HomeMy WebLinkAboutLandmarks Preservation ORDI-Nance--Certification of for Tax PurposesCITY OF ITHACA
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CITY OF ITHACA`.
CITY HALL + 108 EAST GREEN STREET a ITHACA, NEW YORK 14950 • PHONE 272-1713
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DETACH AND FILE FOR FOLLOW-UP
NEW YORK STATE PARKS & RECREATION Agency Building 1. Empire Stale Plaza. Albany. New York 12238 Information 518 4741M
Orin Lehman, Commissioner
July 17, 1978
Mr. Joseph A. Rundle
City Clerk
108 E. Green Street
Ithaca, New York 14850
Dear Applicant:
co
3176
RECEIVEf
JUL 201978
City Clerk's Office
ITHACA, N. Y.
0
Re: Tax Reform Act of 1976, Section 2124
Certification of State or Local Statutes
Ithaca Tompkins
(town,city,village)
(county)
The State Historic Preservation Officer(SHPO) is currently
evaluating the statute for The City of Ithaca Landmarks Preservation
Ordnance . In order to complete the required review, the
SHPO needs the following additional information, as indicated
below:
X
x
Duplicate Copy of Documentation
Applicant's Statement of Authorization
Copy of Statute
State Enabling Legislation
Description of District(s)
Statement of Significance
Map (s)
Photographs (streetscapes)
Other
Clarification
Should you have any questions concerning this request, please
'call 518-474-0479.
LRK:mr
12/77
Sincerely,
LiL
Stephen J. Ra1 he
Director
Historic Preservation Field
Services Bureau
New York State Parks & Recreation
Agency Bldg. 1, Empire State Plaza, Albany, New York 12238
D 0
lfir:t1'V Rec9•
Mr. Joseph A. Rundle
City Clerk
108 E. Green St.
Ithaca, NY 14850
tam
o• -
. 4,11i.S.POS;AOEFq
JUL18 78
A RR M E E
o�®,P tU 629928 L -.._-.--" Ju
CITY OF ITHACA
108 EAST GREEN STREET
ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850
OFFICE OF TELEPHONE: 272-1713
CITY CLERK
June 30, 1978
Mr. Orin Lehman
State Historic Preservation Officer
N.Y. State Dept. of Parks & Recreation
Agency Bldg. 1
Empire State Plaza
Albany, N.Y. 12238
Dear Mr. Lehman:
Re: Certification of Landmarks
Ordinance for Tax Purposes
In accordance with 36 CFR Part 67, as amended, I herewith
submit the documentation described in 867.9(c)(1) as this city's
initial application for certification of its historic preservation
ordinance and historic districts. The documentation called for
under 867.9(c)(2) will be forwarded as soon as it is complete.
In accordance with the specifications of 867.9, I hereby
certify that I, in my capacity as City Clerk of the City of Ithaca,
am authorized to make this application.
JAR:hh
Encl: Ithaca Landmarks Ordinance
Rules of Procedure
Very truly yours,
Joseph A. Rundle
City Clerk
CODE 607
Certification
of State and Local
Statutes
Title 36 --Parks, Forests, and Public
Property
CHAPTER I—NATIONAL PARK SERVICE,
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
PART 67—HISTORIC PRESERVATION
CERTIFICATIONS PURSUANT TO THE
TAX REFORM ACT OF 1976
Certification of State or Local Statutes
AGENCY: National Park Service, In-
terior.
ACTION: Additional interim procedures.
SUMMARY: This rule supplements the
previous interim regulations by adding a
new section in the certification process.
The Tax Reform Act of 1976 requires the
certification of State and local statutes
by the Secretary of the Interior, so that
an owner of a structure in a,historic dis-
trict created by legislation certified under
these regulations may be able to take -ad-
vantage of the provisions of the Act.
DATE: Effective: August 10, 1977. Com
ments by September 9, 1977.
ADDRESS: Send comments to: Mr.
Jerry L. Rogers, Chief, Office of Archeol-
ogy and Historic Preservation, National
Park Service, Department of the Inte-
rior, Washington, D.C. 20240, 202-523-
5275.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
The Tax Reform Act of 1976, Pub. L. 94-
455, 90 Stat. 1519, included among its
many provisions section 2124, "Tax In-
centives to Encourage the Preservation
of Historic Structures," under which the
Secretary of the Interior is required to
make certain certifications with respect
to the historic character of buildings and
structures, the rehabilitation of historic
buildings and structures, and the preser-
vation criteria of State and local
statutes.
Regulations for certifying the historic
significance of structures and certifica-
tion of rehabilitations were published
as interim regulations and for comment
in the FEDERAL REGISTER on March 15,
1977 (42 FR 14121). These interim regu-
lations are still in effect. These regula-
tions for certifying State and local stat-
utes under section 2124(a) will be an ad-
dition to 36 CFR Part 67 as published on
March 15, 1977. They are published sep-
arately in the interim but will be fully
integrated when the regulations are pub-
lished in final.
