Please note these paragraphs have been copied here from the city code to provide a convenient reference for those seeking general information about historic preservation in Council Bluffs and are not intended as a legal source. The city can amend these codes at any time, so please follow the link below to ascertain the most current information before making any decisions based on city ordinances.
https://councilbluffs.municipalcodeonline.com/book?type=ordinances#name=Preface
Refer especially to : 16.02.10 16.03.150 16.03.160
16.02.010 Findings
The city council finds and declares as a matter of public policy that the protection, enhancement, perpetuation, preservation and use of improvements and sites of educational, architectural, engineering, geographical, archeological, historical or cultural significance located within the city are a public necessity and are required in the interest of the prosperity, education, civic pride, health, safety, general welfare and quality of life of the people of Council Bluffs. (Ord. 5148 § 1 (part), 1993)
16.02.020 Purpose
The purposes of this title are as follows:
To effect and accomplish designation, protection, enhancement, perpetuation and preservation of such improvements and sites which represent or reflect significant elements of the city's, the state's or the nation's educational, architectural, engineering, geographical, archeological, historical or cultural heritage;
To develop and encourage appropriate settings for such improvements, by ensuring that new construction in historic districts is in general physical harmony, as to improvements that are within the purview of this title with buildings of historic design;
To stabilize and/or improve the economic vitality of such improvements and sites;
To stabilize and/or improve the aesthetics of such improvements and sites;
To foster civic pride in the beauty and noble accomplishments of the past;
To safeguard the city's historic and cultural heritage as embodied and reflected in such improvements, sites, landmarks and historic districts;
To protect and enhance the city's attraction to tourists and visitors and provide support and stimulus to business and industry;
To strengthen the economy of the city; and
To promote the landmarks, landmark sites and historic districts for the education, prosperity, stimulation and welfare of the people of the city. (Ord. 5148 § 1 (part), 1993)
16.03.150 Landmark
Landmark: Any improvement designated by the council pursuant to this title which has a special character of educational, architectural, engineering, geographical, archeological, historical or cultural significance. (Ord. 5148 § 1 (part), 1993)
16.03.160 Landmark Site
Landmark site: Any parcel or site of real property, part thereof, or abutting parcels having historic or cultural significance which have been designated by the council pursuant to this title, which have a special character of educational, architectural, engineering, geographical, archeological, historical or cultural significance. (Ord. 5148 § 1 (part), 1993)
16.07.005 Designation Criteria
In considering a designation application, the following criteria shall be considered:
If it has historical and cultural importance, having significant character, interests or value, as part of the development, history or cultural characteristic of the city, state or nation;
If it is associated with the life of a person significant in the past;
If it is the site of a significant historical event;
If it exemplifies or reflects a cultural, political, economic, social or historic heritage of the city, state or nation;
If it has potential for yielding information of archeological significance;
If it embodies distinctive elements of an architectural or an engineering type, style, materials or method of construction;
If it is representative of the notable work of a master builder, designer or architect whose individual genius influenced the city, state or nation;
If it represents an established or familiar visual feature of the neighborhood, community or city due to its unique location or singular physical characteristics;
If it has geographical importance by being part of or related to square, park, or other distinctive area and should be developed or reserved according to a plan based on an historic, cultural or an architectural motif;
If it has a relationship to a landmark, landmark site or historic district;
If it has integrity as a natural environment that significantly contributes to the quality of life in the city.