(a) Evaluation of historic resources. The developer shall identify all historic resources on property that is subject to an application for subdivision or an application for site development plan review associated with a building or grading permit, and the Planning and Zoning Officer shall evaluate and determine the extent to which each historic resource can be retained and preserved based on whether the historic resource retains its structural and historic integrity and can still convey historic significance.
(b) Preservation. When an historic resource is to be retained and preserved, the following criteria shall apply to the maximum extent practicable:
(1) access shall be by an existing driveway unless the Office of Planning and Zoning determines that relocation of the driveway results in an improved design;
(2) new development shall be sited so that the layout does not impact the historic resource and shall be oriented so that the view of the historic property's primary facade from the public road is not impaired;
(3) grading, filling, construction, and landscaping on a commonly owned adjacent lot shall be designed to enhance views to and from the historic resource and to buffer views of new development;
(4) the Office of Planning and Zoning may require architectural design covenants for new development within close visual proximity to the historic resource; and
(5) the developer shall grant to the County a preservation easement and shall execute an agreement, as necessary, to protect and preserve to the extent feasible historic resources on properties listed on the County Inventory of Historic Properties.
(c) When preservation not feasible. Demolition or removal of an historic resource listed on the County Inventory of Historic Properties is allowed only when the Planning and Zoning Officer finds that preservation is not feasible and the developer has complied with all other applicable State and federal laws and regulations regarding the historic resource.
(Bill No. 3-05; Bill No. 59-10)