(a) On recommendation of the historic preservation commission, the City of Tuscumbia may designate historic properties and historic districts within the territorial jurisdiction of Tuscumbia.

(b) The commission shall not recommend designation of an historic property or historic district unless such recommendation is based on finding of a survey of such property or district conducted by or for the commission in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Alabama Historical Commission.

(c) The commission shall not recommend designation of an historic property or historic district unless it finds that the building, structures, site, or district is identified with or represents a significant aspect of the cultural, political, economic, military, or social history of the locality, region, state, or nation or has had significant relationship with the life of an historic person or event, representing a major aspect of the history of the locality, region, state, or nation, or is a part of the historic, architectural, archaeological, or aesthetic heritage of the locality, region, state, or nation. In the case of an individual building or structure, the commission may recommend designation as an historic property if the commission finds that the building or structure is an example of an architectural style, or combination of architectural styles, which is representative of Tuscumbia or which is unique to Tuscumbia. In the case of a district, the commission may recommend designation as an historic district if the commission finds that the district contains vernacular structures which contribute to an overall character and sense of place which is representative of Tuscumbia.