Chapter 2.40
DESIGN ASSISTANCE TEAM
Sections:
2.40.020 Design assistance team – Membership.
2.40.030 Meetings, rules, procedure.
2.40.040 Powers and duties of the design assistance team.
2.40.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to amend the duties of the design assistance team (DAT) which serves as an advisory body concerning design review and other matters regarding historic preservation, cultural, architectural, natural, or artistic resources, to the city of Coos Bay community development department, planning commission, city council and, if requested, the urban renewal agency for the city of Coos Bay. [Ord. 472 § 1, 2015; Ord. 456 § 1, 2014].
2.40.020 Design assistance team – Membership.
(1) The design assistance team shall consist of up to seven members to be appointed by, and to serve at the pleasure of, the city council. A maximum of two members who do not reside, own a property or business within the Coos Bay city limits may be appointed. Members shall serve without compensation, but are eligible for reimbursement of expenses related to their service.
(2) Membership should, if possible, demonstrate competence, knowledge, or interest in historic preservation with preference given to those with professional experience in the fields of preservation, architecture, art, graphics, or design, archaeology, community history, building trades, real estate, or related specialties.
(3) The city council shall review applications and interview applicants for appointment to the design assistance team.
(4) Terms of appointment shall be four years, and shall be staggered, with no more than four terms expiring in any one year. The initial appointment of four members shall be for three years; the initial appointment for three members shall be for two years. Members shall be eligible for reappointment.
(5) The historic preservation officer shall request that the city council consider declaring the position vacant of any member who is absent from three meetings in a single calendar year without being excused prior to the meeting by the chair of the design assistance team.
(6) A vacancy created in the design assistance team shall be filled for the unexpired term of the predecessor in office. [Ord. 472 § 2, 2015; Ord. 456 § 2, 2014].
2.40.030 Meetings, rules, procedure.
(1) The design assistance team is encouraged to, either individually or as a group, meet with and act as a resource for the city at land use pre-application conferences with applicants and city staff as scheduled by the community development department.
(2) Meetings and records of the design assistance team are subject to Oregon public meetings law and public records law; provided, however, that to the extent not inconsistent with state and local laws, the committee may make and alter rules and regulations for its proceedings and operation.
(3) A majority of the members of the design assistance team shall constitute a quorum. If a quorum cannot be obtained because of a conflict of interest, the quorum requirements shall be reduced to three for that issue only. If a quorum of three cannot be achieved by the next design assistance team meeting, the issue will be forwarded to the city council.
(4) A chair and vice-chair shall be elected annually by and from the seated membership. Officers are eligible for reelection.
(5) The design assistance team shall meet at least four times a year, and as required to conduct business in a timely fashion. Notice of the meetings shall be in accordance with applicable state law. Meeting minutes, applications for certificates of appropriateness, landmark nominations, records of designation, staff reports, and decisions of the committee shall be created and maintained as public records in accordance with applicable local state laws. [Ord. 472 § 3, 2015; Ord. 456 § 3, 2014].
2.40.040 Powers and duties of the design assistance team.
(1) The design assistance team shall function as an advisory body in implementing and interpreting architectural design review, as set forth in the city of Coos Bay land development ordinance.
(2) The design assistance team shall cooperate with the community development department, planning commission, and city council, as well as other local bodies, to further the architectural design and to assure harmonious and integrated planning within Coos Bay.
(3) The design assistance team shall, upon referral by the planning department, planning commission or city council, review specific public and private proposals for consistency and compliance with the city’s land development ordinance.
(4) In no instance shall the design assistance team’s action conflict with the land development ordinance, the building codes, other applicable city ordinances, or state or federal requirements.
(5) The design assistance team may, individually or as a group, meet with and act as a resource for other persons or groups interested in undertaking projects which are directed at preserving historic, cultural, architectural, natural or artistic resources in the Coos Bay area, including those areas subject to the Coos Bay estuary management plan, but shall not, without prior approval by the city council, have the authority to endorse or officially support any particular project. This section shall not be interpreted to limit in any way the ability of a member of the design assistance team from being employed in their professional capacity, including their ability to support their client and/or customer’s particular project with the city.
(6) The design assistance team shall employ the procedures and criteria of the historic preservation ordinance to identify, recognize, and preserve significant properties related to the community’s history; encourage the rehabilitation and ongoing viability of historic buildings and structures; strengthen public support for historic preservation efforts within the community; foster civic pride; and encourage cultural heritage tourism.
(7) The design assistance team shall identify and evaluate properties in the city of Coos Bay and maintain a Historic Resource Survey consistent with the standards of the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office, hereinafter referred to as “SHPO.”
(8) The design assistance team shall support the enforcement of all state laws relating to historic preservation and may comment on local, state, or federal issues, laws, and requests relating to historic preservation.
(9) The design assistance team shall undertake such other advisory duties as may be delegated to it by the director of community development or city council. [Ord. 472 § 4, 2015; Ord. 456 § 4, 2014].