March 1996 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

l J • Introduction PRESERVATION STANDARDS FOR HISTORIC LANDMARKS IN 1, . Preservation Standards for historic landmarks are used by the Hip.toric Preservation Commission whenever exterior changes are proposed for officially de;ignated structures. Review is required when proposed plans for building and develor);:,ent indicate the architectural character of the landmark will be changed. These standards are an extension of the present Ordinances #5567-73 and dl54A-1973 already adopted to implement a comprehensive program of historic preservation The present historic preservation ordinances empower the Commission to issue or deny a Certificate of Appropriateness prior to the construction, reconstruction, alteration, demolition or moving of any landmark. The ordinances also give the Commission the power to establish reasonable and just standards for the preservation of historic landmarks, including architectural treatment, site development and maintenance provisions, providing that the standards are in keeping with the intent of the ordinance and that the standards apply only to the exterior- features of the historic landmark. These standards guide the Commission in their review of Certi- ficates of -Appropriateness. The two major conditions under which change will occur are maintenance or in:pravement and the demolition of an existing landmark. One Historic Preservation Commission has established two levels of preservation standards - Group A and Group B. Group A Standards are the more comprehensive of the two and require that the original character of a building be maintained or - restored. Group B Standards require that the building be maintained as is and, if possible, returned to the original. One of these levels will be selected at the time of designation. Both require a Certificate of Appropriateness before the construction, reconstruction, alteration, demolition or moving of any I;andmark structure or site. The property owner is responsible for furnishing the Commission with a complete description of the proposed changes. This information may be plans, elevations, specifications, photographs, or other means to accurately describe the project. When an application is being reviewed, it will be the responsibility of the applicant to demonstrate that the new work is compatible. Definitions Shall - Defined as an expression of something that is mandatory or gust be done. Should - Defined as an expression of obligation, somethinq that ouUrt to be don; but that is open to compromise. Group A Standards. The Commission has the authority to determine the architectural merits and the 0T-xtent of any proposed treatment, renovation or addition to a historic landmark. he Commission will require drawings, plans, specifications, samples and/or color schemes in detail where appropriate.