Historic Landmarks Commission Powers & Duties

The commission may adopt and amend bylaws, subject to approval by the Silverton City Council, to regulate its internal operations. For purposes consistent with this ordinance and subject to the approval of the Silverton City Council, the commission may seek, accept, and expend public appropriations; seek, accept, and expend grant and gift funds; cooperate with public and private entities; and employ clerical and expert assistance related to the preservation of significant historic resources.

The commission may undertake to inform the citizens of and visitors to the city regarding the community's history and prehistory; promote research into its history and prehistory; collect and make available materials on the preservation of historic resources; provide information on state and federal preservation programs; document historic resources prior to their alteration, demolition, or relocation and archive that documentation; assist the owners of historic resources in securing funding for the preservation of their properties; and recommend public incentives and code amendments to the Silverton City Council.

The commission may develop and publish or adopt written and graphic guidelines and example materials or clarify the criteria in this ordinance and to assist applicants in developing complete and viable applications. Employing the procedures and criteria in Section 18.13.030 of this ordinance, the commission shall periodically identify, evaluate, and re-evaluate the historic resources of the city and maintain an accurate inventory of historic resources. Additionally, employing the procedures and criteria in Section VI of this ordinance, the commission shall periodically revise the Designated Landmarks Register of the city by adding or deleting properties.

Employing the procedures and criteria in Section 18.13.030 of this ordinance, the commission shall review and act upon applications for the alteration, relocation, or demolition of Designated Landmarks, or the major exterior alteration, relocation, or demolition of Historic Resources of Statewide Significance. The Commission shall advise and make policy recommendations to the Silverton City Council on matters relating to historic preservation and shall make an annual report in writing to the Silverton City Council on its activities and projected activities for the following 12 months.

Nothing in the above section shall conflict or supersede the duties and responsibilities assigned to the Silverton Planning Commission.