§ 8-104

(a) The legislative body of each local jurisdiction, by local law, may regulate:

(1) the construction, reconstruction, alteration, moving, and demolition of sites or structures of historical, archaeological, or architectural significance;

(2) the construction, reconstruction, alteration, moving, and demolition of sites and structures within districts; and

(3) the appurtenances and environmental settings of sites and structures within the limits of the local jurisdiction.

(b) The purpose of a local law adopted under this section is to:

(1) safeguard the heritage of the local jurisdiction by preserving sites, structures, or districts that reflect elements of cultural, social, economic, political, archaeological, or architectural history;

(2) stabilize and improve the property values of those sites, structures, or districts;

(3) foster civic beauty;

(4) strengthen the local economy; and

(5) promote the preservation and appreciation of those sites, structures, and districts for the education and welfare of the residents of each local jurisdiction.