Civic improvement districts are authorized and may be established by the planning commission and/or the council for the purpose of encouraging, securing and maintaining the orderly and harmonious appearance, attractiveness and aesthetic development of structures and developments in such districts in order that the most appropriate use and value thereof be determined and protected and that the public health, safety and general welfare be preserved. (Prior code § 8-1.18(a))

A precise plan of any such civic improvement district may be adopted by an ordinance of the council upon the recommendation of the commission, prescribing the area included, together with standards as to design and site locations of building. The standards as to design shall be in conformity with all applicable requirements of the building department of the county and other governmental agencies. (Prior code § 8-1.18(b))