Chapter 1.46
HISTORIC PRESERVATION
Sections:
1.46.010 Purpose of provisions.
1.46.040 Commission – Creation and membership.
1.46.070 Commission – Powers and duties.
1.46.080 Commission – Compensation.
1.46.090 Commission – Rules and officers.
1.46.110 Historic places – Criteria for inclusion in register.
1.46.120 Register – Process for designating properties.
1.46.130 Removal of properties from the register.
1.46.140 Effect of listing on register.
1.46.150 Exemptions – Repairs and maintenance.
1.46.160 Changes to register – Conditions.
1.46.170 Changes to register – Review process.
1.46.180 Historic property – Demolition conditions.
1.46.190 Appeal of commission’s decision.
1.46.200 Relationship to zoning provisions.
1.46.210 Review and monitoring of properties for special property tax valuation.
1.46.010 Purpose of provisions.
A. The city council of the city of Ritzville finds that:
1. The recognition, enhancement, perpetuation and continued use of the buildings, sites and districts of historical significance within the city of Ritzville is in the interest of civic pride and the prosperity and general welfare of the city’s inhabitants; and
2. Historic assets are an integral part of the heritage, education and economic base of the city of Ritzville and the economic, cultural and aesthetic standing of the city can only be maintained and enhanced by conserving its heritage and by maintenance of its cultural assets; and
3. It is the policy of the federal government pursuant to PL 89-665, Sections 1, 101, 80 Stat. 915 (as amended), to assist agencies and local governments in historic preservation activities and to provide grants therefor; and
4. It is the public policy of the state of Washington, pursuant to RCW 27.34.200, to designate, preserve, protect, enhance and perpetuate those structures, sites, districts, buildings and objects which reflect outstanding elements of the state’s historic, archaeological, architectural or cultural heritage, for the inspiration and enrichment of the citizens of the state; and
5. The State Historic Preservation Officer, pursuant to RCW 27.34.220(3), is authorized to promote historic preservation through contacts with city, town and county agencies and officials; and
6. Chapter 84.26 RCW encourages maintenance, improvement and preservation of privately owned historic buildings by providing for special property tax valuation for improvement to historic property approved by a local review board.
B. The purpose of this chapter is to provide for the identification, enhancement, perpetuation and use of the historic resources within the city of Ritzville in order to:
1. Safeguard the heritage of the city as presented by those buildings, sites and districts which reflect significant elements of the city’s history;
2. Strengthen the economic vitality of the city of Ritzville by promoting the stabilization and improvement of property values in historic areas and by encouraging new building and development that will be harmonious with existing historic buildings and areas;
3. Foster civic pride in the accomplishments of the past and a sense of identity based on the city’s history;
4. Protect and enhance the city’s ability to attract tourists and visitors, thereby stimulating the local economy;
5. Assist, encourage and provide incentives to private property owners for conservation, renovation, restoration, redevelopment and use of historic buildings, districts, neighborhoods, streets and sites;
6. Promote and facilitate the early identification and resolution of conflicts between the preservation of historic resources and alternative land uses; and
7. Conserve valuable material and energy resources by ongoing use and maintenance of the existing environment. (Ord. 856 § 1, 1991).
1.46.020 Title.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “historic preservation ordinance of the city of Ritzville.” (Ord. 856 § 2, 1991).
