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V�2 <br />historic sites and structures. They recommended that <br />Orange County consider adopting an ordinance to <br />establish a Historic Preservation Commission, <br />empowered to conduct an inventory, prepare a <br />preservation plan, and administer programs for the <br />preservation of both individual sites; e.g., <br />landmarks, and historic districts. <br />Following the meeting, NCDCR provided Staff with a <br />model ordinance to consider in drafting a local <br />ordinance. Information was also provided about the <br />annual application process for Planning and Survey <br />Grant funds with which to initiate and carry out a <br />historic inventory. Authorization was subsequently <br />sought and obtained from the Board of Commissioners <br />to apply for such funds. If the application is <br />approved, an inventory of the unincorporated <br />portions of Chapel Hill Township will be undertaken. <br />Concurrent with the development of an application <br />for survey funds, an ordinance was drafted for the <br />purpose of establishing a Historic Preservation <br />Commission. Authorization for counties to create <br />such boards is contained in Part 3C of Article 19 of <br />G.S.160A. The basic provisions of the proposed <br />ordinance are as follows: <br />1. A Historic Preservation Commission comprised of <br />seven members would be created. Members must <br />have special interest, education or experience <br />in history, architecture, landscape <br />architecture, archaeology or related fields. <br />2. The Commission may undertake an inventory of <br />properties of historical, prehistorical, <br />architectural, and /or cultural significance. <br />3. The Commission may recommend to the Board of <br />Commissioners areas to be designated as <br />"historic districts" and individual structures, <br />buildings, sites, areas or objects be <br />designated as "landmarks ". <br />A recommendation to designate a landmark would <br />be contingent upon the voluntary application of <br />the property owner. Since historic districts <br />would be created as overlay zoning districts, <br />such designations may be initiated by request <br />of the property owner(s), the Historic <br />Preservation Commission or the Board of <br />Commissioners. A request would be handled in <br />the same manner as a zoning ordinance or atlas <br />amendment; e.g., following notification of <br />property owners, conducting a public hearing, <br />recommendation of the Planning Board, and <br />