his new job in Rochester, New York. Councilmember Baker questioned if
the gift of land around Sturgis Corner had been resolved. Asst. City
Atty. Boyle reported the matter would be discussed in the fall. Baker
reported on the Environmental Committee and requested public input re any
areas of the City that should be preserved in their natural habitat.
Councilmember Ambrisco asked when the landscaping around the Mercy
Hospital parking lot would be complete. The City Mgr, reported that
plantings would be done in the fall. Councilmember Dickson asked that the
Environmental Committee include 624 S. Gilbert as an area for discussion.
Asst. City Atty. Boyle reported that a lawsuit had been filed against
the City by Plaza Centre One and that Atty. John Hayek will represent the
City in this matter.
RESOLUTION NO. 83-371
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ADOPTION OF BY-LAWS FOR THE IOWA
CITY HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
WHEREAS, the Iowa City Historic Preservation is required by City
Ordinance to adopt by-laws governing the operation of the
Commission; and
WHEREAS, the Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission has
unanimously approved acceptance of the proposed by-laws; and
WHEREAS, the Rules Committee of the Iowa City Council has approved
adoption of the by-laws for the Iowa City Historic Preservation
Commission.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF IOWA CITY,
IOWA, that the by-laws of the Iowa City Historic Preservation
Commission be formally adopted by the Iowa City Council.
It was moved by Balmer and seconded by
Lvnch the Resolution be adopted, and upon roll call there
were:
AYES: NAYS: ABSENT:
X
Balmer
X
Dickson
X Erdahl
X
Lynch
X
McDonald
X
Neuhauser
X
Perret
Passed and approved this 22nd day of November
ATTEST: Y11 � __
CITY CLERIC
, 1983.
M'L Yi:li .'iS��itY
Council Activities
November 22, 1983
Page 5
item to be acted upon. Moved by Balmer, seconded by McDonald, to set a
public hearing for 12/20/83 on the proposal to issue $700,00 aggregate
principal amount of Industrial Revenue Bonds (Millard Warehouse Project)
Series B of the City of Iowa City, :Iowa. The Mayor declared the motion
carried unanimously, 6/0, Erdahl absent. The City Attorney and City Clerk
stated that Council should also take action on a previously deferred resolu-
tion establishing fees for right-of-way signs. After discussion, moved by
Balmer, seconded by Dickson, to adopt a resolution establishing fees and
insurance requirements for right-of-way signs. The Mayor declared the
resolution defeated unanimously, 0/6, Erdahl absent.
Moved by McDonald, seconded by Perret, to adopt RES. 83-366, Bk. 80,
pp. 1099-1101, AUTHORIZING FILING OF THE 1984 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOM
GRANT/METROPOLITAN ENTITLEMENT PROGRAM STATEMENT FOR 1984 IN THE AMOUNT OF
$830,220 UNDER THE HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 1974, AS AMENDED,
INCLUDING ALL UNDERSTANDINGS AND ASSURANCES CONTAINED THEREIN AND DESIGNATING
THE CITY MANAGER AS THE AUTHORIZED CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER FOR THE GRANT.
Karen Hradek representing Miller/Orchard Neighborhood, thanked Council for
their support. Affirmative roll call vote unanimous, 6/0, Erdahl absent. The
Mayor declared the resolution adopted.
Moved by Balmer, seconded by McDonald, to adopt RES. 83-367, Bk. 80,
pp. 1102-1103, AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AN ADDE[E UM TO THE AGREEMENT WITH
HILLCREST FAMILY SERVICES, DBA IOWA CITY RESIDENCE, FOR THE USE OF COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDS TO ACQUIRE, REHABILITATE, AND UTILIZE A
RESIDENTIAL CARE FACILITY FOR MENTALLY ILL ADULTS, for an additional $20,000.
Affirmative roll call vote unanimous, 6/0, Erdahl absent. The Mayor declared
the resolution adopted.
Moved by Balmer, seconded by McDonald, to adopt RES. 83-368, Bk. 80,
pp. 1104-1110, AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN AND THE CITY CLERK TO ATTEST AN
AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF IOWA CITY AND THE ASSOCIATION FOR CARDED
CITIZENS OF JGHNSON COUNTY FOR THE USE OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT
FUNDS FOR RENOVATION AND EXPANSION OF THE NELSON ADULT CENTER FOR DEVELOP-
MENTALLY DISABLED ADULTS, a $50,000 allocation. Affirmative roll call vote
unanimous, 6/0, Erdahl absent. The Mayor declared the resolution adopted.
Moved by McDonald, seconded by Dickson, to adopt RES. 83-369, Bk. 80,
pp. 1111--1112, AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN AND THE CITY CLERK TO ATTEST AN
AMENDMENT TO THE FY84 FUNDING AGREEMENT WITH UNITED ACTION FOR YOUTH, a $500
allocation with an additional $250 held in abeyance. Affirmative roll call
vote unanimous, 6/0, Erdahl absent. The Mayor declared the resolution
adopted.
Moved by Dickson, seconded by McDonald, to adopt RES. 83-370, Bk. 80,
pp. 1113-1114, AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN AND THE CITY CLERK TO ATTEST AN
AMENDMENT TO THE FY84 FUNDING AGREEMEw WITH THE WILLOW CREEK NEIGHBORHOOD
CENTER, an additional $500. Affirmative roll call vote unanimous, 6/0,
Erdahl absent. The Mayor declared the resolution adopted.
Council Activities
November 22, 1983
Page 6
Moved by Balmer, seconded by Lynch, to adopt RES. 83-371, Bk. 80, pp.
