(L) The Landmarks and Historic Preservation Commission Authority. The Landmarks and Historic Preservation Commission is hereby designated as the approving authority for the following land use reviews:
Land Use Review
Appeals (See Section 10.140)
Exceptions
Historic Review
(M) The Landmarks and Historic Preservation Commission, Other Duties
(1) To study proposed Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code amendments relating to historic preservation, and submit recommendations regarding such proposals to the Planning Commission and City Council.
(2) To institute and support programs and projects that further the historic preservation policies of the City of Medford.
(3) To adopt approval criteria for Minor Historic Review of alterations and/or new construction of residential fencing, roofing materials, exterior colors, signage, awnings, and non-contributing and non-historic buildings within Historic Preservation Overlay Districts. Such criteria shall be consistent with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Places as applicable.
(4) To adopt design guidelines for new construction and exterior alterations within an Historic Preservation Overlay. Such guidelines may be general or specific in nature and shall be in the form of approaches intended to aid applicants in preparation, presentation, and implementation of development proposals that comply with the Medford Comprehensive Plan and implementing ordinances. Guidelines shall be advisory and shall not limit applicants to a single approach.
(5) To adopt approval criteria and/or design guidelines for signage within the Historic Preservation Overlay. Such criteria or design guidelines may authorize signs that differ from the standards of Article VI when necessary to meet historic compatibility and preservation goals.
(6) To support the enforcement of all state laws related to historic preservation.
(7) To identify and evaluate properties in the City and maintain a Historic Resource Survey consistent with the Standards of the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO).
(N) Historic Review.
For the purposes of this section, the definitions, rules, and procedures of Sections 10.401 through 10.408 shall apply. Historic Review shall include:
(1) Historic Preservation Overlay Changes. Review and investigation of any historic resource in the City of Medford that may have historic significance; initiation of proceedings to change the extent of the Historic Preservation Overlay; decisions on applications to change to the extent of the Historic Preservation Overlay; and preparation of findings substantiating or refuting the historic significance of the resource.
(2) Exterior Alteration and/or New Construction Review. Consideration of proposed exterior alteration and/or new construction within a Historic Preservation Overlay.
(3) Demolition and/or Relocation Review. Consideration of proposed demolition or relocation within a Historic Preservation Overlay, and authorization of either delayed or immediate issuance of a demolition or relocation permit.
(O) Landmarks and Historic Preservation Commission, Membership.
(1) Number Appointed. The Landmarks and Historic Preservation Commission shall be made up of five voting members appointed by the Mayor and City Council.
(2) Length of Term. All regular terms of members of the Landmarks and Historic Preservation Commission shall be for a period of four years, and shall begin on February 1, with not more than three terms expiring in the same year.
(3) Position Appointments. All members of the Landmarks and Historic Preservation Commission shall have demonstrated positive interest, competence, or knowledge of historic preservation. The Planning Director or designee shall serve as an ex-officio member of the Landmarks and Historic Preservation Commission.
(4) Selection Criteria. All members of the Commission shall either be residents of the City of Medford or Medford Urban Growth Boundary. No more than two members of the Commission shall be appointed who reside outside the Medford city limits.
(5) Removal Criteria. A member of the Landmarks and Historic Preservation Commission may be removed by the Mayor and City Council, after a hearing, for misconduct or nonperformance of duty. Replacements shall be appointed by the Mayor and City Council for the remainder of the unexpired term. A Commissioner who ceases to meet the residency requirement during their term of office shall forfeit the office and a new member shall be appointed to serve the unexpired portion of the term.
(6) Quorum. A quorum of the Landmarks and Historic Preservation Commission shall consist of a majority of the currently appointed members.
(P) Landmarks and Historic Preservation Commission, Meeting Procedures.
(1) Except as otherwise provided by law or this Code, the Landmarks and Historic Preservation Commission shall conduct its meetings in accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised, unless other rules are adopted by the Commission.
(2) The Landmarks and Historic Preservation Commission shall meet as necessary to act on Historic Reviews in a timely manner.
(3) There shall be at least one meeting of the Landmarks and Historic Preservation Commission held each year, during the month of March.