2008-05 Historical Preservationand
RESOLUTION NO. 08 -05
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE,
FLORIDA, TO SUPPORT THE PRESERVATION OF
BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES OF HISTORICAL
INTEREST OR VALUE WITHIN THE CITY; RECOGNIZING
THAT CERTAIN STRUCTURES OF HISTORICAL VALUE
TO THE CITY HAVE BEEN RAZED AND FOREVER LOST
TO THE CITY; PROVIDING FOR PROTECTION TO
STRUCTURES FROM DEMOLITION PENDING FULL
EVALUTATION AND REVIEW BY THE CITY; PROVIDING
FOR EXCEPTIONS THERETO; PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the City of Okeechobee, Florida recognizes that preservation of the
history, architectural design, and structures within the City are valid and
important elements which promote the general welfare and civic pride of any city;
WHEREAS, the City of Okeechobee has many examples of structures that were
erected during the early formation of the City and are still in use today, and which
are part of the heritage of the City which deserves to be protected and preserved;
and
WHEREAS, the City of Okeechobee is aware of the loss of several structures and
historic buildings over the years, and that in the name of progress, such
demolition and replacement is sometimes necessary; and
WHEREAS, as to buildings of historic interest or value, they are often demolished in a
time frame that prevents adequate review by the City to determine if such
structures should be demolished due to loss of structural integrity, or whether
they are worthy of preservation due to their historical value.
NOW THEREFORE, it is resolved before the City Council for the City of Okeechobee,
Florida; presented at a duly advertised public meeting; and passed by majority
vote of the City Council; and properly executed by the Mayor or designee, as
Chief Presiding Officer for the City:
1. THAT, the City of Okeechobee, Florida possesses a valid interest in the
preservation of structures or buildings that possess a historical value or
interest.
2. THAT, as time is of the essence, the City of Okeechobee deems it
necessary and appropriate to approve a resolution to immediately address
these concerns, and to implement a procedure to protect such structures,
pending more formal measures to be created by ordinance.
3. THAT, until further resolution or ordinance in the matter, it is resolved that
for those structures or buildings within the City of Okeechobee that are 50
or more years in age at the time of request of permit, the City imposes a
moratorium on the issuance of demolition permits, to prevent the
demolition of such structures or buildings.
4. THAT, for such applicants who believe the structure or building on the
property does not possess any historical value, or is in a condition that
renders it unsafe and not reasonably capable of renovation or repair to
comply with current codes, the application shall be reviewed by the Design
Review Board, who shall make a decision thereon as to whether to
approve the permit.
5. THAT the moratorium herein enacted shall exclude the following:
a. An application for a structure or building that is in such disrepair so
as to constitute an immediate threat to public health or safety; and
upon consultation of the building inspector, city engineer and city
administrator, such application shall be immediately approved.
b. A structure or building that is subject to ongoing fines, liens or
judgments issued by the Code Enforcement Board that the
landowner cannot, or will not, bring into compliance, is exempt and
subject to demolition by such landowner or the City.
INTRODUCED AND ADOPTED this 3' day of June. 2008.
ATTEST:
Dame Gamiotea, ,EMC, City Clerk
REVIEWED FOR LEGAL SUFFICIENCY:
Q (a()
Jo n R. Coo Cll Forney
Dowling Watford, Jr., `IVlayor Pro Tempore