Architectural Board of Review

Architectural Board of Review-
ESTABLISHED under Ordinance 1480 of the City Code

Composition:
5 members appointed by the Mayor for three year terms.

Currently:
Marilyn Quay Sparks, Chair - Term expires 12/31/06
Janet N. Tomasch, Vice-Chair - Term expires 12/31/07
Katie Gillespie- Term expires 12/31/06
Martin Manuel - Term expires 12/31/07
Marcia Hawkins - Term expires 12/31/08
Bobbi Frizzelle, Secretary
Joe Clarke, Council Liaison

Qualifications:
All members must have a demonstrated special interest, experience or knowledge in history, architectural history, historic preservation, architecture or related disciplines. At least two members shall have the background of architect, archaeologist, landscape architect, preservationist, historian, planner, realtor or some related field. The Board shall designate a member to act as liaison with the Planning Commission.

BOARD WILL MEET ON THE 2ND THURSDAY EACH MONTH (IF NEEDED) AT CITY HALL, 7:30 PM, JANUARY THROUGH MARCH AND SEPTEMBER THROUGH DECEMBER AND WILL MEET THE 2ND AND 4TH THURSDAYS (IF NEEDED) AT CITY HALL, 7:30 PM, APRIL THROUGH JULY. THE BOARD WILL BE IN RECESS THE MONTH OF AUGUST. AGENDA IS CLOSED ON FRIDAY PRIOR TO MEETINGS. APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE BUILDING DEPARTMENT.

Purposes:
TO PRESERVE THE DISTINCTIVE CHARACTER OF THE CITY OF OLMSTED FALLS AND TO PROMOTE COMPATIBLE DEVELOPMENT THEREIN. TO SAFEGUARD THE ARCHITECTURE OF CERTAIN DESIGNATED BUILDINGS, LANDMARKS AND STRUCTURES WITHIN THE MUNICIPALITY. TO PREVENT THE DEMOLITION OF OR INCOMPATIBLE ALTERATIONS TO DESIGNATED BUILDINGS, LANDMARKS OR STRUCTURES WITHIN HISTORIC DISTRICTS.

Duties and Powers:
THE BOARD SHALL HAVE THE SPECIFIC POWER TO GRANT A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS FOR APPLICATIONS FOR ALL:

First-time construction of houses within subdivisions, excluding subsequent alterations or additions
New construction and alterations to or demolition of existing buildings, landmarks or structures within historic districts (as per Ordinance 1262.03)
Alterations to or demolition of designated buildings, landmarks or structures
New construction of commercial, industrial or multi-family buildings, landmarks or structures
THE BOARD SHALL ADOPT DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION AND ALTERATIONS TO EXISTING BUILDINGS REQUIRING REVIEW AS PER ORDINANCE 1480, WITHIN AND WITHOUT THE HISTORIC DISTRICT.

Note:
OLMSTED FALLS IS A CERTIFIED LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN THE STATE OF OHIO, HAVING MET FEDERAL STANDARDS FOR LOCAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION. AS SUCH, THE CHAIR OF THE BOARD IS DESIGNATED AS THE CONTACT PERSON AND MUST CONVEY TO THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL PERTINENT INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE STATE OF OHIO HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE.

Currently:
THE BOARD OF THE OHIO HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE UNANIMOUSLY SUPPORTED THE NOMINATION OF AN OLMSTED FALLS DISTRICT TO BE PLACED ON THE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES ON OCTOBER 14, 1999. ON JULY 14, 2000 OLMSTED FALLS WAS NOTIFIED BY THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE THAT THE NOMINATION WAS APPROVED. ALSO AWAITING APPROVAL IS THE RAILROAD DEPOT BUILDING ON GARFIELD WHICH HAS ALSO BEEN NOMINATED.

POINT OF CLARIFICATION: OLMSTED FALLS ESTABLISHED AN HISTORIC DISTRICT IN OUR ZONING CODE IN 1984. THAT DISTRICT REMAINS INTACT. THE PROPOSED NATIONAL REGISTER DISTRICT IS SLIGHTLY SMALLER TO MEET FEDERAL STANDARDS. CODE AND DESIGN GUIDELINES GOVERNING BOTH DISTRICTS ARE THE SAME. OWNERS OF HISTORIC PROPERTIES CAN APPLY INDIVIDUALLY FOR NATIONAL REGISTER DESIGNATION THROUGH THE NOMINATION PROCESS UNDER THE OHIO HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE. (THIS IS COMPLICATED AND CAN BE SOMEWHAT COSTLY)