Sec. 9. (a) A person may not construct any exterior architectural structure or feature in any historic area, or reconstruct, alter, or demolish any such exterior or designated interior structure or feature in the area, until the person has filed with the secretary of the commission an application for a certificate of appropriateness in such form and with such plans, specifications, and other material as the commission may from time to time prescribe and a certificate of appropriateness has been issued as provided in this section. However, this chapter does not:

(1) prevent the ordinary maintenance or repair of any such exterior or designated interior architectural structure or feature that does not involve a change in design, color or outward appearance of it;

(2) prevent any structural change certified by the department of metropolitan development as immediately required for the public safety because of a hazardous condition; or

(3) require a certificate of appropriateness for work that is exempted by a historic preservation plan under section 7 of this chapter.

(b) The commission shall hold a public hearing on any application for certificate of appropriateness. At least ten (10) days before the date set for the hearing, notice shall be published in accordance with IC 5-3-1, and notice shall be given additionally to the affected parties in accordance with the commission's rules of procedure.

(c) Upon hearing the application for a certificate of appropriateness, the commission shall determine whether the proposal will be appropriate to the preservation of the area and to the furtherance and development of historic preservation.

(d) In determining appropriateness of any proposed construction, reconstruction, or alteration, the commission shall consider, in addition to any other pertinent factors, the visual compatibility, general design, arrangement, color, texture, and materials in relation to the architectural or other design standards prescribed by the plan or any applicable zoning regulation, the design and character of the historic area, and the architectural factors of other structures in it. In determining appropriateness of any proposed demolition, the commission shall consider, in addition to any other pertinent factors, the character and significance of the subject structure in relation to the historic area and any other structures or sites in it, including its relative contribution to the historic and architectural values and significance of the area.

(e) However, if the commission finds under subsection (d) any application to be inappropriate, but that its denial would result in substantial hardship or deprive the owner of all reasonable use and benefit of the subject property, or that its effect upon the historic area would be insubstantial, the commission shall issue a certificate of authorization, which constitutes a certificate of appropriateness for purposes of this chapter.

(f) Issuance of a certificate of appropriateness is subject to review by the metropolitan development commission as to its appropriateness in relation to the comprehensive plan. This review must be in accordance with the same procedures and limitations applicable to appeals of decisions of boards of zoning appeals, as provided in IC 36-7-4, and must be initiated only upon notice of appeal by the division of planning and zoning certifying that this determination interferes with the comprehensive plan. All proceedings and work on the subject premises under the certificate of appropriateness are automatically stayed upon notice of the appeal.

As added by Acts 1982, P.L.77, SEC.6.