§ 30-930.3. Commission of architectural review.

(a)

Established. There is hereby created and established a commission of architectural review, referred to in this division as the "commission."

(b)

Composition; terms of office; compensation. The commission of architectural review shall consist of nine members, one of whom shall be a resident of a City Old and Historic District. The members shall be appointed by the city council for terms of office of three years from the date of appointment. The provisions of section 2-836 of this Code shall be applicable to all members of the commission. Appointments to the commission shall be as follows:

(1)

One shall be appointed from a list of at least three nominees submitted by the Richmond Chapter of the American Institute of Architects;

(2)

One shall be appointed from a list of at least three nominees submitted by the Historic Richmond Foundation;

(3)

One shall be appointed from a list of at least three nominees submitted by the Richmond Association of Realtors; and

(4)

Six shall be citizens of the city appointed at large.

Vacancies on the commission shall be filled in the same manner. One of the at-large members shall serve a concurrent term on the urban design committee of the planning commission. No officer or employee of any organization that may nominate candidates for appointment to the commission shall be appointed as a member of the commission. For members appointed at large, any individual, preservation organization, professional organization, or civic group may nominate individuals to serve on the commission. The members of the commission shall serve as such without compensation.

(c)

Secretary. The director of the department of planning and development review shall appoint a secretary for the commission of architectural review, who shall be a qualified employee of that department. The secretary shall keep a record of all resolutions, proceedings and actions of the commission.

(d)

Responsibilities and duties. The commission of architectural review shall have the power and authority to issue or deny certificates of appropriateness for construction, alteration, reconstruction, repair, restoration, or demolition within any old and historic districts. In addition, the commission shall have the duty to:

(1)

Hold regular meetings for consideration of certificates of appropriateness and other meetings as needed to carry out the responsibilities set forth in this section.

(2)

Assist and advise the city council, the mayor, the chief administrative officer, the planning commission, the board of zoning appeals, property owners and individuals in matters involving historic resources relating to appropriate land use, zoning, and other issues.

(3)

Maintain documentation on historic resources throughout the city.

(4)

Undertake studies for the planning commission and the city council on historic resources of the city for the master plan and other planning efforts.

(5)

Document and recommend to the planning commission and city council the creation and amendment of old and historic districts.

(6)

Adopt architectural guidelines and architectural standards applicable to properties located in old and historic districts.

(7)

Adopt guidelines for the delegation to the secretary of the review and approval of applications for certificates of appropriateness.

(8)

Sponsor educational and informational activities, which publicize historic preservation efforts which include, but are not limited to, speaking engagements, publications, press releases, and audio and visual presentations.

(9)

Investigate and recommend districts, buildings, structures, and sites of historic, architectural or cultural importance to the city, the commonwealth, or the United States of America which should be preserved and protected and report on these historic resources to the mayor, chief administrative officer, city council or planning commission.

(e)

Rules of procedure. The commission of architectural review shall be authorized to adopt rules of procedure for the transaction of its business and implementation of the purposes of this division. The rules of procedure shall not conflict with this division.

(Code 1993, § 32-930.3; Code 2004, § 114-930.3; Ord. No. 2004-360-330, § 1, 12-13-2004; Ord. No. 2009-221-2010-9, § 1, 1-25-2010; Ord. No. 2010-185-198, § 1, 11-22-2010; Ord. No. 2014-73-53, § 1, 4-28-2014; Ord. No. 2017-243, § 1, 1-8-2018)

Cross reference— Boards, commissions, committees and other agencies, § 2-755 et seq.

(Code 1993, § 32-930.3; Code 2004, § 114-930.3; Ord. No. 2004-360-330, § 1, 12-13-2004; Ord. No. 2009-221-2010-9, § 1, 1-25-2010; Ord. No. 2010-185-198, § 1, 11-22-2010; Ord. No. 2014-73-53, § 1, 4-28-2014; Ord. No. 2017-243, § 1, 1-8-2018)

Cross reference

Boards, commissions, committees and other agencies, § 2-755 et seq.