1.46.030 Definitions.
The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, shall mean as follows, unless a different meaning clearly appears from the context:
A. “Ritzville historic inventory” or “inventory” means the identified comprehensive listing of historic resources within the boundaries of the city of Ritzville;
B. “Ritzville historic preservation commission” or “commission” means the Ritzville planning commission;
C. “Ritzville Register of Historic Places,” “local register” or “register” means the local listing of properties provided for in RCC 1.46.110 through 1.46.140;
D. “Building” means a structure constructed by man. This includes both residential and nonresidential buildings, main and accessory buildings;
E. “Certificate of appropriateness” means a certificate or other written evidence that means the commission has reviewed the proposed changes to a Ritzville register property or within a Ritzville register historic district and certified the changes as not adversely affecting the historic characteristics of the property which contribute to its designation;
F. “Certified local government” or “CLG” means a local government which has been certified by the State Historic Preservation Officer as having established its own historic preservation commission and a program meeting federal and state standards;
G. “Class of properties eligible for special valuation” means all properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places or certified as contributing to a National Register Historic District until such time as Ritzville becomes a certified local government (CLG). Once a CLG, the class of properties eligible for special valuation shall be all properties listed on the Ritzville Register of Historic Places or properties certified as contributing to a Ritzville Register Historic District;
H. “District” means a geographically definable area, urban or rural, small or large, possessing a significant concentration, linkage or continuity of sites, buildings, structures and/or objects united by past events or aesthetically by plan or physical development;
I. “Emergency repair” means work necessary to prevent destruction or dilapidation to real property or structural appurtenances thereto immediately threatened or damaged by fire, flood, earthquake or other disaster;
J. “Incentives” means such rights or privileges or combination thereof, which the city council or other local, state or federal public body or agency, by virtue of applicable present or future legislation, may be authorized to grant or obtain for the owner(s) of register properties. Examples of economic incentives include, but are not limited to, tax relief, conditional use permits, rezoning, street vacation, planned unit development, transfer of development rights, facade easements, gifts, preferential leasing policies, beneficial placement of public improvements or amenities or the like;
K. “National Register of Historic Places” or “national register” means the national listing of properties significant to our cultural history because of their documented importance to our history, architectural history, engineering or cultural heritage;
L. “Object” means a thing of functional, aesthetic, cultural, historical or scientific value that may be, by nature or design, movable yet related to a specific setting or environment;
M. “Ordinary repair and maintenance” means work for which a permit issued by the city is not required by law, and where the purpose and effect of such work is to correct any deterioration or decay of or damage to the real property or structures or appurtenances therein and to restore the same, as nearly as may be practicable, to the condition prior to the occurrence of such deterioration, decay or damage;
N. “Owner of property” means the fee simple owner of property as designated on the Adams County assessor’s records, which records shall be rebuttably presumed correct, or as otherwise proven to the satisfaction of the commission and city council;
O. “Significance” or “significant” used in the context of historic significance means the following: a property with local, state or national significance is one which helps in the understanding of the history of the local area, state or nation (whichever is applicable) by illuminating the local, statewide or nationwide impact of the events or persons associated with the property or its architectural type or style in information potential. The local area can include Ritzville, Adams County or Eastern Washington, or a modest geographic or cultural area, such as a neighborhood. Local significance may apply to a property that illustrates a theme that is important to one or more localities; state significance to a theme important to the history of the state; and national significance to property of exceptional value in representing or illustrating an important theme in the history of the nation;
P. “Site” means a place where a significant event or pattern of events occurred. It may be the location of prehistoric or historic occupation or activities that may be marked by physical remains, or it may be the symbolic focus of a significant event or pattern of events that may not have been actively occupied. A site may be the location of a ruined or now nonexistent building, if the structure or the location itself possesses historic cultural or archaeological significance;
Q. “Special valuation for historic properties” or “special valuation” means the local option program, which, when implemented, makes available to property owners a special tax valuation for rehabilitation of historic properties under which the assessed value of an eligible historic property is determined at a rate that excludes, for up to 10 years, the actual cost of the rehabilitation. (See Chapter 84.26 RCW and Chapter 221, Laws of 1986, as now or hereafter amended);
R. “State Register of Historic Places” or “state register” means the state listing of properties significant to the community, state or nation, but which properties do not meet the criteria of the national register;
S. “Structure” means a work made up of interdependent and interrelated parts in a definite pattern of organization; generally constructed by man, it is often an engineering project;
T. “Universal transverse mercator” or “UTM” means the grid zone in metric measurement providing for an exact point of numerical reference;
U. “Waiver of a certificate of appropriateness” or “waiver” means the commission has reviewed the proposed whole or partial demolition of a Ritzville register property, or, in a Ritzville register historic district and failing to find alternatives to demolition, has issued a waiver of a certificate of appropriateness, which allows the building or zoning official to issue a permit for demolition. (Ord. 2049 § 3, 2011; Ord. 856 § 3, 1991).
1.46.040 Commission – Creation and membership.
The Ritzville planning commission shall conduct the business of the historic preservation commission. The membership shall be as stated in RCC 1.44.020. (Ord. 2049 § 4, 2011; Ord. 856 § 4(A), 1991).
1.46.050 Commission – Composition.
Repealed by Ord. 2049. (Ord. 856 § 4(B), 1991).
1.46.060 Commission – Terms of members.
Repealed by Ord. 2049. (Ord. 856 § 4(C), 1991).
1.46.070 Commission – Powers and duties.
A. The major responsibility for the historic preservation commission is to identify and actively encourage the conservation of the city’s historic resources by initiating and maintaining a register of historic places and reviewing proposed changes to register properties; to raise community awareness of the city’s history and historic resources; and to serve as the city’s primary resource in matters of history, historic planning and preservation.
