HPC Meeting Date: January 6, 2025
To: Members of the Heritage Preservation Commission
From: Mathias Hughey, Associate City Planner
Title
Discussion of the HPC 2025 Work Plan
Body
Action Requested:
The HPC will discuss the 2025 work plan and provide feedback to staff for projects of special interest.
Summary Report:
The HPC is tasked with the preservation and protection of and education about areas, places, buildings, structures, and other objects having special historical interest or value. The primary work of the HPC has been to review proposed projects affecting the exterior of buildings in the Historic Downtown Commercial District, and issue or deny Certificates of Appropriateness as necessary. In recent years, most of these reviews have involved applications for new signs, but recent amendments to the Land Development Code reclassified signage as “Minor Work” subject to staff approval.
Staff anticipates that COA applications will become less frequent due to this change. This should allow the workload to be adjusted to focus on the more proactive tasks of the HPC.
Due to staff turnover, some knowledge of ongoing projects was likely lost. Included as an attachment is the 2024 redline version of the HPC work plan. Commissioners should review and consider any feedback including projects of special interest, suggestions for improving existing programs, or other ideas that meet the HPC’s goals of protection, preservation, and education.
Staff currently anticipates the following projects for 2025:
1. Land Development Code updates regarding solar panels in the Historic District.
2. Potential CLG grant to fund an updated Preservation Plan.
3. Following the Adoption of the new Comprehensive Plan, a general update to the Land Development Code.
Alternative Options:
N/A
Financial Impacts:
N/A
Tentative Timelines:
N/A