Chapter 2.10
HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION
Sections:
2.10.010 Membership.
(1) The mayor with council concurrence shall appoint a historic landmark commission, hereinafter the commission, of at least three but not to exceed five members with a demonstrated positive interest, knowledge, or competence in historic preservation to carry out the provisions of this chapter. A majority of the members shall reside within the corporate boundaries of the city of St. Helens. Members shall serve without compensation, but are eligible for reimbursement of expenses related to their service.
Alternatively, the planning commission per Chapter 2.08 SHMC may serve as the historic landmarks commission when thus appointed, provided the appointed members of the planning commission have a demonstrated positive interest, knowledge, or competence in historic preservation to carry out the provisions of Chapter 17.36 SHMC.
(2) Initial appointments to the commission (originally three members) shall be for terms of one, two, and three years. Subsequent or new terms of appointment shall be for three years or, in the case of a replacement, for the remainder of the unexpired term. Members shall be eligible for reappointment. (Ord. 3323 § 2 (Att. A), 2026)
2.10.020 Meetings.
(1) A simple majority of the seated members shall constitute a quorum to conduct official business.
(2) A chair and vice-chair shall be elected annually by and from the seated membership. Officers are eligible for reelection.
(3) The commission shall meet at least twice a year, and as required to conduct business in a timely fashion. Notice of the meetings shall be in accordance with applicable state and local law. Minutes, applications, staff reports, findings, and decisions of the commission shall be maintained as public records in accordance with applicable state law. (Ord. 3323 § 2 (Att. A), 2026)
2.10.030 Powers and duties.
The commission has the following powers and duties:
(1) The commission may adopt and amend by-laws, subject to approval by the city of St. Helens council, to regulate its internal operations.
(2) For purposes consistent with this chapter and subject to the approval of the city council, the commission may seek, accept, and expend public appropriations; seek, accept, and expend grant and gift funds; cooperate with public and private entities; and employ clerical and expert assistance.
(3) The commission may undertake to inform the citizens of, and visitors to, the city of St. Helens regarding the community’s history and prehistory; promote research into its history and prehistory; collect and make available materials on the preservation of historic resources; provide information on state and federal preservation programs; document historic resources prior to their alteration, demolition, or relocation and archive that documentation; assist the owners of historic resources in securing funding for the preservation of their properties; and recommend public incentives and code amendments to the city council.
(4) The commission may develop and publish, or adopt, written and graphic guideline and example materials to clarify the criteria in this chapter and to assist applicants in developing complete and viable applications.
(5) Employing the procedures and criteria in SHMC 17.36.025, the commission shall periodically identify and evaluate the historic resources of the city of St. Helens and maintain an inventory of historic resources. At such time as surveys are being conducted, owners of the subject properties shall be notified and invited to provide comment and input.
(6) Employing the procedures and criteria in SHMC 17.36.030, the commission shall recommend to the city council revisions (i.e., adding or deleting properties) to the Designated Landmarks Register and/or comprehensive plan as needed.
(7) Employing the applicable procedures and criteria of Chapter 17.36 SHMC, the commission shall review and act upon applications for the alteration, relocation, or demolition of designated landmarks and historic resources of statewide significance.
(8) The commission shall advise and make policy recommendations to the city council and the planning commission on matters relating to historic preservation; and shall make an annual report, in writing, to the city council on its activities and expenditures during the preceding 12 months, and its projected activities and expenditures for the following 12 months.
(9) The commission shall make recommendations for architecture character review pursuant to SHMC 17.32.172(7) and 17.32.173(5)(b). (Ord. 3323 § 2 (Att. A), 2026)