B. In carrying out these responsibilities, the historic preservation commission shall engage in the following:
1. Conduct and maintain a comprehensive inventory of historic resources within the boundaries of the city of Ritzville and known as the “Ritzville historic inventory,” publicize and periodically update inventory results. Properties listed on the inventory shall be recorded on official zoning records with an HI (for historic inventory designation). This designation shall not change or modify the underlying zone classification and shall be separate and distinct from the national register, state register and local register;
2. Initiate and maintain the Ritzville Register of Historic Places. This official register shall be comprised of buildings, structures, sites, objects and districts identified by the commission as having historic significance worthy of recognition by the city and encouragement of efforts by owners to maintain, rehabilitate and preserve properties;
3. Review nominations to the Ritzville Register of Historic Places according to criteria in RCC 1.46.110 through 1.46.140 and adopt standards in its rules to be used to guide this review;
4. Review proposals to construct, change, alter, modify, remodel, move, demolish or significantly affect properties or districts on the register as provided in RCC 1.46.150 through 1.46.190 and adopt standards in its rules to be used to guide this review and the issuance of a certificate of appropriateness or waiver;
5. Provide for their review of all applications for approvals, permits, environmental assessments and environmental impact statements, as well as other similar documents pertaining to identified historic resources or adjacent properties;
6. Conduct all commission meetings in compliance with Chapter 42.30 RCW, the Open Public Meetings Act, as now or hereafter amended, to provide for adequate public participation and adopt standards in its rules to guide this action;
7. Promote, conduct and participate in information, educational and interpretive programs which pertain to historic resources;
8. Establish liaison, support, communication and cooperation with federal, state and other local government entities, which will further historic preservation objectives, including public education within the Ritzville sphere of influence;
9. Review and comment to the city council on land use, housing and redevelopment, municipal improvement and other types of planning and programs undertaken by any agency of the city, other neighboring communities, the county, the state or federal governments as they relate to historic resources of the city;
10. Advise the city council generally on matters relating to Ritzville’s history and historic preservation;
11. Perform other related functions assigned to the commission by the mayor or the city council;
12. Adopt rules of procedure to address subsections (B)(3), (4) and (6) of this section, inclusive;
13. Provide information to the public on methods of maintaining and rehabilitating historic properties. This may take the form of pamphlets, newsletters, workshops or similar activities;
14. Officially recognize excellence in the sites and districts and new construction in historic areas and encourage appropriate measures for such recognition;
15. Be informed and provide information to the public preservation of historic resources, including legislation regulations and codes which encourage the use and adaptive reuse of historic properties;
16. Submit nominations to the State and National Registers of Historic Places as deemed appropriate;
17. Investigate and report to the city council on the use of various federal, state, local or private funding sources available to promote historic resource preservation in the city;
18. Serve as the local review board for the purpose of approving applications for special property tax valuation (per Chapter 84.26 RCW and Chapter 221, Laws of 1986) and for the purpose of entering into agreements with the property owner for the duration of the special valuation, during which time the review board monitors the property for continued qualification for the special valuation per requirements of Chapter 84.26 RCW and Chapter 221, Laws of 1986, as now or hereafter amended. (Ord. 856 § 4(D), 1991).
1.46.080 Commission – Compensation.
All members shall serve without compensation. (Ord. 856 § 4(E), 1991).
1.46.090 Commission – Rules and officers.
The commission shall establish and adopt its own rules of procedure and shall select from among its membership a chairperson and such other officers as may be necessary to conduct the commission’s business. (Ord. 856 § 4(F), 1991).
1.46.100 Commission – Staff.
Commission and professional staff assistance shall be provided by the city attorney/city clerk’s office, with additional assistance and information to be provided by the appropriate city departments as may be necessary to aid the commission in carrying out its duties and responsibilities under this chapter. (Ord. 856 § 4(G), 1991).