Since certification of a State or local
statute under this process provides sig-
nificant tax benefits for historic struc-
tures in districts designated thereunder,
certification is likely to be a significant
and beneficial impetus to rehabilitation
*and upgrading of properties in historic
districts. The Department of the Interior
urges State and local governments to
evaluate the social implications of im-
provements in such districts to assure
that the residents in these districts are
provided for, as appropriate.
When the certification of State
statutes will have an impact on districts
in specific localities, the Department of
the Interior urges State governments to
notify and consult with appropriate lo-
cal officials prior to submitting a request
for certification of the statute.
For structures in State or locally des-
ignated historic districts where the
statute has been certified, requests for
certification of the historic significance
or rehabilitation of individual structures
within such districts should be made in
accord with the interim regulations 'of
March 15, 1977, 36 CFR Part 67. The
certification of significance of such struc-
tures will be made or denied upon an
evaluation of whether the strucure eon -
tributes to the significance of the State
or locally designated district, based upon
the documentation submitted on the
structure and the district in which it is
located. Certifications of rehabilitation
will be based on whether or not the reha-
bilitation is consistent with the historic
character of the structure or the district
in which the'structure is located.
It is the policy of the Department of
the Interior, whenever practicable, to of-
fer the public an opportunity to "partici-
pate in the rulemaking process. Accord-
ingly, interested persons may submit
written comments, suggestions, or objec-
tions regarding the proposed regulations
to the Chief, Office of Archeology and
Historic Preservation, National Park
Service, Department of the Interior,
Washington, D.C.. 20240, on or before
September 8, 1977. However, inasmuch as
taxpayers are already requesting that
certifications . be made under the Tax
Reform Act, the process set forth below
will be utilized as interim regulations
until such time as the proposed regula-
tions, as they may be amended, are pub-
lished in final.
This rulemaking is developed under
the authority of section 101(a) (1) of the
National Historic Preservation Act of
1966, 16 U.S.C. 470a -1(a) (1970 ed.), as
amended, and section 2124 of the Tax Re-
form Act of 1976, 90 Stat. 1519. In com-
pliance with the National Environmental
Policy Act of 1969 (42 U,B.C. 4331, et seq.)
the National Park Service has prepared
1
an environmental assessinerit of these
proposed. regulations. Based on this as-
sessment, it is determined that imple-
mentation of the proposed regulations is
not a major Federal action that would
have *a- significant effect on the quality
of the human .environment and "that an
environmental impact statement is not
.required. The assessment, which is on file
in the office of the Chief, Office of Arche-
ology and Historic Preservation, National
Park Service, Department of the Interior,
Washington, D.C. 20240, is available for
public inspection, and will be available
for public comment for a period running
concurrently with the comment period
for these proposed regulations. -
The originator of these regulations is
Carol Shull, Historian, National Register
of Historic Places (202523-5483).
Accordingly, section_ 67 is amended by
adding a new §. 67.9 entitled Certification
of State or Local Statutes. These regula-
tions are in intim effect as of this date
of publication to read as follows:
§ 67.9 Certification of State or Local
Statutes.
(a) State or local statutes which will
be certified by the Secretary of the In-
terior. For the purpose of this regulation,
a State or local statute is a law of the
State or local government designating a
historic district or districts, including
any by-laws or ordinances pertaining to
the district or districts designated there-
under. Such statutes must contain cri-
teria which will substantially achieve the
purpose of preserving and rehabilitating
buildings of historic significance to the
district. To be certified by the Secretary
of the Interior, the statute generally.
must provide for a duly designated re-
view body, such as a review board or
commission, with power to review pro-
posed alterations to structures within
the boundaries of the district or districts
designated under the statute. State en-
abling legislation for the creation of his-
toric districts not containing the mini-
mum criteria above will not be certified.
When the certification of State statutes
will have an impact on districts in spe-
cific localities, the Department of the
Interior urges States governments to no-
tify and consult with appropriate local
officials prior to submitting a request for
certification of the statute.
(b) Who may apply. Requests for cer-
tification of State or local statutes may
be made only by the duly authorized rep-
resentative of the government which en-
acted the statute. The applicant shall
certify that he or she is authorized by
the governing body to apply for certifica-
tion.
(c) Certification process. Requests for
certification of statutes as required under
section 2124(a) of the Tax Reform Act of
1976 shall be made as.follows:
(1) Requests for certifications of stat-
utes shall be submitted to the appropriate
State Historic Preservation Officer and
accompanied by the following:
(i) A written request from the author-
/ ized representative of the government
that enacted the statute(s) including the
certification required by paragraph (b)
of this section.
(ii)- A copy of the statute or statutes
for which certification is requested, in-
cluding by-laws and/or ordinances, if
any, which pertain to district(s) already
designated under the statute(s).
(iii) Local governments shall submit a
copy of the State enabling legislation, if
any, authorizing the designation of his-
toric districts:
(2) Documentation on each district
designated under the statute shall be
submitted in duplicate, including a:
(i) Description;
(ii) Statement of significance;
(iii) Map defining boundaries of dis-
trict;
(iv) Representative photographs of
the district including streetscape photo-
graphs.
