§ 17.38.010. Findings.

It is found that structures, sites and areas of special character or special historical, architectural, archaeological or aesthetic interest or value have been and continue to be unnecessarily destroyed or impaired, despite the feasibility of preserving them. It is further found that the public health, safety and welfare require prevention of needless destruction and impairment, and promotion of the economic utilization and discouragement of the decay and disuse of such structures, sites and areas. The purpose of this chapter is to promote the health, safety and general welfare of the public through:

A.

The protection, enhancement, perpetuation and use of structures, sites and areas that are reminders of past eras, events and persons important in local, state or national history, or which provide significant examples of architectural styles of the past or are landmarks in history or architecture, or which are unique and irreplaceable assets to the city and its neighborhoods, or which provide for this and future generations examples of the physical surroundings in which past generations lived;

B.

The development and maintenance of appropriate settings and environment for such structures;

C.

The enhancement of property values and the stabilization of neighborhoods and areas of the city;

D.

The enrichment of human life in its educational and cultural dimensions by serving aesthetic needs and fostering knowledge of the living heritage of the past.

(Prior code § 1930)