The intent of this article is to safeguard the County’s heritage as embodied and reflected in the historic resources. The County recognizes the need for a balance between the historic value of a landmark and a property owner’s rights. Future construction or exterior alterations to historic landmarks will require design review by either the Planning, Public Works and Environmental Services Department staff or the Historic Preservation Commission. The criteria for the method of review of repair or alteration plans is as follows:
(a) The following items are exempt from this article. Prior to issuance of a building permit for any of these items, the Planning, Public Works and Environmental Services Department shall confirm conformity of the project with these exclusions: house painting; routine maintenance or repair; landscaping including sprinkler system work; flat concrete work; all interior alterations; and screens and awnings.
(b) The following items do not require review by the Historic Preservation Commission. Approval by the Planning, Public Works and Environmental Services Department will be issued upon approval of a building permit. The Department may refer applications to the Historic Preservation Commission as deemed reasonably necessary in the discretion of the Department Director: roofing; front, back and side yard fences or walls; retaining wall; chimney and foundation work; alterations or replacement of windows and exterior doors; solar collectors on roof; mechanical systems including air-conditioning and heating.
(c) The following projects which affect the exterior appearance of the structure shall be reviewed by the Historic Preservation Commission, if the estimate and construction cost is in excess of Five Hundred and no/100ths ($500.00) Dollars: repairs to replace or replicate original architecture; surfacing or re-surfacing exterior walls; additions or alterations to porches. (Building permit fees are exempted for such projects.)
(d) The following item requires review by the Historic Preservation Commission and will require a building permit: room additions to historic structures.
(Ord. 1445, eff. August 14, 2014)