1115-1118, TO CONSIDER THE ADOPTION OF BY-LAWS FOR THE IOWA CITY HISTORIC
PRESERVATION COMMISSION. Councilmember Lynch noted Article IV, Section f,
re sting to a secretary not being a Commission member. The Mayor stated a
minute taker was standard. Affirmative roll call vote unanimous, 6/0, Erdahl
absent. The Mayor declared the resolution adopted.
Moved by Lynch, seconded by Balmer, to adopt RES. 83-372, Bk. 80, p.
1119, RESOLUTION GRANTING TO HAMMYE CABLEVISION PERMISSION TO INCREASE THE
RATE FOR BASIC CABLE TELEVISION SERVICE by $.95 a month. Individual
Councilmembers expressed their views on the request and noted the work done
by the Broadband Telecommunications Commission. The Mayor declared the
resolution adopted, 5/l/1, with the following division of roll call vote:
Ayes: Balmer, Dickson, Lynch, McDonald, Neuhauser. Nays: Perret. Absent:
Erdahl.
The Mayor noted a memo fram Asst. City Attorney David Brown re
proposed Cable Ordinance amendments. Moved by McDonald, seconded by Dickson,
that the ORDINANCE AMENDING ARTICLE IV, DIVISION 2 OF CHAPTER 14 OF THE I0WA
CITY CODE (THE ENABLING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY'S BROADBAND TELECOPM4UNICATIONS
FRANCHISE) as amended, be given first vote for passage. Affirmative roll
call vote unanimous, 6/0, Erdahl absent. The Mayor declared the motion
carried.
Moved by Balmer, seconded by McDonald, that ORD. 83-3159, Bk. 21, pp.
183-185, TO AMEND CHAPTER 11 TO SPECIFY THE REQUIREMENTS FOR OBTAINING A
MASTER ELECTRICIAN'S LICENSE-, be passed and adopted. Affirmative roll call
vote unanimous, 6/0, Erdahl absent. The Mayor declared the ordinance
adopted:
A public hearing was held on the Wastewater Collection and Treatment
Program as proposed by the Wastewater Facility Committee. The Mayor noted
appreciation for the work by the Committee. The following people appeared
for discussion: Prof. Richard Dague, U. of I.; Mikelis Briedis, Veenstra &
Kima; Dennis Saeugling, 40 Arbury Drive; Merle Trumnel, 314 W. Benton; Jim
Hynes, 621 Dearborn St.; Larry Schnittjer, MMS; Bruce Glasgow, 834 N.
Johnson; Public Works Director Charles Schmadeke; and Finance Director
Rosemary Vitosh.
Moved by.Balmer► seconded by Lynch, to adjourn 12:05 A.M. The Mayor_
declared the motion carried unanimously, 6/0, Erdahl absent.
MARY C. NEUHAUSER, MAYOR
BY-LAWS
IOWA CITY HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
ARTICLE I.
MEETINGS
Section 1. Regular _Meeting. Regular meetings of this Commission shall be held
on the second Wednesday of each month.
Section 2. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the members may be called by
the Chairperson and shall be called by the Chairperson's request for members of
the Commission.
Section 3. Place of Meeting Regular meetings shall be in the Iowa City Public
Library, Civic Center or other appropriate meeting place in Iowa City, Iowa.
Should these places be unavailable, another meeting place shall be selected.
Section 4. Notice of Meeting. Notice and agenda for all regular meetings shall
be distributed to all members of the Commission and the press. Special meetings
may be called upon notice to all members and the media at least 249hours before
a special meeting is held. All provisions of the State Open Meetings Law shall
be followed.
Section 5. Quorum. A majority of the members of the Commission shall
constitute a quorum at any meeting and a majority of votes cast at any meeting
at which a quorum is present shall be decisive of any motion or election.
Section 6. Proxies. There shall be no vote by proxy.
Section 7. Public Discussion. Time shall be made available during all regular
meetings for open public discussion.
ARTICLE II.
MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. Membership. The Historic Preservation Commission shall consist of
Seven members; term of membership shall be three years except for the
shortened initial terms that provide for staggered membership. One. member
/s ao be a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission to be appointed by
` Airy Commission. Annually the Chairperson and Vice -Chairperson will be
elected by the Commission members. All members shall be qualified electors of
the City of Iowa City, Iowa, and shall serve as members without compensation
but shall be entitled to the necessary expenses, including travel expenses,
incurred in the discharge of their duties.
Section 2. Nomination. The City Council shall appoint members to the Historic
Preservation Commission as vacancies occur.
Section 3. Terms. Upon the expiration of terms of present members, new
members shall be appointed for three year terms. Term of office for the
Planning and Zoning member shall be for three years beginning March 29th.
2
Section 4. Absences. Three consecutive unexplained absences of a Commission
member may result in a recommendation to the Mayor from the Commission to
discharge such member and appoint a new Commission member.
Section 5. Orientation for New Members. Prior to the first regular meeting
following their appointment, new members shall be provided with copies of the
pertinent portions of the City Code, Historic Preservation Commission By-laws,
and other documents that would be useful to Commission members in carrying
out their duties.
ARTICLE III.
OFFICERS
Section I. Number. The officers of this Commission shall be a Chairperson and
Vice -Chairperson, each of whom shall be elected by members of the Commission.
Section 2. Election and Term of Office. The officers of this Commission shall
be elected annually at the discretion of the Chair.
Section 3. Vacancies. A vacancy in either office shall be filled by the members
for the unexpired portion of the term.
Section 4. _Chairperson. The Chairperson shall, when present, preside at all
meetings of the members, appoint committees, call special meetings and in
general perform all duties of the Chairperson and such other duties as may be
prescribed by members from time to time.