One copy of the documentation will be
forwarded to the Keeper of the National
Register. Where practical the documen-
tation on each district should accompany
the request for certification. If not, the
documentation must be submitted to the
State Historic Preservation Officer and
the Keeper of the National Register be-
fore the Secretary of the Interior will
process requests for certification of an
individual structure within the district
or districts for which the request for cer-
tification of statute(s) has been made.
This also applies to documentation on
additional districts designated under
State or local statutes certified prior to
the designation of such districts.
(3) The State Historic Preservation
Officer shall review the statute(s) and the
documentation on the district(s) pro-
tected thereunder and make an assess-
ment of whether the statute(s) contain
criteria which will substantially achieve
the purposes of preserving and rehabili-
' tating buildings of historic significance
to the district(s) based upon the stand-
ards set out above in paragraph (a) of
this section. If the statute(s) contain
such a provision and if, in the opinion
of the State Historic Preservation Officer,
this and other provisions in the statute
will substantially achieve the purpose of
preserving and rehabilitating buildings
of historic significance to the district, the
State Historic Preservation Officer should
recommend that the statute be certified.
(4) The State Historic Preservation
Officer shall forward the request with the
accompanying documentation as speci-
fied in paragraph (c) of this section with
his written recommendation as to
whether the statute should be certified
to the Keeper of the National Register,
Office of Archeology and Historic Preser-
vation, National Park Service, Depart-
ment of the Interior, Washington, D.C.
20240. The State Historic Preservation
Officer shall forward the request with his
recommendation within 45 days of re-
ceipt of the request by the duly author-
ized representative: Provided, The re-
quest is submitted in accord with
paragraph (c) of this section. If this pe-
riod has expired without such actions be-
ing taken the duly authorized represen-
tative of the State or local government
may submit the request for certification
of the statute(s) directly to the Keeper
of the National Register in accord with
'paragraph (c) of this section.
(5) The Keeper .of the National Reg-
ister shall review the request and the
recommendation of the State Historic
Preservation Officer and make a decision
as to certification. If, in the opinion of
the Keeper of the National Register, the
statute(s) contain criteria which will
UClc. 1 CI, JYL.t GL -1"S CZia
/C
(FR 42 ; Aug. 10 )
•
• / .
2
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'substantially achieve the purpose of
preserving and rehabilitating buildings
of historic significance to the district,
the Secretary will certify the statute (s) .
(6) The Keeper of the National Reg-
ister shall provide written notification
to the applicant and the appropriate
State Historic Preservation Officer when
certification of tile statute is given or
denied within 45 days of -receipt of the
request for certification. If certification
is denied, the notification will provide a
justification for such denial.
(d) Certification of such statutes un-
der this regulation in no way constitutes
certification of significance of individual
structures within the district or of the
rehabilitation by the Secretary for pur-
poses of section 2324. Regulations for
obtaining certifications of significance
and rehabilitation pursuant to section
2124 are contained in 36 CFR 67.4
through 67.7. The Secretary of the In-
terior will certify the significance of in-
dividual structures within such districts
after an evaluation -of whether the struc-
ture contributes to the significance of the
State or locally designated district based
upon the documentation submitted on
the structure and the district in which
it is located. Certifications of rehabilita-
tion will be based on whether or not the
rehabilitation is consistent with the his-
toric character of the structure or the
district in which it is located.
(e) For appeals, refer to 36 CFR 67.8,
Appeals, Historic Preservation Certifica-
tions Pursuant to the Tax Reforth Act
of 1976.
(f) State or local governments, as ap-
propriate, must notify the Secretary of
the Interior and the Secretary of the
Treasury, in the event that certified
statutes are amended in any respect or
repealed.
Approved: July 27, 1977.
WILLIAM J. WHALEN,
Director, National Park Service.
[FR Doc.77-23010 Filed 8-9-77;8:45 am]
CHAPTER 32
LANDMARKS PRESERVATION
§ 32.1 Short title
This Chapter shall be known and may be cited as "The City of
Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Ordinance."
§ 32.2 Purpose and intent of Chapter
The purpose of this Chapter is to:
1. Promote the educational, cultural, economic and general
welfare of the public through the protection, enhancement
and perpetuation of landmarks and districts of historic and
cultural significance;
2. Safeguard the City's historic, aesthetic and cultural herit-
age by preserving landmarks and districts of historical and
cultural significance;
3. Stabilize and improve property values;
4. Foster civic pride in the legacy of beauty and achievements
of the past;
5. Protect and enhance the City's attractions to tourists and
visitors and the support and stimulus to business thereby
provided;
6. Strengthen the economy of the City; and
7. Promote the use of landmarks and districts of historic and
cultural significance as sites for the education, pleasure
and welfare of the people of the City.
§ 32.3 Definitions
As used in this Chapter:
1. "Alteration permit" shall mean a permit issued by the Building
Commissioner which is necessary before any work can be started
which will occasion a material change in the use or appearance of
a landmark or a structure, memorial or site within an historic dis-
trict.
§ 32.3 MUNICIPAL CODE
2. "Certificate of appropriateness" shall mean a document evi-
dencing approval by the landmarks preservation commission of a -
`_proposal to make a material change of use or appearance which must
be obtained before an alteration permit may be issued.
