Newport Comprehensive Land Use Plan - Existing Conditions | Page 167

11 Historical & Cultural Resources
districts and specific buildings for the education, pleasure, and welfare of the citizens of Newport. Historic District
Zoning has had a positive impact Newport, largely in improving the quality of deteriorated historic structures through
proper rehabilitation actions. Historic District Zoning has also served to protect the quality and historic integrity of
historic areas. In comparison, the National Historic Landmark status does not protect a property or a National District
from incompatible development. Development of these properties may only be regulated when federal funds are
utilized; therefore the local Historic District Zoning combined with the Newport HDC gives much greater protection to
historic resources.
As an additional protection to Newport's larger historic properties, the City's Zoning Ordinance was amended to
prohibit multi-family development of new construction in all zoning districts represented in the Bellevue Avenue and
Ocean Drive neighborhoods in order to preserve the exterior appearances of the historic buildings. Multi-family
developments are permitted in these neighborhoods by special exception only, and may only take the form of
conversion within the confines of existing structure. Wind energy systems, including wind turbines, are also excluded
from the being sited within the Historic District.

Demolition within the Historic District
The Demolition Delay ordinance, enacted in 1991, came about as a result of public outcry over the demolition of
historic homes adjacent to the Newport Hospital outside of the Historic District. That ordinance has since been
rep