Section 5. Vice -Chairperson. In the absence of the Chairperson or in the
event of death, inability or refusal to act, the Vice -Chairperson shall perform
the duties of the Chairperson and when so acting shall have all the powers of
and be subject to all the restrictions upon the Chairperson.
ARTICLE IV.
CONDUCT OF COMMISSION AFFAIRS
Section I. Agenda. The Chairperson or a designated representative together
with appropriate members of the City staff, shall prepare an agenda for all
regular Commission meetings. Agenda are to be sent to Commission members,
the City Council and the media at least three days prior to the regular
meetings.
Section 2. Secretary. A secretary, not to be a Commission member, shall be
provided for all regular and special meetings.
Section 3. Minutes. Minutes of all regular and special meetings are to be
prepared and distributed to Commission members and approved by the
Commission prior to being sent to City Council, in the manner prescribed by the
Council. Specific recommendations for the Council are to be set off from the
main body of the minutes and appropriately identified.
Section 4. Policies and Programs. Periodically the Commission shall review the
policies and programs of the City, relating to historic preservation and make
such recommendations to the City Council as are deemed appropriate.
3
Section 5. Referrals from Council. From time to time letters, requests for
information, requests for recommendations, and other matters are referred to
the Commission by the City Council. The Commission shall initiate the
consideration of such items at the next regular meeting following receipt and
shall notify Council of its disposition.
Section 6. Attendance at Council Meetings. The Commission Chairperson or
designated representatives are to be in attendance at all City Council meetings
including informal sessions, at wh7 ch matters pertaining to the domain of the
Commission's responsibilities are to be 'scu5se r c rons taken. The
Commission Chairperson is ou cil g n prior� each Council
meeting and is r--wi-se---notified of meetings involving Commission
business.r_e-�
Section 7. Annual Report. An annual report, detailing the activities of the
Commission, shall be prepared by the Chairperson, approved by the
Commission, and submitted to the City Council.
ARTICLE V.
AMENDMENTS
Section 1. These by-laws may be altered, amended or repealed and new by-laws
may be adopted by the members at any regular meeting or at any special meeting
called for that purpose.
3
Section S. Referrals from Council. From time to time letters, requests for
information, requests for recommendations, and other matters are referred to
the Commission by the City Council. The Commission shall initiate the
consideration of such items at the next regular meeting following receipt and
shall notify -Council of its disposition.
Section 6. Attendance at Council Meetings. The Commission Chairperson or
designated representatives are to be in attendance at all City Council meetings
including informal sessions, at which matters pertaining to the domain of the
Commission's responsibilities are to be discussed or actions taken. The
Commission Chairperson is to receive Council agenda prior to each Council
meeting and is to be otherwise notified of meetings involving Commission
business.
Section 7. Annual Report. An annual report, detailing the activities of the
Commission, shall be prepared by the Chairperson, approved by the
Commission, and submitted to the City Council.
ARTIrl F v
AMENDMENTS
Section 1. These by-laws may be altered, amended or repealed and new by-laws
may be adopted by the members at any regular meeting or at any special meeting
called for that purpose.
474a
CITY COUNCIL RULES COMMITTEE MEETING
August 16, 1983
RULES COMMITTEE: Meeting of August 16, 1983, 7:20 P.M., in the City
Manager's Conference Room.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: Erdahl and Lynch
'STAFFMEMBERS PRESENT: Karr
HISTORIC PRESERVATION BY-LAWS
The Rules Committee noted Article IV, CONDUCT OF COMMISSION AFFAIRS,
Section 1, re agenda being sent to Commission members, Council, and media
three days prior to a regular meeting. They felt it was a good procedure
and urged other Boards and Commissions to include such wording in future
by-law revisions. Members raised concerns re special meetings that would
not enable three day notice.
Rules Committee members suggested a rewording of Article IV, Section
6, ATTENDANCE AT COUNCIL MEETINGS, last sentence, be amended to read "The
Commission Chairperson is the person authorized to receive Council agenda
prior to each Council meeting and is also the individual to be notified of
meetings involving Commission business."
The Rules Committee recommends adoption of the by-laws, with or without
the suggested change in Article IV.
BY-LAWS
IOWA CITY HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
ARTICLE
MEETINGS
Section 1. Regular Meeting. Regular meetings of this Commission shall be held
on the second Wednesday of each month.
Section 2. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the members may be called by
the Chairperson and shall be called by the Chairperson's request for members of
the Commission.
Section 3. Place of Meetings. Regular meetings shall be in the Iowa City Public
Library, Civic Center or other appropriate meeting place in Iowa City, Iowa.
Should these places be unavailable, another meeting place shall be selected.
Section 4. Notice of Meeting. Notice and agenda for all regular meetings shall
be distributed to all members of the Commission and the press. Special meetings
may be called upon notice to all members and the media at least 24 hours before
a special meeting is held. All provisions of the State Open Meetings Law shall
be followed.
Section 5. Quorum. A majority of the members of the Commission shall
constitute a quorum at any meeting and a majority of votes cast at any meeting
at which a quorum is present shall be decisive of any motion or election.
Section 6. Proxies. There shall be no vote by proxy.
Section 7. Public Discussion. Time shall be made available during all regular
meetings for open public discussion.
ARTICLE II.
MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. Membership. The Historic Preservation Commission shall consist of
seven members; term of membership shall be three years except for the
shortened initial terms that provide for staggered membership. One member
shall be a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission to be appointed by
said Commission. The Chairperson and Vice -Chairperson will be elected
annually by the Commission members. All members shall be qualified electors of
the City of Iowa City, Iowa, and shall serve as members without compensation
but shall be entitled to the necessary expenses, including travel expenses,
incurred in the discharge of their duties.
Section 2. Nomination. The City Council shall appoint members to the Historic
Preservation Commission as vacancies occur.
Section 3. Terms. Upon the expiration of terms of present members, new
members shall be appointed for three year terms. Term of office for the
Planning and Zoning member shall be for three years beginning March 29th.
2
Section 4. Absences. Three consecutive unexplained absences of a Commission
member may result in a recommendation to the Mayor from the Commission to
discharge such member and appoint a new Commission member.
Section 5. Orientation for New Members. Prior to the first regular meeting
following their appointment, new members shall be provided with copies of the
pertinent portions of the City Code, Historic Preservation Commission By-laws,
and other documents that would be useful to Commission members in carrying
out their duties.
ARTICLE III.
OFFICERS
Section I. Number. The officers of this Commission shall be a Chairperson and
Vice -Chairperson, each of whom shall be elected by members of the Commission.
Section 2. Election and Term of Office. The officers of this Commission shall
be elected annually at the discretion of the Chair.
Section 3. Vacancies. A vacancy in either office shall be filled by the members
for the unexpired portion of the term.
Section 4. Chairperson. The Chairperson shall, when present, preside at all
meetings of the members, appoint committees, call special meetings and in
general perform all duties of the Chairperson and such other duties as may be
prescribed by members from time to time.
Section 5. Vice -Chairperson. In the absence of the Chairperson or in the
event of death, inability or refusal to act, the Vice -Chairperson shall perform
the duties of the Chairperson and when so acting shall have all the powers of
and be subject to all the restrictions upon the Chairperson.
ARTICLE IV.
CONDUCT OF COMMISSION AFFAIRS
Section I. Agenda. The Chairperson or a designated representative together
with appropriate members of the City staff, shall prepare an agenda for all
regular Commission meetings. Agenda are to be sent to Commission members,
the City Council and the media at least three days prior to the regular
meetings.
Section 2. Secretary. A secretary, not to be a Commission member, shall be
provided for all regular and special meetings.
Section 3. Minutes. Minutes of all regular and special meetings are to be
prepared and distributed to Commission members and approved by the
Commission prior to being sent to City Council, in the manner prescribed by the
Council. Specific recommendations for the Council are to be set off from the
main body of the minutes and appropriately identified.
Section 4. Policies and Pro rams. Periodically the Commission shall review the
policies and programs of the City, relating to historic preservation and make
such recommendations to the City Council as are deemed appropriate.
3
Section 5. Referrals from Council. From time to time letters, requests for
information, requests for recommendations, and other matters are referred to
the Commission by the City Council. The Commission shall initiate the
consideration of such items at the next regular meeting following receipt and
shall notify Council of its disposition.
Section 6. Attendance at Council Meetings. The Commission Chairperson or
designated representatives are to be in attendance at all City Council meetings
including informal sessions, at which matters pertaining to the domain of the
Commission's responsibilities are to be discussed or actions taken. The
Commission Chairperson is to receive Council agenda prior to each Council
meeting and is to be otherwise notified of meetings involving Commission
business.
Section 7. Annual Report. An annual report, detailing the activities of the
Commission, shall be prepared by the Chairperson, approved by the
Commission, and submitted to the City Council.
ARTICLE V.
AMENDMENTS
Section 1. These by-laws may be altered, amended or repealed and new by-laws
may be adopted by the members at any regular meeting or at any special meeting
called for that purpose.
14-4C-2
fixtures, signs and other appurtenant fix-
tures.
HISTORIC DISTRICT: An area that con-
tains contiguous pieces of property under
diverse ownership which:
A. Are significant to American history, ar-
chitecture, archaeology and culture or
Iowa City history, architecture, ar-
chaeology and culture; or
B. Possess integrity of location, design,
setting, materials and workership; or
C. Are associated with events that have
made a significant contribution to the
broad patterns of our history; or
D. Are associated with the lives of per-
sons significant in our past; or
E. Embody the distinctive characteristics
of a type, period, method of construc-
tion; represent the work of a master;
possess high artistic values; represent
a significant and distinguishable entity
whose components may lack individu-
al distinction; or
F. Have yielded or may be likely to yield
information important in prehistory or
history.
HISTORIC LANDMARK: Any building,
structure, object, archaeological site, area
of land or element of landscape architecture
with significance, importance or value con-
sistent with the criteria contained in subsec-
tions A through F of the definition of "histor-
ic district" contained in this Article, which
has been designated as an historic land-
mark by the Iowa City City Council pursuant
to this Article.
1. See Chapter 5, Article A of this Title.
2. See Chapter 6, Article O of this Title.
3. See Chapter 5, Article G of this Title.
4. See Title 7, Chapter 1 of the City Code.
14-4C-3
PROPERTY OWNER: An individual or
group of individuals, corporation, partner-
ship, association or in any entity, including
State and local governments and agencies,
which own real estate.
REGULATED PERMIT: A permit issued by
the Building Official or other official of the
City, according to the provisions of the
Uniform Building Code', Sign Regulations 4
House Movers' Ordinance' or Fire Code,
all as amended. (Ord. 95-3691, 9-12-1995)
14-4C-3: HISTORIC PRESERVATION
COMMISSION:
A. An Iowa City Historic Preservation
Commission is hereby reestablished
and the current members thereof are
hereby authorized and directed to
fulfill their existing terms and direc-
tives consistent with this Article. The
Commission shall consist of seven (7)
members who shall be residents of
the City. (Ord. 95-3691, 9-12-1995)
B. Members of the Commission shall be
appointed by the City Council. At least
one resident of each designated his-
toric district shall be appointed to the
Commission. Other members shall be
chosen at large from any part of the
City and shall have some expertise in
history, urban planning, architecture,
archaeology, law, sociology or other
closely related field, or shall demon-
strate interest in the area of historic
preservation. At least four (4) of the
members shall hold appointments at
large. Should the number of officially
designated City historic districts ex-
ceed three (3) in number, a new mem-
ber shall be added to the Commission
Iowa City
296
14-4C-3
14-4C-5
for each new district in excess of
three (3) districts. The new member
shall be appointed by the City Council
as soon as practicable after the offi-
cial designation of the historic district
triggering the operation of the preced-
ing clause. (Ord. 95-3695,
10-24-1995)
C. Members shall serve three (3) year
terms. (Ord. 95-3691, 9-12-1995)
D. Vacancies occurring in the Commis-
sion shall be filled by appointment by
the City Council in accordance with
the bylaws of the Commission. (Ord.
