(A) Establishment and Purpose.
The Board of Architectural Review has been established for the specific purpose of preservation and protection of Dillon's designated historic districts and properties for their unique, special or desired character by means of restrictions and conditions governing the right to erect, demolish, remove in whole or in part, alter their exterior appearance pursuant to S.C. Code §§ 6-29-710 and 6-29-870 and be appointed by the City Council and will hereinafter be referred to as the BAR. The BAR shall adopt by-laws upon the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission and the City Council. Exterior appearance shall include architectural character, general composition, and general arrangement of exterior structure, including the kind, color, and texture of the building material and type and character of all windows, doors, light fixtures, signs, awnings, and all appurtenant elements visible from any street or public thoroughfare. BAR shall promote an all-encompassing historic design concept through regulation of the public streetscape within districts.
(B) Membership.
(1) Requirements.
(a) No member may hold any other public office.
(b) The governing authority or authorities creating the BAR may remove any member of the Board, which it has appointed.
(c) Each BAR member shall attend at least one (1) information or educational meeting per year, pertaining to the work and functions of the BAR, to historic preservation, or to operations of federal, state, and local preservation programs.
(2) Number.
The BAR shall consist of nine (9) members with a demonstrated interest, competence or knowledge of historic preservation. Two (2) non-voting consultant members shall be professionals in the discipline of architecture, history, architectural history, planning, archeology, or related disciplines, including urban planning, American studies, American civilization, cultural geography, cultural anthropology, engineering, real estate, law, banking, construction and urban streetscape design with experience in urban arboriculture.
(3) Appointment Criteria.
All Board members shall be a resident of the city or own property within a historic district unless otherwise indicated and shall be appointed by the City Council following any of the criteria listed within (a) through (g) below; (h) and (i) are required:
(a) One (1) person representing the designated Dillon Residential Historic District who is a resident and property owner within the residential district.
(b) One (1) person representing the Dillon Downtown Historic District who must own property in the Downtown District.
(c) One (1) person who owns or rents a commercial business in the Downtown Historic District.
(d) One (1) person recommended by the Dillon Historic Society who is a member and is not required to be a resident of the city or own property within a historic district.
(e) One (1) person recommended by the Downtown Revitalization Committee.
(f) One (1) person recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission.
(g) One (1) person representing a residential area not included in a designated district.
(h) One (1) South Carolina Licensed General Contractor representing the Dillon Downtown Historic District who is not required to be a resident of the city or own property within a historic district.
(i) One (1) South Carolina Licensed Residential Builder representing the Residential Historic District who is not required to be a resident of the city or own property within a historic district.
(4) Terms.
Board members shall serve until removed by City Council for cause. Any vacancy on the Board shall be filled by appointment as approved by the City Council in accordance with the above criteria. Members of the BAR shall serve without compensation, but may be reimbursed for any expenses as approved by the City Manager while representing the Board.
(C) Powers and Duties.
(1) Powers.
The BAR has binding power of review involving the structures and the districts with streetscapes designated as historically important as may be determined by the historic district zoning ordinance and as stated.
(2) Education.
The BAR shall endeavor to educate the community about their own historic resources and preservation.
(3) Certified Local.
The BAR shall assist the Code Enforcement Director in submitting the annual report of BAR activities required by the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). The annual report form will include the number of cases reviewed, disposition of cases, new local designations, Commission appointments, new or revised resumes, attendance records, minutes or a synopsis of the minutes, and local preservation plans and projects.
(4) Disqualification.
Any member of the BAR who has a direct or indirect interest in any property which is the subject matter of, or is affected by decision of the BAR shall be disqualified from participating in the discussion, decision, or proceedings of the BAR in connection therewith.
(5) Amendments to the Historic Overlay Ordinance.
(a) The BAR from time to time shall re-evaluate the historic overlay ordinance and make recommendations to Planning and Zoning for amendments or additions to the ordinance.
(b) Planning and Zoning shall then make their recommendations to the City Council.
(D) Consistent Policies.
(1) The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation.
The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation are hereby adopted. The BAR, in the exercise of its authority, shall utilize "The Standards."
(2) Streetscape Guidelines and Maintenance Requirements.
The Bar shall consult SCDOT landscape policies for recommendations regarding landscaping, streetscape and horticultural maintenance issues.
(3) Design Guidelines.
The guidelines shall be presented to the Planning and Zoning Commission for their approval and the recommendation for acceptance by the City Council.
(a) Commercial. The BAR shall create "commercial design guidelines" detailing specific exterior issues which shall cover but are not limited to such commercial design matters as: design, signage, awnings, lighting, display of merchandise, security devices, sidewalk encroachments, murals, other pertinent issues and streetscape issues within historic districts such as streetscape elements, lighting, vegetation, trees and other elements placed on or visible from public rights-of-way or where easements have been secured.
(b) Residential. The BAR shall create "residential design guidelines" detailing specific exterior issues which shall cover but are not limited to appropriate historic design, architectural features, doors, windows, porches, roofs, chimneys, shutters, exterior lighting, garages and outbuildings, additions, and enclosures such as fences and gates.
(Am. Ord. 09-07, passed 5-11-2009)