Canal Winchester contains numerous historic, architectural and environmental
resources that establish an environmental character. This environmental character is directly
linked to the economic, social, historical and cultural health and well being of the community.
The Landmarks Commission was established to help protect and preserve these resources and to
prevent intrusions and alterations within the established historic districts, which would be
incompatible with their established character.
When a property within the historic district proposes making an alteration to their existing
building, property or constructing a new building, they must first file an application with the
Planning and Zoning Department for its review by the Landmarks Commission. The Commission is
responsible for reviewing and acting upon those applications for a Certificate of Appropriateness
in conformance with Chapter 157 of Canal Winchesters Codified Ordinances and the Preservation Guidelines.
A zoning permit and building permit can not be issued unless a Certificate of Appropriateness has
been issued.
A Certificate of Appropriateness is not required for ordinary maintenance or repair of any
designated Landmark or property within the historic district provided such work involves no change in
material, design, texture, color or exterior appearance. Where a change including the construction,
reconstruction, alteration or demolition of any feature, which in the view of the Planning and Zoning
Administrator, is required for the public safety because of an unsafe, insecure or dangerous condition,
a Certificate of Appropriateness is not required.
City Council shall seek the guidance of the Landmarks
Commission for construction, reconstruction, alteration or demolition of any public building, public work,
public lands or public utility owned by Canal Winchester when there is a question of landmarks status or
historical significance. But when there is not a question of landmarks status or historical significance,
said public project does not require a Certificate of Appropriateness.
In addition to the above, the Landmarks
Commission is responsible to cause or assist in conducting continuing surveys of cultural resources within Canal
Winchester, making recommendations for designation of local landmarks and historic districts, advise local officials
and departments regarding protection of local cultural resources, work toward the continuing education of
citizens regarding historic preservation, and to review and recommend all proposed National Register
Nominations for properties within Canal Winchester. The Commission is also responsible to hear and
decide appeals of any decision or order made by the Planning and Zoning Administrator or Zoning
Officer involving the Landmarks Commissions jurisdiction.
The Landmarks Commission consists of seven members
who are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by City Council for a term of four years. In the case of
a vacancy, the Mayor shall appoint and city Council shall confirm a replacement member who shall serve the
balance of the vacated term. The Mayor may consult with the Landmarks Commission and the Canal Winchester Area
Historical Society for potential members. At least five members shall be residents of Canal Winchester. The
remaining two members shall be residents or property owners within Canal Winchester. Whenever possible,
appointments to the Landmarks Commission should be made so the following are represented:
- Four resident/owners of Landmarks or property within the historic district.
- One owner/manager of a commercial or industrial business within Canal Winchester.
- At least four preservation-related professional members to the extent such professionals are available.
This shall include the professions of architecture, architectural history, history, archeology, urban
planning, landscape architecture, art design, law, education, real estate, historic preservation.
Landmarks Commission members serve without compensation. The following Commission
officers are elected each year: Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and Secretary.
Special meetings of the Commission can be called at the request of the Mayor or
Commission Chairperson, or upon written notice by two or more of the Commission members with at least a
twenty-four hour notice prior to the meeting time. All Commission meetings are open to the public with
the Chairperson presiding at the meetings.
Any Canal Winchester resident or owner/manager of a business
in Canal Winchester who has an interest, experience or knowledge in historic preservation and would
like to serve on the Landmarks Commission needs to contact the Mayor or the Planning and Zoning Administrator.
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