(A) From and after the designation of a landmark or a historic district, no exterior portion of any building or other structure (including masonry walls, fences, light fixtures, steps and pavement, or other appurtenant features), nor any above-ground utility structure nor any type of outdoor advertising sign shall be erected, altered, restored, moved or demolished on the landmark or within a historic district until after an application for a certificate of appropriateness as to exterior features has been submitted to and approved by the Commission.
(B) A certificate is required to be issued by the Commission prior to the issuance of a zoning permit, building permit or other permit granted for the purposes of constructing, altering, moving or demolishing structures, which certificate may be issued subject to reasonable conditions necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter. A certificate of appropriateness shall be required whether or not a zoning, building or other permit is required.
(C) For purposes of this chapter, EXTERIOR FEATURES shall include the architectural style, general design and general arrangement of the exterior of a building or other structure, including the kind and texture of the building material, the size and scale of the building, and the type and style of all windows, doors, light fixtures, signs and other appurtenant features.
(D) Exterior features may also include historic signs, color, any significant landscape, and archaeological and natural features of the area. In the case of outdoor advertising signs, EXTERIOR FEATURES shall be construed to mean the style, material, size and location of all like signs.
(E) The State of North Carolina (including its agencies, political subdivisions and instrumentalities), the Town of Liberty and all public utilities shall be required to obtain a certificate of appropriateness for construction, alteration, moving or demolition within a historic district or of designated landmarks, except as provided in §§ 36.13 and 154.080(D).
(Ord. passed 3-27-1998)