Label
Extend moratorium on Demolition
Permits for Historic buildings
Sponsor: Gadus
Title
Amending Resolution 293-25 to extend the moratorium on the issuance of Demolition permits for buildings of Historical Community Importance to April 22, 2026; and declaring an emergency.
Summary
SUMMARY & BACKGROUND:
This resolution was originally adopted in July 2025 to allow sufficient time to complete a comprehensive study and present all findings to Council. A renewal is necessary to ensure the work is completed in accordance with Council’s original intent and to maintain alignment with R-388-24. The background information below provides a brief synopsis of the moratorium ordinance and the purpose of this extension.
In July of 2024, the Toledo City Council passed R-368-24, a moratorium on the issuance of demolition permits for historically-significant, privately-owned buildings. The Plan Commission then began work on producing a report outlining the location of applicable buildings with details about their condition, as well as recommendations of potential remedies for preserving those buildings.
The rationale for preserving historically- and culturally-significant buildings was stated as such in the initial resolution: “These structures may be significant cultural and architectural assets that contribute to the character and identity of the city… Demolition of these structures can have profound and lasting effects… [like] the Loss of Community Identity, [erosion] of the sense of belonging among residents, potential for Urban Blight [like] illegal dumping, vandalism [which] deteriorates the quality of life in the neighborhood and deters potential investment and development.” It continues; “The moratorium on demolition permits aims to safeguard not only the cultural and architectural heritage of Toledo but also the social and economic well-being of its neighborhoods. It provides an opportunity for thorough evaluation and community engagement to explore alternative strategies for preserving and/or repurposing buildings of historical community importance.”
Based on the criteria developed initially, the Plan Commission staff: “looked at approximately 400 privately owned structures that were built before 1949 that provided a gathering space for more than 20 individuals meeting for a common purpose.” Data sets observed by the staff did not distinguish between public and privately-owned structures, occupancy loads, and other relevant details, so: “As a result, staff conducted an independent review of Lucas County Auditor data and identified 5,729 points of interest.”
They noted that their long list of points of interest would have to be narrowed down to those structures with historical, cultural or architectural significance, but were not currently located in Overlay District with established demolition permitting processes. Therefore, the final list included 30 properties that would have stronger safeguards against demolition by being designated as Local “Landmarks”.
However, Plan Commission staff noted that the final list was comprised of church buildings, whose ornate architecture typically gave them the status of being culturally-significant to their neighborhoods, but exempted many publicly-owned buildings that would otherwise meet the criteria. Without including a full listing of Toledo buildings that fit the objective of needing safeguarding, the study may not have accomplished the original goal of being a “comprehensive study evaluating the potential for preservation or alternative use.”
NOW THEREFORE, Be it resolved that:
SECTION 1: The moratorium on issuance of demolition permits for buildings of historical community importance approved and extended by Resolution 293-25, shall be extended until April 22, 2026.
SECTION 2. Toledo City Council hereby directs the Toledo City Plan Commission to finish conducting a comprehensive study of the buildings of historical community importance within the city limits. This study shall include an assessment of the architectural, historical, and cultural significance of these structures, as well as an analysis of their current condition and the feasibility of preservation or rehabilitation. Furthermore, the Plan Commission is tasked with proposing potential programs for revitalization of these structures, including but not limited to zoning regulations or amendments, financial incentives, and community engagement initiatives. Upon completion of the study, the Plan Commission shall present its findings and recommendations to the City Council for review and consideration. This initiative aims to ensure the long-term preservation of Toledo's architectural, cultural and historical heritage and foster sustainable development practices that respect the city's community identity.
SECTION 3. It is found and determined that all formal actions of this Council concerning and relating to the passage of this Ordinance were passed in an open meeting of this Council, and that all deliberations of this Council and any of its committees that resulted in such formal action were in meetings open to the public, in compliance with all legal requirements.
SECTION 4. This Ordinance is hereby declared to be an emergency measure and shall be in force and effect from and after its passage. The reason for the emergency lies in the immediate need to protect buildings of historical community importance from demolition, pending the completion of a comprehensive study to determine the feasibility of preservation or rehabilitation of these structures.
Vote on emergency clause: yeas _____, nays _____.
Adopted _________________, as an emergency measure: yeas _____, nays _____.
Attest: ________________________ __________________________________
Clerk of Council President of Council
Approved: _____________________ __________________________________
Mayor
I hereby certify that the above is a true and correct copy of an Ordinance passed by Council ________________________.
Attest: ________________________
Clerk of Council