(a) Prior to designation of any historic overlay district the Historic Landmarks Commission shall make or cause to be made a report on the historical, cultural, architectural significance of each building, structure, site, and district proposed for designation, based on the following standards:
(1) No building, structure, site or district shall be deemed to be a historic one unless it has been prominently identified with or best represents, some major aspect of the cultural, political, economic, military, or social history of the locality, region, state, or nation, or has had a major relationship with the life of a historic person or event representing some major aspect of, or ideals related to, the history of the locality, region, state, or nation.
(2) In the case of building or structure that are to be so designated, they shall embody the principal or unique features of an architectural type or demonstrate the style of a period of our history or method of construction, or serve as an illustration of the work of a master builder, designer, or architect whose genius influenced the period in which he worked or has significance in current times.
(b) A public hearing on the proposed designation of a Historic Overlay District and any proposed regulations and requirements for the overlay district shall be held by the City Council.
(1) Notice of the hearing shall be published at least two (2) times in the principal newspaper of general circulation within Charles Town.
(2) Written notice of the hearing shall be mailed by certified mail with signed returned receipts required to all owners and occupants of the said properties.
(3) All notices shall be published or mailed not less than ten (10) or more than twenty (20) days prior to the date set for the public hearing.
(c) Unless the owner of a proposed property or fifty (50%) percent of the ownership interest in a proposed district objects to such designation or regulations or requirements within thirty (30) days following the public hearing, the City Council may designate the property or properties as historic, and approve, amend or reject the proposed regulations and requirements.
(d) Within thirty (30) days following the designation or approval, the owners and occupants of each designated historic property shall be given written notification of such designation or approval by the City Council, which notice shall apprise said owners and occupants of the necessity of obtaining a certificate of appropriateness prior to undertaking any material change within a Historic Overlay District.
(Ord. 2017-001. Passed 4-18-17.)