The basic provisions of the Historic Preservation Ordinance are as follows:
- The ordinance is applied in a voluntary manner and all owners of historic properties are given the option to participate
- The ordinance limits the city's comment to the exterior characteristics of the structures or buildings on the local registry
- The ordinance defines a method to collectively define historic assets
- The ordinance is geared to provide incentives to assist owners of historic properties in their preservation and restoration efforts
- The ordinance assists with the establishment of partnerships between parties interested in assisting with historic property preservation efforts
- The ordinance establishes a Historic Preservation Commission that provides educational, informational, and technical support to owners of historic properties
- The ordinance allows the Historic Preservation Commission to promote educational outreach programs to all parties interested in historic preservation efforts
- The ordinance provides a defined list of goals and objectives for all historic preservation efforts within the city
- The ordinance contains language discouraging the demolition of historic properties
- The ordinance allows the Historic Preservation Commission to identify, investigate, and promote the protection of historically significant sites
- The ordinance creates the framework for fostering partnerships between other city review authorities, such as the: