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14 <br /> <br /> <br />In 1991, the BOCC adopted the “Ordinance Creating the Historic Preservation Commission <br />(HPC) of Orange County”, also referred to as the “Historic Preservation Ordinance”. In 1997, <br />the BOCC adopted the Local Landmark Program, a voluntary program allowing the HPC to <br />designate properties of local historic and/or architectural significance, as authorized by NC <br />General Statute 160A-400.1-400.14. One of the HPC’s duties is to recommend properties to the <br />BOCC for local landmark designation. Properties must meet a high standard of historic and/or <br />architectural significance to be designated as a landmark. The higher standard is appropriate <br />since landmark property owners are eligible for a 50 percent property tax deferral as provided <br />by state law, as long as the property retains its historic character. The intent of this tax <br />treatment is to provide a modest benefit for owners who face high costs to maintain, paint and <br />repair their historic buildings. <br /> <br />The historic landmark designation process involves several steps culminating with the adoption <br />of an ordinance by the BOCC for each individual landmark. The HPC approved a motion at its <br />September 27, 2017 meeting stating that the Dr. Arch Jordan House possesses special <br />historical and architectural significance and is worthy of landmark designation. The application <br />materials (Attachments 1 and 2) were then submitted to the State Historic Preservation Office <br />(SHPO) for review and comment as required by state law. The SHPO provided a positive <br />review (Attachment 4). The next step is for the HPC to hold a joint public hearing with the <br />BOCC, as required by the Historic Preservation Ordinance. <br /> <br />Peter Sandbeck made a PowerPoint presentation, which including photographs only. <br /> <br />A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Price to <br />open the public hearing. <br /> <br />VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br /> <br />PUBLIC COMMENT: <br />NONE <br /> <br />Chair Dorosin asked if there would be any signage. <br />Peter Sandbeck said some counties have adopted some small signage, and the HPC is <br />looking into this for Orange County. <br />Chair Dorosin asked if there is a central location where all of these properties are listed <br />for the public. <br />Peter Sandbeck said this information can be put on the Orange County website. <br />Commissioner Jacobs thanked the HPC and Peter Sandbeck for their diligence and <br />proactivity in this area. <br />Commissioner Price said she is very glad to see this come to fruition. <br />HPC Chair Todd Dickinson said he is here to plug the HPC’s proposed book that will <br />include this information, and possibly a stand-alone website. <br />Commissioner Jacobs asked if a publication date can be agreed upon, because this has <br />been going on for 25 years. <br />Commissioner Jacobs referred to the signage, and said Moorefields had the same <br />conversation with Orange County, but to no fruition. <br />John Roberts said this is a joint public hearing with the HPC, and there is a quorum <br />present. <br />