Page 125 - Reflect DSM (City of Des Moines, IA)

Compiling a contact list of local photographers that may be interested
and capable of documenting the historic resource before demolition;
Finding local companies or donation centers willing to receive salvage
materials; and
Coordinating with other departments/entities in the creation and
maintenance of this policy.
Explore ways to ensure owners of historic buildings adequately
maintain the building to prevent demolition by neglect.
Update Chapter 58, Historical Preservation, of the City's Code of
Ordinances to:
Adjust the designation considerations by expanding the criteria for
recognizing places of community importance; not limiting the age to
consider historic local landmarks to 50 years or older; and giving
equal consideration to events, festivals, and other "intangible"
resources as physical resources.
More clearly articulate the roles and processes of review bodies and
individuals involved in the historic preservation program;
Extend demolition delay to 120 days to allow an opportunity for
salvage; and
Clearly define demolition in the ordinance to specify the removal of
materials or deconstruction of part or all of a structure, not just the
full removal of a structure.
Enhance the existing Historic Preservation Commission to better
N4
reflect and learn from the community.
Enhance the HPC's educational and outreach component by
advocating for the historic preservation program and providing
additional educational outreach to the community:*
Continue attending regular neighborhood association meetings for
the district in which the HPC member resides to answer questions
about the COA process.
Provide informational materials to new residents in the
neighborhood/historic district.

As future historic districts and cultural resources are designated (and NEAR-TERM City of Des Moines HPC
the number of HPC seats increase), consider creating HPC (0-5 Years)
subcommittees to address certain geographic areas or types of
resources. These groups could provide an initial review and
recommendations of the COA application to be distributed to the full
HPC to be used in the report. Reviews should still be coordinated with
staff review, meaning additional staff would likely be needed with an
increased number of designated historic resources.

Actively work to fill HPC positions with individuals that represent the
communities they serve in terms of age, race, gender, socioeconomic
background, and heritage by working with neighborhood
associations, residents, and other community groups.*
Enhance the training process for Historic Preservation Commission
N5
members.
Continue scheduling a training session for newly appointed HPC
members to meet with staff to review the mission of the HPC,
operating procedures, designated historic resources, design guidelines City of Des
and other resources, and related projects.*
NEAR-TERM Moines

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