The Plan Commission on Oct. 22 recommended approval of staff‑proposed updates to the Landmarks Commission ordinance to clarify operations, add enforcement authority and set a standard appeals procedure.

Charlie, community development staff, explained proposed revisions to sections 28.02, 28.03, 28.05 and 28.06 of the city code. The principal changes clarify that the Landmarks Commission may impose conditions on approvals and set time limits (staff proposed not less than 90 days for remediation of unapproved work), require that application forms and fees be provided and set by the Community Development Department, and establish that approvals should follow the published design guidelines rather than non‑existent preservation plans.

The update also adds a procedure for appeals to the Common Council for decisions of the Landmarks Commission and standardizes internal operations such as electing a chair annually in May. Charlie said the ordinance currently lacked explicit language authorizing conditions and time limits and that the updates bring the code into alignment with current practice. The state historic preservation office was cited as advising further future changes to the sale/removal provisions in the ordinance, which staff said they would research.

Commissioner Frankour and others who previously served on the Landmarks Commission said the changes would provide needed clarity and enforcement mechanisms, help ensure timely use of grant funds such as CDBG paint/repair grants and standardize review practice. A motion recommending approval of the proposed ordinance updates passed unanimously by voice vote.

Staff said the redlined ordinance language appears in the meeting packet and that additional tweaks may occur as the city attorney finalizes the language. The item will proceed to the Common Council for further review as appropriate.