New historic guidelines now left for aldermen to approve

A new Historic Zoning Manual will be presented to McMinnville’s Board of Mayor and Aldermen by the Historic Ad Hoc Committee. The manual will replace existing unenforceable historic guidelines with ones that are.

The committee began its task five months ago after complaints were received regarding historic zoning, as well as other aspects of city government. Building and Grounds Committee chairman Billy Wood made the suggestion to begin the committee and city administrator David Rutherford was given the task of finding members.

The biggest change within the manual is the lack of Historic Zoning Commission involvement with decision making. In the past, those wanting to make exterior changes to buildings had to come before the commission and obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA). The commission approved or denied the request.

With the new manual, Planning and Zoning will make the decision and all appeals will be brought before Historic Zoning Commission members. However, their decision is only a recommendation to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen, which will make the final decision.

As well as taking the Historic Zoning Commission out of the final decision-making process, this manual will be enforceable. If the manual is accepted by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen, an ordinance will be written that will make it legal and enforceable.

In the past, some of the tension between the Historic Zoning Commission and historic district property owners was attributed to the fact the guidelines may not have been legally enforceable. Because of this, the city was hesitant to take anyone to court for ignoring guidelines.

For those in the district, the manual lays down regulations. Some of these include:

‘ All exterior work must have a COA before work begins.

‘ Entrances will not be relocated or infilled.

‘ The original size and shape of door openings shall be maintained.

‘ Original roof pitch and configuration will be maintained.

‘ Signs will not be internally lit or flashing.

‘ Signs will not blink, revolve, or be put into a 360-degree motion by the wind.

‘ The Park Theater sign is historic and unique to the city of McMinnville and shall be preserved.

‘ Window openings on the first floor of buildings will be required to have windows installed. No window openings on the first floor of buildings shall be boarded up with wood or any other materials.

‘ Split rail, sheet metal style, and concrete block fencing will not be allowed in the historic district.

‘ To obtain approval for building demolition, there are several criteria that must be met. However, the decision of approval or denial is recommended by the Historic Zoning Commission and either approved or rejected by the board.

McMinnville’s Board of Mayor and Aldermen must approve the changes before they become effective.