For the purposes of this chapter, demolition includes the removal of all or part of a historical artifact either for disposal or otherwise its relocation from within the town boundaries.

Application for a demolition permit for a historical artifact is approvable by the planning commission, with appeal to the city council. In approving applications for demolition permits, the planning commission shall make findings that an emergency exists that threatens the public health, welfare or safety; and that no feasible alternative can be found to ensure the preservation of the historical artifact within the town. Where no threat to public health, welfare or safety can be identified, the planning commission shall consider whether the preservation of the historical artifact leaves the property with significantly diminished property value. A finding based on significantly diminished property value shall require documentation by independent experts and a finding that no feasible alternative can be found to ensure the preservation of the historical artifact within the town.

Once an application for a demolition permit is deemed complete by the building official, the planning commission shall conduct a public hearing on the application within sixty days. Appeals to the planning commission’s decision must be filed within ten days in accordance with Chapter 17.06 to the city council. Copies of the permit application and supporting materials shall be filed with the historical artifact inventory as a permanent record of the alteration. (Ord. 567 § 1 (part), 2007)