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CITY COUNCIL COMMUNICATION <br />GENDA ITEM III <br />A <br />SUBJECT: METHODS FOR CREATING HISTORIC DISTRICTS <br />DATE:SEPTEMBER 10, 2013 <br />PRESENTED BY: TROY RUSS, AICP AND SCOTT ROBINSON, PLANNING AND <br />BUILDING SAFETY DEPARTMENT <br />SUMMARY: <br />The purpose of this study session is to review the Louisville Municipal Code’s (LMC) <br />methodology for creating a local Historic District. Once designated by the Louisville City <br />Council, structures identified within a Historic District are considered equivalent to <br />buildings with local historic landmark designations. Specifically, buildings within a <br />Historic District are eligible for preservation incentives through the Historic Preservation <br />Fund and are required to obtain alteration certificates for building construction permits. <br />Chapter 15.36 of the Louisville Municipal Code (LMC) defines a district as: <br />a group of <br />structures or a site or sites which make a coherent whole due to their similar historic <br />significance. A district would include, for example, neighborhoods; mining, agricultural, <br />or commercial districts; and town sites. <br />There are currently no designated historic districts in the City, and there have been no <br />applications for the creation of a historic district to date. The recently completed <br />Jefferson Place survey recommends a district be considered in the Jefferson Place <br />subdivision. <br />CRITERIA <br />Section 15.36.050 (b) of the LMC defines specific criteria for creating a historic district <br />(listed below).Contributing features of an eligible district must be at least 50 years old. <br />However, the City Council may approve exemptions to the age standard. <br />a. Architectural. <br />(1) Exemplifies specific elements of an architectural period or style. <br />(2) Example of the work of an architect or builder who is recognized for expertise <br />nationally, statewide, regionally or locally. <br />(3) Demonstrates superior craftsmanship or high artistic value. <br />(4) Represents an innovation in construction, materials, or design. <br />(5) Style particularly associated with the Louisville area. <br />(6) Represents a built environment of a group of people in an era of history that is <br />culturally significant to Louisville. <br />(7) Pattern or grouping of elements representing at least one of the above <br />criteria. <br />(8) Significant historic remodel. <br />CITY COUNCIL COMMUNICATION <br />5 <br />