Do you own a home in Jackson built before 1940? The Jackson Planning Commission will recommend an emergency moratorium on the demolition or remodeling of historic structures until a historic preservation ordinance can be implemented. Planning Commission Vice Chairman David Butow requested the moratorium in order to prohibit any uses or construction that may be in conflict with the contemplated General Plan for the City of Jackson. Within the last year, the city received several applications for demolition activities related to historic properties, and due to the existing and outdated General Plan, which was adopted in 1981, the city has little control over protecting these historic structures. The Planning Department drafted an interim ordinance and presented it to the Planning Commission at their meeting Monday night. The ordinance applies to the exterior remodeling of or complete demolition of any structure constructed prior to January 1, 1940. The proposed ordinance does not apply to interior renovations, and any request for exterior remodeling will need to be approved by the Planning Director and go before the Planning Commission. The interim ordinance states that the “provisions of this ordinance shall not apply…(if) the proposed addition/alteration will not adversely affect any significant historical, cultural, architectural, or aesthetic feature of the historical structure…(and if it) has been designed in a manner that is sensitive to and consistent with the original architectural style of the historical structure.” Commissioner Terri Works was opposed to the emergency ordinance, stating “I have a home built before 1940… What if I want to remodel the outside?” Works thought that the moratorium would place too great of a restriction on property owners. Planning Director Susan Peters noted that the ordinance is “only temporary.” The commission agreed 4-0, with Terri Works abstaining, to forward it to the Jackson City Council for approval.