A.    A certificate of appropriateness issued by the Columbia heritage and preservation commission shall be required before any alteration in the current design or materials of any designated historic landmark or any building, structure or site, or part thereof, in a designated historic district, when such alteration would be visible from a public right-of-way (including alleys). Even alterations from current condition intended to return a structure to it's original or historic condition shall require a certificate of appropriateness.

    B.    A certificate of appropriateness shall not replace, and must be obtained in addition to, all other applicable city permits such as building or demolition permits and zoning clearances.

    C.    An exception to the certificate of appropriateness requirement shall be made if the applicant shows to the commission that a failure to grant the permit will cause an imminent threat to life, health or property.

    D.    A certificate of appropriateness shall not be required for ordinary maintenance when such maintenance does not result in a change in the design or materials of the building, structure or site being maintained. (Ord. 1527 § 1, 1996: prior code § 41-5-2)