The purpose of this ordinance is to promote the educational, cultural, and economic welfare of the community by preserving historic structures, sites, monuments, streets and neighborhoods that serve as visible reminders of Geneva's history and cultural heritage.

Furthermore, it is the purpose of this ordinance to strengthen the economy of the City by stabilizing and improving property values in historic areas and to encourage new developments that will be harmonious with the existing historic buildings and neighborhoods.

This purpose is fulfilled through the establishment of the Geneva Historic District, the Historic Preservation Commission (advisory), review procedures and review standards.