95-3695, 10-24-1995)
E. Members may serve for more than
one term and each member shall
serve until the appointment of a suc-
cessor.
F. Members shall serve without compen-
sation except for any expenses
deemed reasonable and budgeted by
the City Council.
G. A simple majority of the Commission
shall constitute a quorum for the
transaction of business. (Ord.
95-3691, 9-12-1995)
14-4C-4: RULES OF THE COMMISSION:
A. The Historic Preservation Commission
shall elect from its membership a
chairperson and vice -chairperson
whose term of office shall be one
year. The chairperson and vice -chair-
person may serve for more than one
term. The chairperson shall preside
over the Commission and have the
right to vote. The vice -chairperson
shall, in cases of absence or disability
of the chairperson, perform the duties
of the chairperson.
B. The City Manager shall designate a
person to serve as secretary to the
Commission. The secretary shall keep
a record of all applications for certifi-
cates of appropriateness, resolutions,
proceedings, and actions of the His-
toric Preservation Commission.
C. The Commission shall recommend
rules or bylaws for the transaction of
its regular business to the City Coun-
cil for adoption. The Commission shall
have the authority to adopt rules of
procedure in connection with the ap-
proval or disapproval of certificates of
appropriateness subject to approval of
the City Council.
D. The Commission shall keep a record,
which shall be open to public view, of
its resolutions, proceedings and ac-
tions. The vote or failure to vote of
each member shall be recorded. The
concurring affirmative vote of a majori-
ty of those members present shall be
sufficient for a certificate of appropri-
ateness to be granted, or for the
adoption of any resolution, motion or
other action of the Commission. The
Commission shall submit a report on
its activities to the Council and may
make such recommendations to the
City Council as it deems necessary to
carry out the principles of this Article.
(Ord. 95-3691, 9-12-1995)
14-4C-5: POWERS OF THE COMMIS-
SION:
A. The Commission shall be authorized
to conduct studies for the identifica-
tion and designation of "conservation
districts", "historic districts" and "his-
toric landmarks" meeting the defini-
tions established by this Article. The
296
Iowa City
14-4C-5
Commission may proceed at its own
initiative or upon a petition from any
person, group or association.
Any request from a person, group or
association to designate a conserva-
tion district, historic landmark or his-
toric district shall be commenced by
submitting to the Commission a nomi-
nation on a form furnished by the
Commission.
B. The Commission shall make a recom-
mendation to the office of the State
Historical Society of Iowa for the list-
ing of an historical district or site or
historic landmark in the National Reg-
ister of Historic Places and shall con-
duct a public hearing thereon.
C. The Commission shall review and act
upon all applications for certificates of
appropriateness, pursuant to Section
14-4C-7 of this Article.
D. The Commission shall cooperate with
property owners and City agencies
pursuant to the provisions of Section
14-4C-8 of this Article.
E. The Commission shall further the
efforts of historic preservation in the
City by making recommendations to
the City Council and City commissions
and boards on preservation issues
when appropriate, by encouraging the
protection and enhancement of struc-
tures with historical, architectural or
cultural value, and by encouraging
persons and organizations to become
involved in preservation activities.
F. The Commission shall not obligate
itself or the City in any financial un-
dertaking unless authorized to do so
14-4C-6
by the City Council. (Ord. 95-3691,
9-12-95)
14-4C-6: PROCEDURES FOR THE DES-
IGNATION OF CONSERVA-
TION DISTRICTS, HISTORIC DISTRICTS
AND HISTORIC LANDMARKS:
A. Report Required:
1. The Commission must make a
report to the Plan and Zoning Com-
mission recommending that an area
be designated a conservation district,
an historic district or an historic land-
mark. Before any report or recommen-
dation is submitted, the Commission
shall hold a public hearing on any
proposal to designate an area as a
conservation district, an historic dis-
trict or an historic landmark. The Com-
mission shall give notice of the time,
date, place and subject matter of such
hearing at least seven (7) days prior
to the hearing. Such notice shall be
served by ordinary mail addressed to
each property owner of land included
within such proposed district at the
owner's last known address. If the
address of any property owner is
unknown, such notice shall be served
by ordinary mail addressed to the
"owner" at the street address of the
property in question. The City Clerk
shall file an affidavit of mailing setting
forth the date of mailing and the
names and addresses of all property
owners notified pursuant to this Sec-
tion. After the public hearing, the
Commission shall submit its report to
the Plan and Zoning Commission and
shall include a proposed ordinance
establishing such district and describ-
ing the boundary thereof.
1095
Iowa City
ORDINANCE NO. 82-3098
AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING AN HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION FOR THE CITY OF
IOWA CITY, IOWA, AND PROVIDING FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION
DISTRICTS, AND DEFINING POWERS AND DUTIES IN ASSOCIATION THEREWITH.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF IOWA CITY, IOWA:
SECTION I. PURPOSE AND INTENT. The purpose of this ordinance is to:
A. Promote the educational, cultural, economic and general welfare of the
public through the protection, enhancement, and perpetuation of districts
of historic and cultural significance located in the City of Iowa City.