3. "Historic district" shall mean an area which contains im-
provements which
a. Have special character or special historical or aesthet-
ical interest or value; and
b. Represent one or more periods or styles of architecture
typical of one or more eras in the history of the City;
and
c. Cause such area, by reason of such factors, to consti-
tute a visibly perceptible section of the City.
4. "Landmark" shall mean a structure, memorial or site, or a
group of structures or memorials, including the adjacent areas
necessary for the proper appreciation of the landmark, deemed wor-
thy of preservation by reason of its value to the City as
a. An outstanding example of a structure or memorial repre-
sentative of its era, either past or present;
b. One of the few remaining examples of a past architectur-
al style or combinations of style;
c. A place where an historical event of significance to
the City, region, state or nation, or representative
activity of a past era took place; or any structure,
memorial or site which has a special character, special
historical and aesthetic interest and value as part of
.the development, heritage and cultural characteristics
of the City of Ithaca, including sites of natural or
ecological interest.
5. "Material change of use or appearance" shall mean material
change -of use or appearance and includes
_a... Any change in the type or use of land or of a structure
or memorial;
b. Change or reconstruction or alteration of the size or
19.2
LANDMARKS PRESERVATION
§ 32.4
external appearance of a structure or memorial;
c. Change in the intensity of the use of land, such as an
increase in the number of businesses, manufacturing es-
tablishments, offices or dwelling units in a structure;
d. Demolition of a structure or memorial;
e. Commencement of excavation;
f. Deposit of refuse, waste or fill on land not already
used for that purpose," or which extends the height of
any existing deposit above the level of the land adjoin-
ing the site;
Commencement of or change in the location of advertising
on the external part of any structure; and
h. Alteration of a shore, bank, or flood plain of a river,
stream, channel or of any lake, pond or artificial body
of water.
g•
§ 32.4 Commission created, organized; appointment, terms of
members
To effectuate the goals of this Chapter there is hereby estab-
lished in and for the City of Ithaca a commission to be known as
the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission.
A. Membership.
The Commission shall consist of seven (7) members.
B. Appointment.
Members of the Commission shall be appointed by the Mayor with
the advice and consent of the Common Council. Three (3) members
shall be selected each of whom shall possess professional quali-
fications evidencing expertise in architecture, city planning or
conservation in general. Two (2) members shall be selected to
represent the cultural interests of the community and two (2) mem-
bers shall be selected to represent the commercial interests of
the community.
C. Terms.
§.32.4 MUNICIPAL CODE
The original appointment of the members of the Commission shall
be, three (3) for one year, two for (2) years, and two (2) for
-three (3) years, from January first following the year of such ap-
pointment or until their successor is named to serve out the un-
expired portion of their term of appointment or until their suc-
cessor is appointed to serve for the term of three (3) years.
D. Vacancies.
Vacancies occurring in the Commission, other than expiration of
term of office, shall be filled by appointment by the Mr, but
such appointment shall be only for the unexpired portionofthe
member replaced.
E. Reappointment.
Members may serve for more than one term and each member shall
serve until the appointment of a successor.
F. Method of selection to fill vacancies.
Vacancies shall be filled by the Mayor according to the original
selection as aforesaid.
G. Compensation.
Members shall serve without compensation.
H. Quorum.
A majority of the Commission shall constitute a quorum for the
transaction of business.
§ 32.5 Organization of Commission
A. Officers.
The Landmarks Preservation Commission shall elect from its mem-
bership a Chairman and a Vice -Chairman whose terms of office shall
be fixed by the Commission. The Chairman shall preside over the
Commission and shall have the right to vote. The Vice -Chairman
shall, in cases of absence or disability of the Chairman, perform
the duties of the Chairman.
B. Secretary.
3
LANDMARKS PRESERVATION § 32.6
The Planning Officer or his'designee shall serve as the Sec-
retary to the Commission. The Secretary shall keep a record of
all resolutions, proceedings and actions of the Landmarks Pre-
servation Commission.
C. Meetings; rules.
The Commission shall adopt rules for the transaction of its bus-
- iness which shall provide for the time and place of holding regu-
lar meetings. Regular meetings shall be held at least once each
`month. ,They shall provide for the calling of special meetings by
the Chairman or by at least three (3) members of the Commission.
All regular or special meetings of the Commission shall be open
to the public, and any person shall be entitled to appear and be
heard on a matterbefore the Commission before it reaches its de-
cision.
D. Records; annual report.
The Commission shall keep a record, which shall be open to the
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 constitute approval of plans before it for review, or for
the adoption of any resolution, motion or other action of the Com-
mission. The Commission shall submit an annual report of its ac-
tivities to the Mayor and make such recommendations to the Common
Council as it deems necessary to carry out the principles of this
Article.
§ 32.6 Powers of the Commission
A. Designation of landmarks.
The Commission may designate landmarks and districts of historic
and cultural significance. The Commission may proceed at their
own initiative or upon a request from any person, group or associ-
ation.
