(a) Decisions approving or denying Certificates of Appropriateness for the demolition of structures will be guided by the following criteria, among other considerations.
• The historic, architectural, or cultural significance of the structure.
• How the structure contributes to the identity of the district.
• The feasibility of reproducing the structure due to characteristics unique to the building, including design, materials, architectural details, etc.
• Whether the structure represents a specific example of period construction or is the one of the last remaining buildings from this period.
• Plans for the reuse of the property and how these plans affect the character and identity of the surrounding district.
• Whether the structure presents a clear danger to the health and safety of the public. This may include the possibility of unexpected collapse, existence and dissemination of pollutants, unauthorized use, etc.
• Whether there is clear evidence that alternatives to demolition have been explored.
• Whether there is benefit to the public to protect or demolish the structure based on the current or projected use of the property.
• Whether the structure has been altered to the extent that no historic or architectural relevance is
• Is there a reuse plan? A new structure would need to have conformity with the surrounding architecture.
• Is it legitimately in poor enough structural condition as to warrant demolition and not "demolition by neglect"
• Does the demolition negatively affect adjacent property owners?
• The lot must be returned to turf and landscape, and anything posing a danger must be filled/remediated like basements/foundations/septic tanks/cisterns etc. The Design Review Board can also decide if they want to ensure that foundation slabs, driveways, walkways, fences, etc. are removed.
(b) Purposeful Neglect. The Design Review Board will not approve applications where the willful neglect of a property is evident. In cases of intentional neglect, or damage, where the property has been allowed to deteriorate with the purpose of causing demolition, the owner may be held responsible for the cost to stabilize, repair, or replace the structure.
(Ord. 16-2024. Passed 7-15-24.)