Within the zoning jurisdiction of the Town of Liberty the Historic Preservation Commission is authorized and empowered to undertake actions reasonably necessary to the discharge and conduct of its duties and responsibilities as outlined in this chapter and G.S. Ch. 160A, Article 19, Part 3C, including but not limited to the following:
(A) Undertake an inventory of properties of historical, prehistorical, architectural and/or cultural significance;
(B) Recommend to the Town Council areas to be designated by ordinance as historic districts and individual structures, buildings, sites, areas or objects to be designated by ordinance as landmarks;
(C) Recommend to the Town Council that designation of any area as a historic district, or part thereof, or designation of any building, structure, site, area or object as a landmark be revoked or removed for cause;
(D) Review and act upon proposals for alterations, demolitions or new construction within historic districts, or for the alteration or demolition of designated landmarks pursuant to G.S. Ch. 160A, Article 19, Part 3C and this chapter;
(E) Conduct an educational program with respect to historic properties and districts within the jurisdiction of the town;
(F) (1) Cooperate with the state and federal government in pursuance of the purposes of G.S. Ch. 160A, Article 19, Part 3C and this chapter; to offer or request assistance, aid, guidance or advice concerning matters under its purview or of mutual interest.
(2) The Town Council, or the Commission when authorized by the Town Council, may contract with the state or the United States, or any agency of either, or with any other organization provided the terms are not inconsistent with state or federal law;
(G) Enter, solely in performance of its official duties and only at reasonable times, upon private lands for examination or survey thereof. However, no member, employee or agent of the Commission may enter any private building or structure without express consent of the owner or occupant thereof;
(H) Prepare and recommend the official adoption of a preservation element as part of the Town of Liberty Comprehensive Plan;
(I) Acquire by any lawful means the fee or any lesser included interest, including options to purchase, to properties within established districts or to any properties designated as landmarks, to hold, manage, preserve, restore and improve the same, and to exchange or dispose of the property by public or private sale, lease or otherwise, subject to covenants or other legally binding restrictions which will secure appropriate rights of public access and promote the preservation of the property;
(J) Restore, preserve and operate historic properties;
(K) Negotiate at any time with the owner of a building, structure, site, area or object for its acquisition or its preservation, when the action is reasonably necessary or appropriate; and
(L) Receive and spend funds appropriated by the Town Council for operation and performance of the duties of the Preservation Commission; and accept grants of funds from private individuals or organizations for preservation purposes.
(Ord. passed 3-27-1998)