§ 44-37. Powers and duties.

The powers and duties of the Commission are as follows:

(1)

Undertake an inventory of properties of historical, prehistorical, architectural, and/or cultural significance.

(2)

Recommend to the County Commissioners areas to be designated by ordinance as "historic districts" and individual structures, buildings, sites, areas or objects to be designated by ordinance as "landmarks".

(3)

Recommend to the County Commissioners that designation of any area as a historic district, or part thereof, or designation of any building, structure, site, area or object as a landmark, be revoked or removed for cause.

(4)

Review and act upon proposals for alterations, demolition or new construction within historic districts, or for the alteration or demolition of designated landmarks.

(5)

Conduct an educational program with respect to historic districts and landmarks within its jurisdiction.

(6)

Cooperate with State, Federal, and local governments in pursuance of the purposes of this ordinance, and to offer or request assistance, aid, guidance or advice concerning matters under its purview or of mutual interest. The County Commissioners, or the Commission when authorized by the Commissioners, may contract with the State or the United States, or any agency of either, or with any other organization provided the terms are not inconsistent with State or Federal law.

(7)

Enter, solely in performance of its official duties and only at reasonable times, upon private lands for examination or survey thereof. However, no member, employee or agent of the Commission may enter any private building or structure without express consent of the owner or occupant thereof.

(8)

Prepare and recommend updates to the Cultural Resources Chapter of the Natural and Cultural Systems Element as part of the Comprehensive Plan.

(9)

Recommend to the Board of County Commissioners that it acquire by any lawful means the fee or any lesser included interest, including options to purchase, to properties within established districts or to any such properties designated as landmarks; to hold, manage, preserve, restore and improve the same; and to exchange or dispose of the property by public or private sale, lease or otherwise, subject to covenants or other legally binding restrictions which will secure appropriate rights of public access and promote the preservation of the property.

(Ord. of 04-01-1991, § 1.7, eff. 04-01-1991; Amend. of 2-22-2006, eff. 2-22-2006; Ord. of 10-5-2010, eff. 10-5-2010)