1.46.110 Historic places – Criteria for inclusion in register.
Any building, structure, site, object or district may be designated for inclusion in the Ritzville Register of Historic Places if it is significantly associated with the history, architecture, archaeology, engineering or cultural heritage of the community; it has integrity; it is at least 50 years old, or it is of lesser age and has exceptional importance; and if it falls in at least one of the following categories:
A. Is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of national, state or local history;
B. Embodies the distinctive architectural characteristics of a type, period, style, or method of design or construction, or represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction;
C. Is an outstanding work of a designer, builder or architect who has made a substantial contribution to the art;
D. Exemplifies or reflects special elements of the city’s cultural, special, economic, political, aesthetic, engineering or architectural history;
E. Is associated with the lives of persons significant in national, state or local history;
F. Has yielded or may be likely to yield important archaeological information related to history or prehistory;
G. Is a building or structure removed from its original location but which is significant primarily for architectural value or which is the structure significantly associated with an historic person or event;
H. Is a birthplace or grave of an historical figure of outstanding importance;
I. Is a cemetery which derives its primary significance from age, from distinctive design features, or from association with historic events or cultural patterns;
J. Is a reconstructed building that has been executed in an historically accurate manner on the original site;
K. Is a creative and unique example of folk architecture and design created by persons not formally trained in the architectural or design professions and which does not fit into formal architectural or historical categories. (Ord. 856 § 5(A), 1991).
1.46.120 Register – Process for designating properties.
A. The commission itself, any member thereof, or any other person may nominate a building, structure, site, object or district for inclusion in the Ritzville Register of Historic Places. Members of the historic preservation commission or the commission as a whole may generate nomination. In its designation decision, the commission shall consider the Ritzville Historic Inventory and the Ritzville Comprehensive Plan.
B. In the case of individual properties, the designation shall include the UTM reference and all features, interior and exterior, and outbuildings which contribute to its designation.
C. In the case of districts, the designation shall include descriptions of the boundaries of the district; the characteristics of the district which justify its designation; and a list of all properties, including features, structures, sites and objects which contribute to the designation of the district.
D. The historic preservation commission shall consider the merits of the nomination, according to the criteria in RCC 1.46.110 and according to the nomination review standards established in rules, at a public meeting. Adequate notice will be given to the public, the owner(s), and the authors of the nomination, if different, and lessees, if any, of the subject property prior to the public meeting according to standards for public meeting established in rules and in compliance with Chapter 42.30 RCW, Open Public Meetings Act. Such notice shall include publication in a newspaper of general circulation in Ritzville and posting of the property. If the commission finds that the nominated property is eligible for the Ritzville Register of Historic Places, the commission shall first obtain approval from the owner(s) of the individual property nominated, or in the case of districts, from at least 51 percent of the owners of the properties making up the nominated district. If a response is not received from a nominated property owner within 30 days of the notice as described herein, then those nonresponding property owners shall be deemed to have approved the nomination. If said owner approval is obtained, then the commission shall make a recommendation to the city council that the property shall be listed in the register. The public, property owner(s), and the authors of the nomination, if different, and lessees, if any, shall be notified of the listing.
E. Properties listed on the Ritzville Register of Historic Places shall be recorded on official zoning records with an HR (for historic register) designation. This designation shall not change or modify the underlying zone classification.
F. The HR (historic register) designation, once assigned, shall replace the HI (historic inventory) designation. Properties on the historic register are subject to the provisions listed in RCC 1.46.140 and 1.46.200. (Ord. 1068 § 7, 2003; Ord. 856 § 5(B), 1991).
1.46.130 Removal of properties from the register.
In the event that any property is no longer deemed appropriate for designation to the Ritzville Register of Historic Places, the commission may initiate removal from such designation by making a recommendation to the city council that the property shall be removed from the Ritzville Register of Historic Places. A property may be removed from the Ritzville Register of Historic Places without the owner’s consent. (Ord. 1068 § 9, 2003; Ord. 856 § 5(C), 1991).
1.46.140 Effect of listing on register.
A. Listing on the Ritzville Register of Historic Places is an honorary designation denoting significant association with the historic, archaeological, engineering or cultural heritage of the community. Properties are listed individually or as contributing properties to an historic district.
B. Prior to the commencement of any work on a register property, excluding ordinary repair and maintenance and emergency measures defined in RCC 1.46.150, the owner must request and receive a certificate of appropriateness from the commission for the proposed work. Violation of this rule shall be grounds for the commission to review the property for removal from the register.
C. Prior to whole or partial demolition of a register property, the owner must request and receive a waiver of a certificate of appropriateness.
D. Once the city of Ritzville is certified as a certified local government (CLG), all properties listed on the Ritzville register may be eligible for a special tax valuation on their rehabilitation, as provided in RCC 1.46.210 and in Chapter 221, Laws of 1986, and Chapter 84.26 RCW, each as now or hereafter amended. (Ord. 856 § 5(D), 1991).
