§ 151.053 REQUIRED PROCEDURES FOR DESIGNATION.
   A local governing body may not adopt or amend an ordinance designating a historic district, nor may the local governing body or the Commission accept any district until the steps prescribed by this section have been taken.
   (A)   Designation report. The Commission shall prepare or review an investigation and report describing the significance of the buildings, structure, features, sites, or surroundings included in any such proposed district, and the description of the boundaries of such district. Such report shall be referred to the local governing body or the local planning agency for its review and comment according to procedures set forth in the zoning ordinance of the corresponding jurisdiction.
   (B)   Review by the Department of Cultural Resources.
      (1)   All designation reports shall be submitted to the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources by the Commission. The Department of Cultural Resources or its successor agency, acting through the State Historic Preservation Officer, shall, either upon request of the Department or at the initiative of the Commission, be given an opportunity to review and comment upon the substance and effect of the designation of any district.
      (2)   If the Department does not submit its written comments or recommendations in connection with any proposed designation within 30 days following receipt of the report, the Commission and the local governing body shall be relieved of any responsibility to consider such comments. After the expiration of the 30-day comment period given the Department, the Commission may recommend to the local governing body that the area be designated as a historic district.
   (C)   Review by other groups. The local governing body may also, in its discretion, refer the designation report and proposed boundaries to any local preservation commission or other interested body for its recommendations prior to taking action to amend the zoning ordinance.
   (D)   Adoption of a designation ordinance. On receipt of these reports and recommendations, the local governing body may proceed in the same manner as would otherwise be required for the adoption or amendment of any appropriate zoning ordinance provisions.
(Ord. passed 5-4-1992; Ord. passed 4-19-2021)