Zoning Ordinance

3.04.14 HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION AND HISTORIC OVERLAY

DISTRICT:

A. This provision shall entitle an Athens Historic Preservation Commission (AHPC) to:

a. Protect, enhance, and perpetuate resources which represent distinctive and significant elements of the City’s historical, cultural, social, economic, political, archaeological, and architectural identity;

b. Insure the harmonious, orderly, and efficient growth and development of the City;

c. Strengthen civic pride and cultural stability through neighborhood conservation;

d. Stabilize the economy of the City through the continued use, preservation, and revitalization of its resources;

e. Promote the use of historic resources for the education, pleasure, and welfare of the people of the City;

f. Provide a review process for the preservation and development of the City’s resources.

B. Historic Preservation Commission: Composition and Terms

The City of Athens hereby establishes a historic zoning commission, pursuant to the authority granted in Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA) 13-7-401 et seq. The Athens Historic Preservation Commission, hereinafter referred to as “AHPC,” is authorized to preserve, promote, and develop the city’s historic resources and to advise the City on the designation of Local Historic Overlay Districts and Local Conservation Overlay Districts and Local Landmarks and to perform such other functions as may be provided by law.

Creation and Appointment. In accordance with TCA 13-7-403, the Athens Historic Preservation Commission (AHPC) is hereby established. The Athens City Council shall create a seven member Historic Preservation Commission. The AHPC shall consist of a representative of a local patriotic or historical organization; an architect, if available; an Athens City Council member; a current member of the Athens Municipal- Regional Planning Commission at time of appointment; and the remainder shall be from the community in general. AHPC members shall be appointed by the Mayor, subject to confirmation by the Athens City Council. Appointments to membership on the AHPC shall be arranged so that the term of no more than two members shall expire each year and his/her successor(s) shall be appointed in like manner in terms of five (5) years, and members shall serve a maximum of two consecutive terms. All members shall serve without compensation.

C. Powers of the AHPC

The AHPC shall have the following powers:

(1) Title 13, Section 7, Part 4 of the Tennessee Code Annotated entitled “Historic Zoning” is the controlling law applicable to this Ordinance and is made a part hereof as though copied herein verbatim.

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