A+ | A- | Reset
158.01 Purpose and Definitions
158.01 Purpose and Definitions
 
(a)       In order to:
(1)   promote the educational, cultural and general welfare of the citizens of Richmond;
(2)   insure the harmonious and orderly growth and development of the municipality;
(3)   maintain established residential neighborhoods in danger of having their distinctiveness destroyed;
(4)   enhance property values and attract new residents;
(5)   ensure the viability of the traditional Uptown area; and
(6)   enhance tourism within the City of Richmond;
 
it is deemed essential by the City of Richmond that qualities relating to its history and harmonious outward appearance of its structures be preserved. 
 
This purpose is advanced through the restoration and preservation of historic areas and buildings, the construction of compatible new buildings where appropriate, and the maintenance and insurance of compatibility in regards to style, form, proportion, texture, and material between historic buildings and those of contemporary design. It is the intention of the City of Richmond through this ordinance to preserve and protect historic and architecturally worthy buildings, structures, sites, monuments, streetscapes, and neighborhoods which impart a distinct aesthetic quality to the City and serve as visible reminders of its historic heritage.
 
(b)      Definitions: the following terms shall have the following meaning unless a contrary meaning is required by the context or is specifically prescribed. Words in the present tense include the future tense. The singular includes the plural, and the plural, the singular. The word “shall” is always mandatory. The word “person” includes a firm, a partnership, limited liability company, unincorporated association, or a corporation, as well as an individual. Terms not defined in this section shall have the meanings customarily assigned to them. 
 
(1) Adjacent: any real property adjoining the property in question. This shall also include properties directly or diagonally across a street, alley or public way.
 
(2) Alteration: a material change in the external architectural features of any structure within an historic district.
 
(3) City: the City of Richmond, Indiana.
 
(4) Classifications of Structures or Buildings in Historic Districts
 
(a) Outstanding: the “outstanding” or “O” classification means that the structure or building has sufficient historic or architectural significance and is already listed, or is eligible for individual listing, in the National Register of Historic Places.
 
(b) Notable: a classification of “notable” or “N” means that the structure or building does not merit the outstanding rating, but it is still above average in its importance. A notable structure may be eligible for the National Register.
 
(c) Contributing: a “contributing” or “C” classification means the structure or building is at least 40 years old, but does not meet the criteria for an “O” or “N” classification. Such resources are important to the density or continuity of the area’s historic fabric. Contributing structures can be listed on the National Register only as part of an historic district.
 
(d) Non-Contributing: a structure or building classified as “non-contributing” or “NC” is property not described as one of the three above Historic classifications . Such properties may be less than 40 years old, or they may be older structures that have been altered in such a way that they have lost their historic character, or they may be otherwise incompatible with their historic surroundings. These properties are not eligible for the listing on the National Register.
 
(5) Commission: the Historic Preservation Commission established by this Chapter.
 
(6) Conservation District: a district established by ordinance in which the regulations are less stringent than in an Historic District. 
 
(7) Demolition: the complete or substantial removal of any building or structure.
 
(8) Preservation Guidelines: locally developed criteria which identify local design concerns in an effort to assist property owners in maintaining the character of the designated district or buildings during the process of rehabilitation or new construction.
 
(9) Historic District: a single building, structure, object, or site or a concentration of buildings, structures, objects, spaces, or sites designated by ordinance adopted pursuant to this chapter. Property not so designated will not be considered an Historic District within the terms of this title.
 
(10) Interested Party: any one of the following:
(a) the Mayor.
(b) the Common Council.
(c) the Richmond Advisory Plan Commission.
(d) a neighborhood association, a majority of whose members are residents of an historic district designated by an ordinance adopted under this chapter.
(e) an owner or occupant of property located in an historic district established by an ordinance adopted under this chapter.
(f) Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana, Inc., or any of its successors.
(g) the state historic preservation officer designated under I.C. 14-3-3.4-10.    
 
(11) Routine Maintenance: in-kind work (e.g. replacing shingles with identical shingles) or work which would not require a building permit, and any change that is not construction, removal or alteration and for which no Certificate of Appropriateness is required, and specifically including painting.
 
(12) Streetscape: the appearance from a public way, the distinguishing characteristics of which are created by the width of the street and sidewalks, their paving materials and color, the design of the street furniture (e. g., street lights, trash receptacles, benches, etc.), the use of plant materials such as trees and shrubs, and the setback, mass, and proportion of those buildings which enclose the street.
 
(13) Visual Compatibility: those elements of design that meet the guidelines set out in Section 158.07 of this chapter.


More Categories: