The Historic Preservation Commission shall have the following powers and duties, to be carried out in accordance with the terms of this Ordinance and NCGS Chapter 160D, Part 4:
(A) Undertake an inventory of properties of historical, architectural, and/or cultural significance;
(B) Recommend to the Village 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) Acquire by any lawful means the fee or any other lesser included interest, including options to purchase, to properties within established districts or any other such 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 right of public access and promote the preservation of the property;
(D) Restore, preserve and operate historic properties;
(E) Conduct an educational program with respect to historic properties and districts within the jurisdiction of this Ordinance;
(F) Cooperate with State, federal, and local governments in pursuance of the purposes of this Section. The Village Council or the commission when authorized by the Council may contract with the State, or the United States of America, or any agency of either, or with any other organization provided the terms are not inconsistent with the 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 the express consent of the owner or occupant thereof;
(H) Prepare and recommend the official adoption of a preservation element as part of the Village Comprehensive Long Range Plan;
(I) 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 this Section;
(J) Such additional powers and duties as may be set forth for the Historic Preservation Commission elsewhere in this ordinance and other ordinances of the Village; and
(K) Recommend design standards to the Village Council.
(Ord. 14-35, passed 09-24-2014; Ord. 21-12, passed 07-27-2021)