The Historic Landmark Commission is authorized to discharge and conduct its duties and responsibilities in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and as specified in G.S. Ch. 160A, Art. 19, Part 3C. Provided, that pending establishment by the Board of Aldermen of a historic district either as a separate use district classification under the town's zoning ordinance or as districts which overlay other zoning districts or designation of one or more historic landmarks in accordance with G.S. § 160A-400.5, the Commission shall limit its activities to the following:
(A) Conduct an investigation of and prepare a report describing the boundaries of any proposed historic districts within the town and describing the significance of the buildings, structures, features, sites or surroundings included in the proposed district, such investigation and report to be in accordance with the provisions of G.S. § 160A-400.4;
(B) Upon conclusion of the investigation and report, the Commission shall forward the report to the Department of Cultural Resources acting through the State Historic Preservation Officer or his or her designee for analysis and recommendations in accordance with the provisions of G.S. § 160A-400.4;
(C) Following action on the report by the Department of Cultural Resources as specified above, the Commission shall forward the report to the Town's Planning Board for its review and recommendation. The Planning Board shall make its recommendations upon conclusion of a review of the report to the Board of Aldermen;
(D) Upon receipt of the recommendations of the Planning Board, the Board of Aldermen shall take such action as it deems appropriate. Before taking any action on the recommendations, the Board of Aldermen shall hold a public hearing for the purpose of soliciting input from the public concerning the recommendations;
(E) The Commission is authorized to undertake other activities as specified in G.S. Ch. 160A, Art. 19, Part 3C, which are required to be carried out prior to the establishment by the Board of Aldermen of a historic district either as a separate use district classification under the town zoning ordinance or as districts which overlay other zoning districts or designation of one or more historic landmarks in accordance with G.S. § 160A-400.5.
(F) From and after the designation of a landmark, no exterior portion of any building or other structure (including masonry walls, fences, light fixtures, steps and pavement, or other appurtenant features) nor above-ground utility structures nor any type of outdoor advertising sign shall be erected, altered, restored, moved, or demolished on such landmark until after an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness as to exterior features has been submitted to and approved by the Historic Landmark Commission. A Certificate of Appropriateness under the provisions of this section shall be required whether or not a building permit is required, but, in all instances where such a permit is required, the Certificate of Appropriateness shall be issued prior to the issuance of a building permit.
(Ord. 1198, passed 9-10-92; Am. Ord. 1213, passed 6-10-93; Am. Ord. 1222, passed 12-2-93)