1.46.150 Exemptions – Repairs and maintenance.
Neither a certificate of appropriateness nor application to or review by the commission shall be required for ordinary repair and maintenance or for emergency repairs, such as defined in RCC 1.46.030. (Ord. 856 § 6(B), 1991).
1.46.160 Changes to register – Conditions.
A. No person shall change the use, construct any new building or structure, or reconstruct, alter, restore, remodel, repair, move or demolish any existing property on the Ritzville register or within an historic district on the Ritzville register without review by the commission and without receipt of a certificate of appropriateness, or, in the case of demolition, a waiver, as a result of the review.
B. The review shall apply to all features of the property, interior and exterior, that contribute to its designation and are listed on the nomination form. Information required by the commission to review the proposed changes should be established in rules adopted by the commission. (Ord. 856 § 6(A), 1991).
1.46.170 Changes to register – Review process.
A. Requests for Review and Issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness or Waiver. The building or zoning official shall report any application for a permit to work on a designated Ritzville register property or in a Ritzville register historic district to the commission. If the activity is not exempt from review, the commission shall notify the applicant of the review requirements. The building or zoning official shall not issue any such permit until a certificate of appropriateness or a waiver is received from the commission but shall work with the commission in considering building and fire code regulations.
B. Commission Review.
1. The owner or his/her agent (architect, contractor, lessee, etc.) shall apply to the commission for a review of proposed changes on a Ritzville register property or within a Ritzville register historic district and request a certificate of appropriateness or, in the case of demolition, a waiver. Each application for review of proposed changes shall be accompanied by such information as is required by the commission established in its rules for the proper review of the proposed project.
2. The applicant shall meet with the commission and review the proposed work according to the design review criteria established in rules. Unless otherwise required by law, there shall be no notice, posting or publication requirements for action on the application, but all such actions shall be made at regular meetings of the commission. The commission shall complete its review and make its recommendations within 30 days of the date of receipt of the application. If the commission is unable to process the request within the time permitted, the applicant and commission may ask for a reasonable extension or allow the commission to recommend denial and refile.
3. The commission’s recommendations shall be in writing and shall state the findings of fact and reasons relied upon in reaching its decision. Any conditions agreed to by the applicant in this review process shall become conditions of approval of the permits granted. If the owner agrees to the commission’s recommendations, a certificate of appropriateness shall be awarded by the commission according to standards established in the commission’s rules.
4. The commission’s recommendations and, if awarded, the certificate of appropriateness, shall be transmitted to the building or zoning official. If a certificate of appropriateness is awarded, the building or zoning official may then issue the permit. (Ord. 856 § 6(C)(1), (2), 1991).
1.46.180 Historic property – Demolition conditions.
A waiver of the certificate of appropriateness is required before a permit may be issued to allow whole or partial demolition of a designated Ritzville register property or in a Ritzville register historic district. The owner or his/her agent shall apply to the commission for a review of the proposed demolition and request a waiver. The applicant shall meet with the commission in an attempt to find alternatives to demolition. The negotiations may last no longer than 45 days from the initial meeting of the commission, unless either party requests an extension. If no request for an extension is made and no alternative to demolition has been agreed to, the commission shall act and advise the official in charge of issuing a demolition permit of the approval or denial of the waiver of a certificate of appropriateness. Conditions in the case of granting a demolition permit may include allowing the commission up to 45 additional days to develop alternatives to demolition. When issuing a waiver, the board may require the owner to mitigate the loss of the Ritzville register property by any lawful and appropriate means determined by the commission at the meeting. Any conditions agreed to by the applicant in this review process shall become conditions of approval of the permits granted. After the property is demolished, the commission shall cause the removal of the property from the register, unless it otherwise qualifies for continuation thereon. (Ord. 856 § 6(C)(3), 1991).
1.46.190 Appeal of commission’s decision.
The commission’s decision regarding a waiver of a certificate of appropriateness may be appealed to the city council at the next regular city council meeting. The appeal must state the grounds upon which the appeal is based. The appeal shall be reviewed by the council only on the records of the commission. Appeal of council’s decision regarding a waiver of a certificate of appropriateness may be appealed to superior court. (Ord. 856 § 6(C)(4), 1991).
1.46.200 Relationship to zoning provisions.
Properties designated to the register shall be subject to the provisions set forth herein, as well as the bulk, use, setback, and other controls of the zoning district in which they are located. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to repeal, modify or waive any zoning provisions which are or may otherwise apply to or affect the designated property. (Ord. 856 § 7, 1991).
