Section 15.64.020 Definitions.

For the purpose of this chapter the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.

“ADDITION”. Any act or process which changes one or more of the exterior architectural features of a structure designated for preservation by adding to, joining with, or increasing the size or capacity of the structure.

“ALTERATION”. Any act or process that changes one or more of the exterior architectural features of a structure, including, but not limited to, the erection, construction, reconstruction, or removal of any structure.

“BUILDING”. Any structure created for the support, shelter, or enclosure of persons, animals, or property of any kind, and which is permanently affixed to the land.

“CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS” (“COA”). A certificate from the Columbia Historic Preservation Commission authorizing plans for alterations, construction, removal, or demolition of a designated landmark, structure, or site within a designated historic district.

“DEMOLITION”. Any act or process that destroys in part or in whole a designated landmark or a structure or site within a designated historic district.

“DESIGN GUIDELINE”. A standard or appropriate activity that will preserve the historic and architectural character of a structure or area.

“EXTERIOR ARCHITECTURAL APPEARANCE”. The architectural and general composition of the exterior of a structure, including, but not limited to, the kind, color, and texture of the building material and the type, design, and character of all windows, doors, light fixtures, signs, and appurtenant elements.

“HISTORIC DISTRICT”. An area designated as a historic district by ordinance of the City Council, which may contain within definable geographic boundaries one or more landmarks, and which may have within its boundaries other properties or structures that, while not of such historic or architectural significance to be designated as landmarks, nevertheless contribute to the overall visual characteristics of the landmark or landmarks located within the historic district.

“LANDMARK”. Any building, structure, or site which has been designated as a landmark by ordinance of the City Council, pursuant to procedures prescribed herein, that is worthy of rehabilitation, restoration, and preservation because of its historic or architectural significance to the City.

“OWNER OF RECORD”. The person, corporation, or other legal entity listed as owner on the records of the County Recorder of Deeds.

“REHABILITATION”. The process of returning a property to a state of utility, through repair or alteration, which makes possible an efficient contemporary use while preserving those portions and features of the property which are significant to its historic, architectural, and cultural values.

“REPAIR”. Any change that does not require a building permit, that is not construction, relocation, addition, or alteration.

“STRUCTURAL CHANGE”. Any change or repair in the supporting members of a building, structure, roof, or exterior walls which would expand the building in height, width, or bulk.

“STRUCTURE”. Anything constructed or erected, the use of which requires permanent or temporary location on or in the ground, including, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing, buildings, fences, gazebos, advertising signs, billboards, backstops for tennis courts, radio and television antennae including supporting towers, swimming pools, satellite dishes, solar panels, and wind generation.

“UNREASONABLE ECONOMIC HARDSHIP”. The condition whereby failure to issue a requested Building Permit, Demolition Permit, or Sign Permit on a landmark, or an improvement or area within a Historic District, which would amount to a taking of the owner’s property with just compensation or, in the case of low- income owner(s), failure to issue such a permit would place an onerous and excessive financial burden upon such owner(s).