B. Safeguard the City's historic, aesthetic, and cultural heritage by
preserving districts of historical, architectural, and cultural
significance.
C. Stabilize and improve property values- by conservation of historic
properties.
D. Foster civic pride in the legacy of beauty and achievements of the past.
E. Protect and enhance the City's attractions to tourists and visitors and the
support and stimulus to business thereby provided.
F. Strengthen the economy of the City, and
G. Promote the use of districts of historic and cultural significance as sites
for the education, pleasure and welfare of the people of the City.
SECTION II. DEFINITIONS.
A. APPLICANT: The party making application for a Certificate -of
Appropriateness from the Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission.
B. APPLICATION. A written request by a property owner or other party to the
Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission for a Certificate of
Appropriateness.
C. CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS. The document evidencing approval by the
Historic Preservation Commission of a proposal to make a change in
appearance which must be obtained before a Regulated Permit may be issued.
D. CHANGE IN APPEARANCE. Any change or alteration of the exterior features of
a building or change or alteration of the appearance of a property within a
historic district. This definition shall pertain only to changes in
appearance which are visible from the public way or from adjacent
properties, and for which a building, demolition, house moving or other
regulated permit is required for compliance with applicable city codes.
Furthermore, nothing in this definition shall be construed to prohibit or
o7-12/
Ordinance No. 82-3098
Page 2
limit normal repairs or maintenance which do not involve alterations or
changes in the exterior features of a building, for which no regulated
permit is required. For the purposes of this ordinance, changes made in
the color of the exterior surfaces of a building are considered to be
ordinary maintenance and repair.
E. CHANGE OR ALTERATION. The erection of a building on a site, the movement
of a building from or to a site, the demolition of a building, the
reconstruction or restoration of a building, or any action to change,
modify, reconstruct, remove or demolish any exterior feature of an existing
building.
F. COMMISSION. The Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission, as
established by this Ordinance.
G. EXTERIOR FEATURES. The architectural style, general design and
arrangement of the exterior of a building, including the kind and texture
of the building material and type and style of all windows, doors, light
fixtures, signs and other appurtenant fixtures.
H_ HISTORIC DISTRICT. An area that contains contiguous pieces of property
under diverse ownership which:
1. Are significant to American history, architecture, archeology and
culture or Iowa City history, architecture, archeology and culture,
2. Possess integrity of location, design, setting, materials and
workmanship.
3. Are associated with events that have made a significant contribution
to the broad patterns of our history, or
4. Are associated with the lives of persons significant in our past or
5. Embody the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, method of
construction; represent the work of a master; possess high artistic
values; represent a significant and distinguishable entity whose
components may lack individual distinction.
6. Have yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important in pre-
history or history.
I. PROPERTY OWNER. An individual or group of individuals, corporation,
partnership, association, or any entity, including state and local
governments and agencies which is the owner of real estate.
J. REGULATED PERMIT. A permit issued by the Building Official, or other
official of the City of Iowa City according to the provisions of 1)
Building Code, 2) Sign Regulations, 3) House Movers Ordinance, or 4) Fire
Code.
�R-7—
r
Ordinance No.82-3C
Page 3
SECTION III. IOWA CITY HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
A. An Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission is hereby established. The
Commission shall initially consist of seven (7) members who shall be
residents of the City of Iowa City.
B. Members of the Commission shall be appointed by the City Council. At least
one resident of each designated area of historical significance shall be
appointed to the Commission. Other members shall be chosen at large from
any part of the city and shall have some expertise in history, urban
planning, architecture, archeology, law, sociology, or other closely
related field, or shall demonstrate interest in the area of historic
preservation. At least three of the members shall hold appointments at
large.' Should the number of officially designated city historic districts
exceed four in number, a new member shall be added to the Commission for
each new district in excess of four districts. No more than one-third of
the members of the Commission shall belong to the City's Planning and
Zoning Commission.
C_ The original appointment of the members of the Commission shall be two (2)
for one year, two (2) for two years, and three (3) for three years. The
members appointed from designated historic districts shall serve three
year terms. After the initial appointment of members the term for each
member shall be three years.
D. Vacancies occuring in the Commission, other than by expiration of term of
office, shall be filled only for the unexpired term.
E. Members may serve for more than one term and each member shall serve until
the.appointment of a successor.
F. Members shall serve without compensation.
G. A simple majority of the Commission shall constitute a 'quorum for the
transaction of business.
SECTION IV. RULES OF THE COMMISSION.
A. The Historic Preservation Commission shall elect from its membership a
,chairperson and vice -chairperson whose term of office shall be one year.
The chairperson and vice -chairperson may serve for more than one term. The
chairperson shall preside over the Commission and shall have the right to
vote. The vice -chairperson shall, in cases of absence or disability of the
chairperson, perform the duties of the chairperson.
B. The City Manager shall designate a person to serve as secretary to the
Commission. The secretary shall keep a record of all applications for
Certificates of Appropriateness, resolutions, proceedings, and actions of
the Historic Preservation Commission.
C. The Commission shall recommend rules or -by-laws for the transaction of its
regular business to the City Council for adoption. The Commission shall
have the authority to adopt rules of procedure in connection with the
Ordinance No. 82-36vd
Page 4
approval or disapproval of Certificates of Appropriateness subject to
approval of the City Council.
