Section 303.22. Action by department.

  The department shall hold a hearing not less than thirty days or more than sixty days after the petition is received. The department shall publish notice of the hearing, at a reasonable time before the hearing is to take place, and shall post notice of the hearing in a reasonable number of places within the suggested district. The cost of notification shall be paid by the persons who petition for the establishment of a district.

  At the hearing the department shall hear interested persons, accept written presentations, and shall determine whether the suggested district is an area of historical significance which may properly be established as a historical preservation district pursuant to the provisions of this subchapter of this chapter. The department may determine the boundaries which shall be established for the district. The department shall not include property which is not included in the suggested district unless the owner of the property is given an opportunity to be heard.

  The department, if it determines that the suggested district meets the criteria for establishment as a historical preservation district, shall indicate the owners of the property and residents included and shall forward a list of owners and residents to the county commissioner of elections.

  If the department determines that the suggested district does not meet the criteria for establishment as a historical preservation district, it shall so notify the petitioners.

[C77, 79, 81, §303.22;

82 Acts, ch 1238, §16

]