§ 23-651. Purpose and intent, findings of fact.

The purpose and intent of this division is to protect the historic resources of the city through establishing standards for the creation of local historic districts, for nominating properties to the National Register of Historic Places, and for the issuance of certificates of appropriateness for work undertaken in the locally adopted historic district(s).

Findings of fact:

a. There are located within the city districts, sites, buildings, structures, objects and areas, both public and private, which are reminders of past eras, events and persons important in local, state or national history, or which provide significant examples of architectural styles of the past, or which are unique and irreplaceable assets to the city and its neighborhoods, or which provide for this and future generations examples of the physical surroundings in which past generations lived.

b. In recognition of these assets, the historic preservation element of the comprehensive plan was enacted and includes a policy to consider a historic preservation ordinance.

c. A study entitled "Historic Properties Survey of Lake Wales, Florida" was completed by Historic Property Associates, Inc. of St. Augustine Florida in 1988 to catalogue historical buildings in the downtown business district and in those areas that were closely tied historically or stylistically with the downtown.

d. Through the dedicated efforts of local groups and individuals, the value of a district and several sites, buildings, structures, objects and areas, both public and private, have been recognized by their inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places, the state inventory maintained by the division of archives.

e. The recognition, protection, enhancement and use of such resources has a public purpose, being essential to the health, safety, morals and economic, educational, cultural and general welfare of the public, since these efforts result in the enhancement of property values, the stabilization of neighborhoods and areas of the city, the increase of economic benefits to the city and its inhabitants, the promotion of local interest, the enrichment of human life in its educational and cultural dimensions, serving spiritual as well as material needs, and the fostering of civic pride in the beauty and noble accomplishments of the past.

f. It is the policy of the city to encourage beautification and general improvement of and cleanliness within the city by requiring the installation of appropriate landscaping which will enhance the community's ecological, environmental and aesthetic qualities and which will preserve the value of the property.

g. The city commission desires to take advantage of all available state and federal laws and programs that may assist in the development of the city.

(Ord. No. 2008-11, § 7, 5-20-08)