In an unusual special meeting Tuesday, Jefferson City's Historic Preservation Commission will review a proposed ordinance that would strengthen efforts to protect historic properties from demolition.
The special meeting, which is open to the public, will be at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall and will precede the commission's regular meeting.
The Historic City of Jefferson would like to see a stronger, more deliberate plan in place to respond to future demolition applications, Chairman Ed Meyers said.
"Our primary purpose is not to go after property owners, but to protect historic properties," attorney Paul Graham said.
For starters, the definition of "demolition" would include neglect as well as intentional razing, he said of the developing ordinance proposal. Also, he would like to see the penalties increased from a $500 fine and 180 days in jail.
The changes to Chapter 8, Article 4, also would create a "class of protected properties," he said. Those would include designated city Landmarks, properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places and sites 50 years old and older.
Graham foresees friction since the proposal suggests the city law would take precedence over county law, even regarding public spaces, he said.
The developing ordinance change would create a mechanism for demolition applications, which are rejected by the commission. Graham's plan involves the Board of Adjustment and public input. Also, the "burden of proof" would fall on the opposition to the demolition for why it is historic or should be denied.
"It would be nice if other interested parties, whom we haven't heard from, would come talk to us, to weigh in," Meyers said.
At its November meeting, the commission was presented with a 33-page working document prepared by Graham on behalf of the not-for-profit Historic City of Jefferson.
Following that meeting, the commissioners took the draft for review and also asked for city staff and legal input.
The city encourages the public to bring concerns to the city, said Jayme Abbott, neighborhood services coordinator. And Meyers said he welcomes the opportunity for the commission to work with local organizations.
However, this proposal would change the role of the commission and could prevent property owners from demolishing their property.
Meyers said he likes that the proposal would afford the commission more time to propose alternatives to sway property owners from demolition. However, he wants to make sure they consider any unintended consequences of changing the ordinance.
"I just want to make sure this has been thought through," Meyers said. "It's a very fine line between preservation and property rights."