B. Public hearing.
In no event shall a landmark or district be designated until the
Commission has conducted a public hearing thereon. In the event
that architectural style is a basis for such a designation, the
Commission shall not proceed to designate any landmark or district
until the record illustrates the existence of expert opinion favor-
able to such a designation.
Supp. #1, April 8, 1976.
32.5
§ 32.6 MUNICIPAL CODE
C. Filing of designation.
__ Within seven (7) days after designation of a landmark or histor-
ic district, the Commission shall file a copy of such designation
with the Planning Board and with the Common Council. Within sixty
(60) days of the designation by the Commission, the Planning Board
shall file a report with the Council with respect to the relation
of such designation to the master plan, the zoning laws, projected
public improvements and any plans for the renewal of the site or
area involved. The Council shall within ninety (9) days of said
designation approve, disapprove or refer back to the Commission
for modification. Any designation approved by the Council shall
be in effect on and after the date of approval by the Council.
D. Alteration permit required.
After approval of a designation by the Council, no material
change in the use or appearance of a landmark or a structure,
memorial or site within an historic district shall be made or
permitted to be made by the owner or occupant thereof unless and
until an alteration permit shall have been obtained.
E. Review of plans.
After approval of a designation by the Council, it shall be the
duty of the Landmarks Preservation Commission to review all plans
for any and all material changes of use or appearance of a land-
mark or of a structure, memorial or site within any historic dis-
trict and it shall have the power to pass upon such plans before
a permit for such activity can be granted; provided that the Com-
mission shall pass only on such exterior features of such a change
as are visible from the public way, and shall not consider interior
arrangements. The Colluiission shall issue a certificate of appro-
priateness if it approves the plans submitted to it for review.
The Commission shall approve the plans only if it finds that one
of the following conditions applies:
1. The proposed work in creating, changing, destroying or
affecting the exterior architectural features of the im-
provement or site upon which the work is to be done will
not have a substantial adverse effect on the aesthetic,
historical or architectural significance and value of
either the landmark or, if the improvement is within a
district, of the neighboring._improvements: in such dis-
trict. In considering architectural and cultural value
the Commission shall consider whether the proposed change
Supp. #1, April 8, 1976.
r
A
LANDMARKS PRESERVATION § 32.6
is consistent with the historic value and the spirit of
the architectural style of the landmark or district;
2. That the denial of a certificate of appropriateness
would prevent the owner of the landmark or improvement
within a district from earning a.reasonable return on
his property subject to this regulation; or
In the case of a non-commercial use, that the denial of
a Certificate of Appropriateness will seriously inter-
fere with the use of the property.
The Building Commissioner shall not issue an alteration permit
until such certificate of appropriateness has been issuedby the
Commission. [Subd. E amd. by Ord. passed 10/1/75.]
F. Demolition of structures.
Demolition of structures erected on landmark sites or within
historic districts and deemed by the Commission to be of a particu-
lar architectural or historical significance shall be prohibited
unless, upon application and hearing the Commission finds that
either:
1. In the case of commercial property, that prohibition of
demolition preventsthe owner,of the property from earn-
ing a reasonable return; or
2. In the case of non-commercial property, all of the fol-
lowing:
(i) that preservation of the structure will seriously
interfere with the use of the property;
(ii) that the structure is not capable of conversion to
a useful purpose without excessive costs; and
(iii) that the cost of maintaining the structure without
use would entail serious expenditure all in the light of
the purposes and resources of the owner.
In the event that upon application and hearing the Commission
shall determine that an exception to the prohibition of demolition
as set forth above exists, the Commission may, notwithstanding such
determination, if it finds that the structure is of unique value,
deny permission to demolish.
Supp. #1, April 8, 1976.
32.7
LANDMARKS PRESERVATION § 32.6
Provided, however that a denial of permission to demolish shall
prohibit demolition for no more'than 90 days from the date of the
hearing on said application, unless at the expiration of 90 days
adjustments have been made which negate the findings of either
,sub -paragraph 1 or 2 above. During this 90 -day period, the Com-
mission will endeavor to work out with the owner an economically
feasible plan for the preservation of such structure, provided
that, subject to approval of Common Council the City shall reimburse
the owner any difference between a fair return and the return he
might reasonably have obtained using the structure in its then
state. [Subd. F amd. by Ord passed 10/1/75.]
G. Exemption from taxation.
The Landmarks Preservation Commission may recommend that. the
Common Council of the City of Ithaca exercise its authority to
exempt such structures as may be designated by the Commission as
having historical and architectural value, from municipal taxa-
tion for such period of years as the Council may determine; pro-
vided however, that the owners of said structures, for themselves,
their heirs and assigns, shall agree by covenants contained in.
duly executed instruments capable of being recorded, with the Com-
mission and the City of Ithaca, that the said structures shall
never be altered or demolished without the approval of the Land -
[Next page is 32.8]
Supp. #1, April 8, 1976.
§ 32.6 MUNICIPAL CODE
marks Preservation Commission.
