§ 1-4. Purpose of article.

(a) Areas and structures to be preserved.

(1) Baltimore City contains a number of significant areas within which are located various buildings and other structures that contribute to the historical or architectural significance of the area. The preservation of these areas is appropriate and necessary for the educational, cultural, economic, and general welfare of the public.

(2) Baltimore City contains an even greater number of individually significant buildings and other structures that have special historical or architectural significance. The preservation of these individual structures is equally appropriate and necessary for the educational, cultural, economic, and general welfare of the public.

(b) Need for controls or restrictions.

To preserve these significant areas and individual structures, it is necessary to impose controls and restrictions on or in connection with them.

(c) Creation of CHAP.

For these purposes, the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore has enacted this article, establishing the Commission for Historical and Architectural Preservation and vesting it with the powers and duties needed to administer and enforce the provisions of this article.