D. The Commission shall keep a record, which shall be open to public view, of
its resolutions, proceedings and actions. The vote or failure to vote of
each member shall be recorded. The concurring affirmative vote of a
majority of those members present shall be sufficient for a Certificate of
Appropriateness to be granted, or for the adoption of any resolution,
motion or other action of the Commission. The Commission shall submit a
report on its activities to the Council and may make such recommendations
to the Council as it deems necessary to carry out the principles of this
ordinance.
SECTION V. POWERS OF THE COMMISSION
A. The Commission shall be authorized to conduct studies for the
identification and designation of Historic Districts meeting the
definitions established by this ordinance. The Commission may proceed at
its own initiative or upon a petition from any person, group or
association.
The Commission shall review and act upon all applications for Certificates
of Appropriateness, pursuant to Section VII of this ordinance.
C. The Commission shall cooperate with property owners and city agencies
pursuant to the provisions of Section VIII of this ordinance.
The Commission shall further the efforts of historic preservation in the
city by making recommendations to the City Council and city commissions and
boards on preservation issues when appropriate, by encouraging the
protection and enhancement of structures with historical, architectural or
cultural value, and be encouraging persons and organizations to become
involved in preservation activities.
E. The Commission shall not obligate itself or the City of Iowa City in any
financial undertaking unless authorized to do so by the City Council.
SECTION VI. PROCEDURES FOR THE DESIGNATION OF HISTORIC DISTRICTS.
A. The Commission may make a report recommending that an area be designated a
historic district. Before any report or recommendation is submitted to the
Planning and Zoning Commission for review, the Commission shall hold a
public hearing on any proposal to designate an area as a historic district.
The Commission shall give prior notice of the time, date, place, and
subject matter of such hearing. Such notice shall be served by ordinary
mail addressed to each property owner of land included within such proposed
district at his -or her last known address. If the address of any property
owner is unknown such notice shall be served by ordinary mail addressed to
"owner" at the street address of the property in question. The City Clerk
shall file an affidavit of mailing setting forth the names, addresses, and
date of mailing of all property owners notified pursuant to this section.
Such affidavit shall be filed with the clerk in the records of his/her
office. After this public hearing the Commission shall submit its report
�� /
r
Ordinance No. 82-3L)�,j
Page 5
to the Planning and Zoning Commission and shall include a proposed
ordinance establishing such district and describing the boundary thereof.
B. Within sixty (60) days of the receipt of the report, recommendation and
proposed ordinance, the Planning and Zoning Commission shall report to the
City Council with respect to the relation of such designation to the
comprehensive plan, zoning ordinance, proposed public improvements and
other plans for the renewal of the area involved. The Planning and Zoning
Commission shall recommend approval, disapproval or modification of the
proposed historic district. Upon submission of the report of the Planning
and Zoning Commission, or upon the expiration of the sixty (60) day period,
the matter shall be transmitted to the City Council.
C. The City Council shall submit a description of the proposed area of
historical significance or the petition describing the area to the Division
of Historic Preservation of the Iowa State Historical Department for review
and recommendations concerning the proposed area. The description of the
proposed area shall be submitted to the Division of Historic Preservation
at least 30 days prior to the date of any public hearing conducted by the
City Council on an ordinance establishing the proposed area as an historic
district. Any recommendations made by the Division of Historic
Preservation shall be made available by the City to the public for viewing
during normal working hours at a city government place of public access.
D. Upon receiving the recommendation of the Division of Historic
Preservation, the City Council shall provide notice of such hearing as
provided by law and conduct a public hearing on the ordinance establishing
the proposed historic preservation district. The Council may adopt or
reject the o.rdinance or may refer the historic district designation to the
Commission for modification.
SECTION VII. APPLICATIONS FOR CERTIFICATES OF APPROPRIATENESS.
A. After adoption of the Historic Preservation Ordinance no individual or
corporation shall undertake a change in appearance of a building or site
within a designated historic district for which a regulated permit is
required, nor shall the Building Official issue a regulated permit for a
change in appearance of a building or site, unless a Certificate of
Appropriateness has been granted by the Historic Preservation Commission.
The imposition of any additional activities requiring Certificates of
Appropriateness shall require the approval of the City Council and the
prior recommendation of the Commission and the State Division of Historic
Preservation.
B. Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness shall be made to the
Building Official. The application should include drawings, photographs,
sketches and other exhibits portraying the work to be accomplished which
will aid the Historic Preservation Commission in the consideration of the
application.
Upon the filing of such application, the Building Official .shall
immediately notify the Historic Preservation Commission of the receipt of
such application and shall transmit it together with accompanying plans and
�a �
I
Ordinance No. 82-3b,o
Page 6
other information to the Commission, unless the application pertains
solely to the interior of the structure.
D_ All applications received before the closing date, to be established by the
Commission, shall be considered by the Commission at its next regularly
scheduled meeting. The Commission shall review the application according
to the duties and powers specified herein. In reviewing the application -
the Commission may confer with the applicant or the applicant's authorized
representative. In acting upon an application the Commission shall
consider whether the change in appearance to a building or site proposed by
the application conforms to standards set forth in the January 1979 revised
edition of the Secretary of the Interior's "Standards for Rehabilitation."
The Commission may use the Secretary of Interior's "Guidelines for
Rehabilitating Historic Buildings" or other guidelines adopted by the
Commission to aid in determining whether the proposed change in appearance
to a building or site conforms to the Secretary of Interior's "Standards
for Rehabilitation."
E. The Commission shall approve, modify, or disapprove the application. The
findings of the Commission on each application shall be contained in a
'written resolution setting forth the full reason for its decision and the
vote of each member participating therein. Such resolution shall be placed
on file for public inspection in the office of the City Clerk within five
business days after the meeting at which the application was acted upon.