H. Gifts and grants-in-aid.
The Commission shall maintain a constant effort to seek out and
obtain state and federal funds available for Landmark and Historic
District Preservation. The Commission may solicit and accept
- gifts which enable it to finance arrangements entered into pursu-
ant to Subdivision F above. _
I. City improvements.
Plans for the material change of use or appearance of any im-
provement or proposed improvement which (1) is owned by the City
and (2) is or is to be located on a landmark site or in an his-
toric district, shall, prior to City action approving or other-
wise authorizing the use of such plans with respect to securing
the performance of such work, be referred by the agency of the
City having responsibility for the preparation of such plans to
the Commission for a report. Such report shall be submitted to
the Mayor and to the agency having such responsibility within
thirty (30) days after such referral. No officer or agency of
the City whose approval is required by law for the construction
or effectuation of a city -aided project shall approve the plans
or proposal for, or application for approval of, such project,
unless, prior to such approval, such officer or agency has re-
ceived from the Commission a report on such plans, proposals or
application for approval.
J. Investigations and studies.
The Commission shall make such investigations and studies of
matters relating to the protection, enhancement, perpetuation or
use of landmarks and historic districts, and to the restoration
of landmarks as the Commission may, from time to time, deem neces-
sary or appropriate for the effectuation of the purposes of this
Chapter, and may submit reports and recommendations as to such
matters to the Mayor and other agencies of the City. In making
such investigations and studies, the Commission may hold public
hearings and call upon experts as it may deem necessary or appro-
priate.
§ 32.7 Procedure to obtain alteration permit
A. Application for alteration permit.
Supp. #1, April 8, 1976.
LANDMARKS PRESERVATION § 32.7
It shall be the duty of the Building Commissioner to accept appli-
cations for the alteration permits required by this enactment. In_
the event that a building permit would be required to proceed with.
the proposed development notwithstanding the provisions of this
Chapter, the application for a building permit shall be treated
as an application for an alteration permit.
B. Information and exhibits required.
\ Application for an alteration permit shall be made to the Build-
ing Commissioner. In the event that the application is made by way
of an application for a building permit, the application will state
that the work is to be done on a landmark or within an historical
district. Drawings and/or sketches and photographs illustrating
the applicant's proposal 'shall be submitted. These exhibits shall
show the structure, memorial or site in question and shall illus-
trate the visual impact the proposed change will have upon it and
its surroundings. Where facade changes are proposed in an histor-
ic district their effect upon adjoining properties must be shown.
C. Referral to Commission.
Upon the filing -of such application, the Building Commissioner
shall immediately notify the Landmarks Preservation Commission
of the receipt of such application and shall transmit it together
with accompanying plans • and other information to the Commission,
unless it pertains solely to the interior of the structure.
D. Meeting to review plans; time limit...
The Landmark's Preservation Commission shall meet within fourteen
(14) days after notification by the Building Commissioner of the
filing, unless otherwise mutually agreed upon by the applicant and
Commission, and shall review the plans according to the duties and
powers specified herein. In reviewing the plans, the Commission
may confer with the applicant or his authorized representative for
the alteration permit.
E. Approval or disapproval.
The Commission shall approve or disapprove such plans, and if
approved shall issue a certificate of appropriateness, which is
to be signed by the Chairman, attached to the application for an
alteration permit and .immediately transmitted to -the uilding
Commissioner.
32.9
§ 32.7
MUNICIPAL CODE
F. Disapproval; reasons to be stated.
If the Commission disapproves of such plans, it shall state its
reasons for doing so and shall transmit a record of such action
and reasons therefor, in writing, to the Building Commissioner and
to the applicant. The Commission may advise what it thinks is
proper if it disapproved of the plans submitted. The applicant,
if he so desires, may make modifications to his plans and shall
have the right to resubmit his application at any time after so
doing.
G. Certificate of appropriateness.
No alteration permit shall be issued authorizing a material
change in use or appearance of a landmark or of a structure, mem-
orial or site within an historic district until a certificate of
appropriateness has been filed with the Building Commissioner. In
the event the Commission disapproves of a proposed plan, its no-
tice of disapproval shall be binding upon the Building Commissioner
and no permit shall be issued in such a case. The failure of the
Commission to act within forty-five (45) days from the date of an
application filed with it, unless an extension is agreed upon
mutually by the applicant and the Commission, shall be deemed to
constitute approval. In the event, however, that the Commission
shall make a finding of fact that the circumstances of a particular
application require further time for additional study and informa-
tion than can be obtained within the aforesaid period of forty-five
(45) days, then in said event the Commission shall have a period
of up to ninety (90) days within which to act upon such an appli-
cation.
H. Inspections after granting.
After the certificate of appropriateness has been issued and
the permit granted to the applicant, the Building Commissioner
shall from time to time inspect the construction, alteration or
repair approved by such certificate and shall take such action as
is necessary to enforce compliance with the approved plans.
I. Ordinary maintenance.
Nothing in this Chapter shall be construed to prevent ordinary
maintenance or repair oP any structure within an historic district
= or on a landmark site. - - - - - -- -
32.10
r ;q
LANDMARKS PRESERVATION- § 32.10
§ 32.8 Cooperation of other :of-ficials
As an aid toward cooperation in matters which concern the integ-
rity of the designated landmarks and historical districts, all pub-
lic officials shall upon request furnish to the Commission within
a reasonable time the available maps, plans, reports, statistical
or other information the Commission may require for its work.