1.46.210 Review and monitoring of properties for special property tax valuation.
A. Until the city of Ritzville is certified as a certified local government (CLG), the class of properties eligible for special valuation shall be limited to all properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places or certified as contributing to a National Register Historic District until such time as Ritzville becomes a certified local government (CLG). Once Ritzville receives written notification that it is a certified local government, the class of properties eligible for special valuation shall be limited to all properties listed on the Ritzville Register of Historic Places or properties certified as contributing to a Ritzville Register Historic District.
B. Applications for special property tax valuation in connection with substantial improvement of historic properties, as defined in Chapter 84.26 RCW and Chapter 221, Laws of 1986, as now or hereafter amended, shall be submitted to the commission by the county assessor within 10 days of filing.
C. The commission shall approve applications for special valuation if the property meets the criteria of Chapter 84.26 RCW and Chapter 221, Laws of 1986, as now or hereafter amended, and is not altered in a way which adversely affects those elements which contribute to its designation, and the owner(s) enter into an agreement with the commission, which requires the owner(s) for a 10-year period of classification to:
1. Monitor the property for its continued qualification for special valuation;
2. Comply with rehabilitation plans and minimum standards of maintenance as defined in the agreement;
3. Make the historic aspects of the property accessible to public view one day a year if the property is not visible from the public right-of-way;
4. Apply to the commission for approval or denial of any demolition or alteration;
5. Comply with any other provisions in the original agreement as may be appropriate.
D. Once an agreement between an owner and the commission has become effective, pursuant to Chapter 84.26 RCW and Chapter 221, Laws of 1986, each as now or hereafter amended, there shall be no changes in standards of maintenance, public access, alteration, or report requirements, or any other provisions of the agreement during the period of the classification without the approval of all parties to the agreement.
E. An application for classification as historic property eligible to special valuation shall be approved or denied by the commission before December 31st of the calendar year in which the application is made.
F. The commission shall notify the county assessor and the applicant of the approval or denial of the application.
G. If the commission determines that the property qualifies as an eligible historic property, the commission shall certify the fact in writing and shall file a copy of the certificate with the county assessor within 10 days of the determination and no later than December 31st. The certificate shall state the facts upon which the approval is based.
H. Any decision of the commission acting as the local review board on any application for classification as historic property, eligible for special valuation, may be appealed to superior court under RCW 34.04.130, as now or hereafter amended, which appeal shall be in addition to any other remedy of law. Any decision on the disqualification of historic property eligible for special valuation or any other dispute may be appealed to the county board of equalization. (Ord. 856 § 8, 1991).
1.46.220 Sign review.
A. The following provisions apply to all signs within the Ritzville historic districts. Where these regulations conflict with the Ritzville Sign Ordinance, the more restrictive provision will apply.
1. All signs that require a building permit within historic districts will require a certificate of appropriateness.
2. All signs shall be primarily for identification purposes.
3. All signs shall visually relate to the building they serve. Only suitable materials, such as stone, wood, brick, and sturdy metals, will be approved.
4. Incidental signage, such as parking and entrance signs, require approval by the RHPC.
5. The RHPC reserves the right to approve the placement of all signs on properties within local historic districts.
6. The RHPC will not exercise control over logos or color. It is strongly recommended that color schemes relate to the building the sign serves.
7. Property addresses should be clearly displayed either on the sign or on the building itself.
8. No off-premises signs will be approved.
9. Signs may be lit with unobtrusive ground-mounted spotlights, or other unobtrusive lighting as the RHPC may approve. Signs may not flash, blink or glow from within.
10. Neon signs are permitted. Neon signs mounted inside windows can be installed without RHPC approval, as long as they comply with other applicable Ritzville ordinance(s), if any.
B. Any departures from signage plans for which a certificate of appropriateness has been issued must be approved in advance by the RHPC. Failure to seek such prior approval will constitute a violation of the Ritzville historic district ordinance.
C. Temporary Signs and Banners. Temporary signs and banners are allowable under the provisions of other applicable Ritzville ordinance(s), if any, with the following exceptions:
1. All such signs and banners require RHPC approval prior to their installation.
2. All RHPC approvals will include a date by which the temporary sign or banner will be removed.
3. No temporary sign or banner can remain in place for more than 15 days.
4. No property may erect more than one temporary sign or banner in any three-month period.
D. Nonconforming Signs. Existing signs that are nonconforming under these regulations shall be made conforming upon any change, including a change in use or occupant, if such change requires a change in existing signage. (Ord. 1068 § 3, 2003; Ord. 856 § 9, 1991).