§ 17.60.020. Downtown historic district commission.

A.

The historic district commission established in accordance with the provisions of Sections 17.52.070 and 17.52.080 of this title shall serve as the commission for the downtown historic district.

B.

The downtown merchants association or any other interested organization may submit to the city council names of persons for consideration as members of the historic district commission.

C.

In addition to the requirements of Section 17.52.100(C) of this title, when reviewing applications and plans, the commission shall consider the "traditional main street" concept enunciated in the R/UDAT report, dated May, 1980, and the desirability of new buildings and diversity in architecture.

D.

The local members of the Chesapeake Bay Chapter of the Maryland Society of Architects are authorized to serve as professional advisors to the downtown historic district commission.

E.

The city council is aware that the tasteless use of commercial paint colors under the guise of ordinary maintenance may have a very detrimental effect on buildings in the district and, in fact, do violence to the very intent of the district. Therefore, the commission shall adopt a color chart with a large selection of suitable exterior colors and, in adopting this color chart, employ and consolidate charts from various paint stores, dealers and companies, which shall be kept available in the office of the building inspector for consideration by property owners. The commission shall informally consult with property owners upon request as to possible colors and combinations thereof prior to actual filing of an application by a property owner in order to minimize delay in approval.

(Ord. 1916 § 4, 2004: prior code § 150-122)