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01 . <br /> J <br /> EXECUTIVE SUMMARY <br /> 1 <br /> Introduction <br /> This report, Preserving the Orange Tradition, updates and expands upon a previous <br /> departmental report on landmark designation. Preserving the Orange Tradition provides <br /> an in-depth discussion of the designation of historic landmarks in Orange County. It <br /> describes the authority for instituting such a program, describes the local historic <br /> designation process, and examines the costs of the program. The report includes draft <br /> ordinances for designation of Orange County's first local historic landmarks. It also <br /> includes draft design guidelines. <br /> Landmark designation programs are an accepted practice of local governments in North <br /> Carolina. Seventy-three historic landmarks, districts or preservation commissions have <br /> been established in the state, representing 120 local governments. Among these, twenty <br /> counties have established preservation commissions. <br /> 2 <br /> Background <br /> Under authority granted by the North Carolina General Statues, Orange County adopted <br /> an ordinance on April 1, 1991, and established a historic preservation commission. The <br /> Orange County HPC has undertaken a comprehensive preservation program to date. The <br /> County has completed historic architectural resource inventories in all its townships, an <br /> archeological survey, and a historic preservation element to the Comprehensive Plan. <br /> Most recently, the Historic Preservation Commission has completed a manuscript of <br /> Orange County's architectural history. A National Register nomination for the Cedar <br /> Grove Rural Historic District is in progress. <br /> For the 1997-98 fiscal year, the development of a historic landmarks designation program <br /> will be the Commission's most significant undertaking. A local designation program <br /> would be the most effective means available in preserving historical resources from <br /> degradation and destruction, providing regulatory protection of those sites deemed <br /> important to the County's heritage and history. The HPC will establish a priority list of <br /> the County's best National Register and National Register-eligible properties and seek the <br /> owners' participation in the landmark designation program. The Commission has <br /> requested an allocation of $10,000 in the FY 1997-98 County budget to establish a <br /> Historic Preservation Program Fund. The fund would be used to prepare National <br /> Register nominations for high-priority,eligible sites. <br /> 1 <br />