§ 32.9 Appeals from rulings and determinations of Commission
Appeals may be taken to the Common Council by any person aggrieved
'by a ruling or determination.of the Landmarks Preservation Commis-
sion.
§ 32.10 Violations and penalties.
For every violation of any provision of this Chapter the owner,
general agent, tenant, occupant or contractor of a structure, mem-
orial.. or site involved shall be guilty of an offense punishable
by a fine not exceeding fifty ($50.00) dollars or by imprisonment
for a period not exceeding sixty (60) days, or both. Each week's.
continued breach shall constitute a separate additional violation.
In addition, the City shall have such other remedies as are pro-
vided by law to enforce the provisions of this Chapter.
Authority: Gen Mun L.§ 96-a (2nd so numbered).
Cross -References:
Building Code Enforcement; Chapter -26.
Housing Code, Chapter 27.
Zoning, Chapter 30.
(See p. 32.12 for designated historic districts.)
References:
City is proper party to prevent state agency from
demolishing building designated by city landmarks
preservation commission. Montgomery v. State, 1972,
69 Misc 2d 127, affd 43AD2d 552, appeal dismissed
33 NY 2d 1008.
Zoning - Historic. County is subject to and must obtain
a demolition permit from city's Landmarks Preservation
Commission before a building designated as an historic
landmark can be demolished. (Authorityto enact historic
zoning ordinance is set forth in Gen Mun L § 96-a).
City of Ithaca v. Co. of Tompkins, 77 Misc 2d 882.
Supp. f2, April 6, 1977.
32.11
LANDMARKS PRESERVATION COMMISSION
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
RULES OF PROCEDURE
Adopted by the Commission, April 28, 1971
Amended 10 April 1972
Sec. 101 GENERAL GOVERNING RULES
The Landmarks Preservation Commission shall be governed by the provisions of all
applicable state statutes, local laws, ordinances and these rules.
Sec. 201 OFFICERS AND DUTIES
(1) Chairman and Vice -Chairman
The Commission shall elect annually from its membership by a majority vote
of the members attending a Chairman and Vice -Chairman who may be elected to succeed
themselves. The term of office of the Chairman and Vice -Chairman shall be one year.
This election shall be held at the first regular meeting of the year. The Chairman,
or in his absence or incapacity the Vice -Chairman, shall decide all points of order
or procedure and may administer oaths, and compel the attendance of witnesses.
(2) Secretary
In accordance with Section 1 of the Landmarks Ordinance, as codified, the
Planning Officer or his designee shall act as Secretary. The Secretary shall keep
all records, conduct all correspondence of the Commission and supervise the clerical
work of the Commission. The Secretary shall keep a minute book of the proceedings
of each meeting and hearing which shall include the vote of each member on each
designation and approval of Certificate of Appropriateness or if absent or failing
to vote, indicating such fact; the names and addresses of all witnesses, a summary of
the facts on which the decision is based, and the decision rendered, and other
official actions of the Commission.
Sec. 301 MEETINGS
(1) Quorum
A quorum shall consist of a majority of the Commission.
(2) Time of Meeting
a. Regular meetings shall be held on the second Monday of each month
at such hour as the Chairman may designate. The first regular meeting in
January shall constitute the annual organization meeting of the Commission.
b. Special meetings may be called by the Chairman at any time provided
that at least 48 hours notice shall be given each member before a special
meeting is held. A special meeting.may be called -by any three members of the
Commission provided reasonable notice is given to all the members.
(3) Cancellation of Meetings ,
Whenever there are no designations or other pertinent business to be
considered at a regular meeting, the Chairman may dispense with such meeting by so
notifying each member at least 1+8 hours prior to the time set for such meeting.
(1+) Order of Business
The order of business shall be:
a. Roll Call
b. Public hearings
c. Approval of minutes
d. Action on held cases
e. Action on new cases
f. Other business
g. Adjournment
(5) Voting and Disqualification of Members
All matters shall be decided by amajority vote of those present and a roll
call vote may be requested by any member. A roll call vote must be held in case
of designation of a property, and in case of final action pertaining to
demolitions and alterations. No member of the Commission shall sit in hearing
or vote on any matter in which he shall be beneficially interested.*
*Recognizing that there are ways, other than attending hearings, by which a member
of the Commission may become fully acquainted with the pros and cons of a designa-
tion, it is the intention of this Commission to depend on the discretion of the
individual member as to whether he has sufficient information to allow him to
render a fair judgment at the final vote. A member may abstain from voting or
disqualify himself from participating in the final discussion and voting, for
lack of information, or by reason of beneficial interest as a result of family
or other personal connections, or financial interest in the -property concerned
or adjacent.
per Minutes of 28 April 1971
Sec. 401 PUBLIC HEARINGS PERTAINING TO A DESIGNATION
(1) Open Meetings
All regular or special meetings shall be open to the public and shall be
considered public hearings for purposes of designations and other business
requiring public hearings.
