HARC/UDC Amendments Take Effect July 1

Changes to development standards and procedures for properties in the Historic Overlay District or for properties listed on the Historic Resource Survey take effect on July 1. The changes were approved by the City Council in May after a 12-month review and public input process.

The changes to the Unified Development Code affect items reviewed by the Historic and Architectural Review Commission. Primary changes to the existing regulations include:

• Designation of local Historic Landmarks
• Clarification of regulations that apply to contributing versus non-contributing historic structures to a Historic Overlay District
• Clarification on review processes for alterations and new construction, as well as certain site features such as signage and fences, to include review by HARC and historic preservation officer
• Delegation authority of a demolition subcommittee to provide a technical review and recommendation to the full HARC as part of the review process. The demolition subcommittee is a three-member subcommittee consisting of at least two HARC members, one of which shall be a structural engineer, architect or historic preservationist whenever possible, and the City’s building official.

The code changes are listed here.