ORDINANCE NO. 260400
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Sponsor: Mayor Quinton Lucas
Amending Chapter 56 of the Code of Ordinances, Article V, Dangerous buildings or structures, by repealing and replacing Section 56-539, Permits, to require Historic Preservation Commission review for demolition of historic structures declared dangerous buildings, except in cases of emergency.
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WHEREAS, vacant and deteriorating buildings pose significant risks to public safety, neighborhood stability, and the long-term vitality of Kansas City communities; and
WHEREAS, the City of Kansas City has a compelling interest in preserving its historic structures, which represent irreplaceable cultural, architectural, and economic assets for the city and its residents; and
WHEREAS, current provisions of Chapter 56 exempt buildings declared dangerous from Historic Preservation Commission review prior to demolition, potentially incentivizing property owners to allow historic structures to deteriorate until they qualify for demolition without preservation review; and
WHEREAS, this exemption undermines the City's historic preservation goals and enables a cycle of neglect that contributes to blight, disinvestment, and the permanent loss of historic resources; and
WHEREAS, the Kansas City Historic Preservation Commission and Resolution No. 250912 support upstream interventions to prevent historic structures from deteriorating to the point of dangerous-building designation, including mandatory minimum maintenance standards and mothballing requirements; and
WHEREAS, limiting the dangerous-building demolition exemption to genuine emergencies, where immediate danger to public health, safety, or welfare exists and no reasonable alternative to demolition is available, appropriately balances preservation goals with public safety imperatives; and
WHEREAS, requiring Historic Preservation Commission review prior to demolition of historic landmarks and contributing structures within lo...
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