Your building must meet one of the following for the Historic Preservation Committee to consider a demolition request. It's your responsibility as the applicant to prove that your request meets one of the following criteria:
Criteria A
The site presents a hazard to the safety of the public or to the structures’ occupants.
Criteria B
The site is a deterrent to a major improvement program that will be a large benefit to the community. The proposed improvement must have obtained all necessary approvals. The approvals include planning, zoning, financing, and environmental clearances.
Criteria C
Retaining the resource will cause undue financial hardship to the owner. Situations that may apply:
- Governmental actions
- An act of God
- Other events beyond the owner’s control
The owner will prove that all workable alternatives to end the financial hardship were attempted. This may include offering the resource for sale at its fair market value or moving the resource to a vacant site within the historic district.
Criteria D
Retaining the resource is not in the interest of the majority of the community.
Make sure to have the following prepared before you submit your application:
- Photos of the entire structure, with close ups of the deterioration
- Narrative of why the structure should be demolished
For Criteria A you must include:
At least two reports from an expert describing the current condition of the structure. This is to focus on structural matters.
Structures of over 750 sq ft will need at least two engineering reports from different companies. These reports must include the analysis of the structure and the professionals credentials
At least of two reports from qualified professionals outlining what it would take to stabilize and save the structure.
Site plan, materials list, drawings and narrative explaining how the lot will be treated after demolition.
For Criteria B you must include:
- Complete narrative describing the proposed improvement program/project
- Prove that the project is a benefit to the Community
- That the Community is in support. The community being district neighborhood and the adjacent neighbors
- Prove the building is in the way of this project and no other means exist to remedy the situation
- Provide evidence of financing and compliance with all City Code requirements
- Submit architectural drawings of the proposed program/project including site plan, and materials list
- Time line for beginning and completing the program/project
For Criteria C you must include:
- Narrative explaining: the hardship
- Description on what was done to remedy the hardship. a. owned property
- Disclosure of complete financial status to prove a financial hardship
- Personal income or company income if applicable
- Assets both private and corporate
- All owned property and their value
- Value of subject property
For criteria D include the following:
Narrative showing clear evidence that the community isn't interested in retaining the structure.
Prepare public support in person or via letter to at the HPC meeting and a petition from the community. Focus on the immediate neighborhood. This needs to include both occupants and owners. Its recommended that applicants seek out the affected neighborhood association and business groups that are affiliated with the structure and meet with them before submittal. Include evidence of this meeting and any outcomes as part of the application.