Thereafter, a copy of the resolution shall be sent to the applicant by
ordinary mail. If the application is approved or approved with
modifications acceptable to the applicant a Certificate of Appropriateness
will be issued, signed by the Chairperson, and immediately transmitted
along with the application to the Building Official. If the application is
disapproved it will be immediately transmitted, along with the written
resolution of the Commission's findings, to the Building Official.
Any applicant aggrieved by any decision of the Commission may appeal the
action to the City Council. Such an appeal must be in writing and must be
filed with the City Clerk no later than 10 business days after the filing
of the above mentioned resolution. The City Council shall, within a
reasonable time, hold a public hearing on the appeal, give public notice
thereof as well as notice to the applicant and to the appellant, if
different from the applicant, and decide the appeal within a reasonable
time. In deciding such appeal, the. City Council shall consider whether the
Commission has exercised its powers and followed the guidelines
established by law and this ordinance, and whether the Commission's action
was patently arbitrary or capricious. In exercising the above -mentioned
powers the City Council may, in conformity with the provisions of this
ordinance, reverse or affirm, wholly or partly, or may modify the order,
requirement, decision, or determination appealed from and may make such
order, requirement, decision, or determination as ought to be made, and to
that end shall have all the powers of the Commission from whom the appeal
is taken.
G. If not satisfied with the decision of the City Council the appellant may
appeal to the Johnson County district court within 60 days after the
Council's decision.
Ordinance No. 82-3098
Page 7
H. Certificates of Appropriateness issued on the basis of approved
applications authorize only changes in appearance set forth in such
approved applications and no other changes in appearance. It shall be the
duty of the Building Official or his/her designee to inspect from time to
time any work performed pursuant to such a Certificate to insure compliance
with the requirements of such Certificate. If it is found that such work
is not being carried out in accordance with the Certificate, the Building
Official shall issue a stop' work order. Any change in appearance at
variance with that authorized by the Certificate shall be deemed a
violation of these regulations and shall be punishable as provided in
Section X of this ordinance.
SECTION VIII. REMEDY OF DANGEROUS CONDITIONS.
A. Except for emergencies as determined by the Building Official pursuant to
the ordinances of the City of Iowa City, City enforcement agencies and
departments shall give the Historic Preservation Commission at least 30
days notice of any proposed order which may affect the exterior features of
any building within a historic district by directing changes or alterations
of such building for remedying conditions determined to be dangerous to
life, health or property.
B. The Commission shall have the power to require that changes of alterations
not adversely affect the exterior features of a building in cases where the
danger to life, health or property may be abated without detracting from
the exterior features of the building. In such cases it shall be the
responsibility of the Commission and the city agency or department to
cooperate with the property owner in an attempt to achieve a preservation
solution whereby the dangerous conditions will be corrected with minimal
adverse impact on exterior features. Such plan shall be approved by the
Commission and shall be signed by the Chairman of the Commission, the
property owner, and the head of the city agency or department.
C. If a preservation solution acceptable to the Commission, the City agency or
department, and the property owner cannot be reached within 30 days or a
period of time acceptable to the city agency or department, the agency or
department shall proceed to issue and enforce its proposed order.
SECTION IX. COMPATIBILITY WITH EXISTING ZONING REGULATIONS. Any new building
shall conform to all set off requirements of the zone in which it is to be built
or moved. If a building which has lost 100% or more of its assessed value due to
fire or other natural disasters is to be reconstructed as near as possible to
its original exterior design, it may be placed upon its original foundation or
the site of the original foundation.
SECTION X. ENFORCEMENT, VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES.
A. It shall be the duty of the Building Official to enforce these regulations
and to bring to the attention of the City Council any violations or lack of
compliance herewith.
B. Any person who violates, disobeys, omits, neglects or refuses to 'comply
with any provision of this ordinance shall be charged with a simple
o�o�
f
Ordinance No. 82-'uj8
Page 8
misdemeanor to be prosecuted in a court of appropriate jurisdiction in
Johnson County, Iowa.
C. Violations of Section VII and VIII of this Ordinance are deemed and
declared to be a nuisance, and as such may be subject to summary abatement
by means of a restraining order or injunction issued by the District Court.
SECTION XI. SEVERABILITY. Should any section or provision of this ordinance be
deeded by a court of this state to be unconstitutional or invalid, such
decision shall not affect the validity of the ordinance as a whole or any part
thereof other than the part so decided to be unconstitutional or invalid.
SECTION XII. SHORT TITLE. This ordinance shall be known and may be cited as
"The Historic Preservation Ordinance of the City of Iowa City, Iowa."
SECTION XIII. REPEALER. All ordinances and parts of ordinances in conflict
with the provision of this ordinance are hereby repealed.
SECTION XIV. EFFECTIVE DATE. This ordinance shall take effect immediately
upon passage and publication as required by law.
T )2*0 t Tec-y-rd—
DATIDPERRET, MAYOR PRO TEM
FA , IAN K, KARR, DEPUTY ICITY CLEW
It was moved by Dickson , and seconded by Erdahl
that the Ordinance as read be adopted and upon roll call there were:
AYES: NAYS: ABSENT:
_x BALMER
x DICKSON
_x ERDAHL
x_ LYNCH
---X_ MCDONALD
x NEUHAUSER
x PERRET
First consideration 11/23/82
Vote for passage: yes: euhauser, Perret, Balmer,
Dickson, Erdahl, Lynch. Nays: McDonald. Absent:
None.
Second consideration 12/13/82
Vote for passage: Ayes: Dickson, Erdahl, Lynch,
Neuhauser, Perret, Balmer. Nays: McDonald. Absent:
None.
Date published December 29, 1982
Received & Approve --
BY The Legal Depa ent