Purpose

The purpose of historic district zoning in the City of Newport is to protect our historic assets and to guide new growth in ways that enrich and maintain Newport's sense of place and authentic historic character, for now and for future generations.

Newport has a remarkable built environment recognized as unique among American cities, including the most extensive collection of extant 17th and 18th century colonial structures in the nation; a broad array of mid-19th century resort architecture, much of it designed by the leading architects of that era; an unparalleled set of elaborate gilded age "cottage" mansions and numerous residential, commercial, military, industrial and institutional buildings reflecting the city's long maritime history. Even more significant is that this environment reflects architectural and social values over centuries of historical development unequalled by any other city in the country.

Newport's architectural vitality is dependent on the context within districts including streetscapes, neighborhoods, and vistas as well as the quality and character of individual buildings that make up its districts.

The preservation of structures of historic and architectural value and historic cemeteries, wherever located within the City of Newport, are declared to be a public purpose and the city council, by this Chapter, does hereby regulate the construction, alteration, repair, moving, and demolition of these structures within the limits of the designated historic districts of the City of Newport. It is recognized that the purpose of this Chapter is to:

• • 1. Safeguard the heritage of the City of Newport by preserving districts in the City of Newport which reflect elements of its cultural, social, economic, political and architectural history;

  • 2. Stabilize and improve property values in those districts;

  • 3. Foster civic beauty;

  • 4. Strengthen the local economy; and

  • 5. Promote the use of the historic districts for the education, pleasure, and welfare of the citizens of the City of Newport.

(Ord. No. 2010-28, § 1, 8-25-2010)