(2) Notice of Hearings
No designation shall be decided until after due notice has been given and a
public hearing has been held thereon. Due notice of a hearing shall be as follows:
a. By publication of a notice thereof once in one official paper of the city
at least fifteen (15) days before the date of hearing.
b. The Commission shall mail notice of the hearing to the owner of the
property to be considered or his attorney or agent at least fifteen (15) days be-
fore the date of the public hearing.
c. The Commission shall also, in the case of a designation of a Historic
District, and, insofar as practicable, mail notices of the hearing to all property
owners as appears on the latest tax roll of the city, within a two hundred foot
(200') radius of the premises affected by the designation. Such notices shall be
mailed to the street address of the properties within 200' radius regardless of
whether or not the owner resides therein, unless the Commission has definite know-
ledge of other addresses of absentee owners. Notice of the hearing shall also be
sent to the councilmen of the district within which the proposed Historic District
is located. Compliance with this sub -paragraph shall not be a condition precedent
to proper legal notice and no hearing or action taken thereon shall be deemed
invalid or illegal because of any failure to mail the notices proviced for in this
sub -paragraph.
(3) Conduct of Public Hearings
Any person may appear in person, by agent or attorney at any public hearing.
The order of proceedings in the hearing of each case at a public hearing shall be
as follows:
a. Reading of the public notice of the hearing by the Chairman.
b. .Reading of pertinent written commends or reports concerning the designation.
c. Witnesses in favor of the designation.
d. Witnesses in opposition to the designation.
e. Rebuttals.
The Chairman or any member of the Commission may require any witness to swear
or affirm that his or her statements of fact are true.
(4+) Rehearings
No request for a reconsideration of a decision shall be accepted at any time,
if it appears that no substantial change in facts, evidence, or conditions of the
property has occurred.
Sec. 402 PUBLIC HEARINGS PERTAINING TO AN APPLICATION FOR
A MATEEIAL CHANGE OF USE OR APPEARANCE, OR DEMOLITION
(1) Time of Hearings
Within fourteen (14+) days after notification by the Building Inspector
of an application for an alteration or demolition permit, unless the applicant
waives the right to have a meeting within fourteen (14+) days in a writing sub-
scribed by the applicant or his duly authorized agent or attorney, the Commission
shall meet to review the said application.
(2) Notice
The Commission shall cause to be published notice of any hearing pertaining
to an application for a material change of use or appearance, or demolition, at
least three days in advance thereof.
(3) Conduct of Hearings
The order of proceedings in the hearing of each application shall be as
follows:
(a) Reading of the application for a material change of use or appearance,
or demolition, by the Chairman.
(b) Decision by the Commission that the application complies in all respects
with Section 2)+-6(b) as codified of the Landmarks Preservation Ordinance.
In the event that the equivalent information is already on file with the
Commission, the applicant may reduce his documentation accordingly.
(c) Witnesses in favor of the application.
(d) Witnesses in opposition to the application.
(e) Rebuttals.
(f) The Commission may on their own motion call upon persons who could
qualify as experts in a court of law to testify amicus curiae upon any
issue raised within their own professional competence.
(g) The Chairman or any member of the Commission may require any witness
to swear or affirm that his statements of fact are true.
(4) Rehearings
No request for a reconsideration of a decision shall be accepted at any time,
if it appears that no substantial change in facts, evidence, or conditions of the
property has occurred.
Sec. 501 DECISIONS
(1) Form of Decisions
All decision of the Landmarks Preservation Commission shall be by resolution.
The basis for the determination of each decision, and a detailed summary of the
facts upon which the determination is made, shall be recorded in the decision and
shall constitute a part of the record thereof.
(2) Filing of Decisions
(a) Within seven days after designation of a Landmark or Historic District,
the Commission shall file a copy of such designation with the Planning Board, with
the City Building Commissioner, and with the Common Council. Any designation
approved by the Council shall be final and in effect on andafter the date of
approval by the Council.
(b) With reference to applications for permission to make a material change
in use or appearance, a Certificate of Appropriateness shall take the form of a
letter signed by the Chairman listing in detail the approved changes. Copies of
the Certificate of Appropriateness shall be sent to the Building Commissioner,
the applicant, and when appropriate, the record owner of the affected parcel.
(3) Emergency Repairs
Any two members of the Commission may authorize temporary emergency repairs
affecting the exterior of a designated building when necessary in the opinion of
the Building Commissioner to correct an unsafe or dangerous condition. Permanent
repairs can be approved only by the Commission as a whole.
Sec. 601 APPEALS
(1) Time Limit for Appeals
An appeal must be made within 60 days after the action of the Commission
which is being appealed from.
(2) Filing of Appeals
The applicant shall file his appeal in duplicate with the Secretary of
the Commission; one copy of which shall be forwarded to the Secretary of the
Common Council of the City of Ithaca. Appeals shall be signed by property
owners or a certified agent.
Sec. 701 AMENDMENTS
These rules may be amended at any regular meeting by an affirmative vote
of not less.than four voting members of the Commission, provided that such
amendment has been presented in writing to each member of the Commission at least
18 hours preceding the meeting at which the vote is taken.