§ 70-50. Powers.

In order to preserve, promote, and develop the historic resources of the city and to accomplish the purposes set forth in the Mississippi Local Government Historic Preservation Act of 1978 (MCA 1972, § 39-13-1 et seq.) and in this chapter:

(1)

The commission shall implement, provide for, plan to conduct or conduct or cause to be conducted, studies and surveys of architectural, archaeological, cultural and historic resources within the city, if such study has not already been conducted. Such study and survey activity shall be ongoing and updated as necessary.

(2)

The commission shall recommend to the city the adoption of ordinances designating landmarks, landmark sites and historic districts.

(3)

The commission shall review applications proposing erection, alteration, restoration, demolition or moving of any landmark or building located on a landmark site or within a historic district so designated by the board and may grant or deny the certificates of appropriateness in whole or in part and may grant certificates of appropriateness contingent upon the acceptance by the applicant of specified conditions.

(4)

The commission shall not consider interior arrangements of buildings and structures except that it may when requested by the department of archives and history to advise the department on questions relating to the interiors of publicly owned historic buildings. Interior arrangements not to be considered by the commission shall include floor plans, architectural details and finishes, but the commission may consider interior structural elements visible through doors windows if they become deteriorated because of demolition by neglect. Such interior structural elements may include walls, floors and ceilings, as well as other supporting elements of a composite structure.

(5)

The commission shall promulgate and publish such standards and rules of procedure as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter.

(6)

The commission is authorized to apply for, receive, hold and spend funds from private and public sources, in addition to appropriations made by the city for the purpose of carrying out provisions of this chapter.

(7)

No member, employee or agent of the commission shall enter any private building or structure without the express written consent of the owner of record.

(8)

The commission may recommend that the city recognize subdistricts within any historic district in order that the commission may adopt specific guidelines for the regulation of properties within such a subdistrict.

(9)

The commission may, by local ordinance, review proposed governmental actions affecting governmentally owned structures included within local historic districts, located on landmark site or designated as landmarks.

(10)

The commission, subject to the consent of and the requirements of the city, may employ such staff or contract with technical experts or other persons as may be required for the performance of its duties and may obtain the equipment, supplies and other materials necessary for its effective operation.

(Code 1971, § 15½-10; Ord. No. 2004-20(18), 5-25-04)