Historic Preservation Commission Agenda and Packet 2011 12 19

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COUNCIL COMMUNICATION TO: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL FROM: MALCOLM FLEMING, CITY MANAGER DATE: DECEMBER 6, 2011 SUBJECT: ORDINANCE NO. , SERIES 2011 — AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 15.36 OF THE LOUISVILLE MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING THE PROCEDURES APPLICABLE TO DEMOLITION REVIEW OF BUILDINGS THAT ARE OVER FIFTY YEARS OLD ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT: PLANNING AND BUILDING SAFETY SUMMARY: The historic character and pedestrian scale of Downtown and its surrounding Old Town Neighborhood are key contributors to the success and recognized quality of life in Louisville. The Louisville Municipal Code (LMC) Section 15.36 adopted in 2003 by City Council establishes the regulatory framework necessary to protect historic structures. According to the chapter, an historic structure is any structure 50 years or older. The review of demolition permits for historic buildings was also established by Section 15.36. The regulatory language of Sec. 15.36 establishes all historic structures slated for demolition anywhere in the City must first apply for a demolition permit with the Building Safety Division. The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) and Staff request that City Council consider minor modifications to Section 15.36 to clarify the specific demolition request review procedures and the demolition permit eligibility timeframes. Material presented below is based on information discussed and direction given to staff by Council during the July 12, 2011 Special City Council Meeting. BACKGROUND: The application for a demolition permit for buildings 50 years, or older, triggers a twenty -one (21) day review by staff and a HPC subcommittee. This 21 -day review includes a review of the building's social history, architectural qualities, and archeological features. If a structure is deemed eligible as a landmark for any of the above review items, then the demolition request is forwarded for a public hearing process before the HPC. Since 2005, the HPC has reviewed and released sixty -four (64) demolition requests. The City has issued thirty -nine (39) demolition permits. Twenty -five (25) permitted demolitions remain, of which five (5), or 20 %, were determined eligible for landmarking. LE SUBJECT AGENDA ITEM ORDINANCE NO. , SERIES 2011 8