HPC agenda 042899 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I . INTRODUCTION The Orange County Historic Preservation Commission identified the Phelps Farm as a possible candidate for designation as a historic landmark. The 140- acre parcel is located on N . C . 57 north of Hillsborough . It includes a turn- of-the- century farmhouse and several outbuildings . Most of the acreage is dedicated to farm use . There are several options under consideration for the farm' s future , including local and/or National Register historic designation of the farmhouse and homesite area . Another scenario includes the sale of most of the farm acreage for residential development . In 1998 T . Marvin Phelps , the owner, subdivided the property into two parcels : 12 . 77 acres that include the house and outbuildings and 126 . 69 acres of fields , pasture , and woodlands . The purpose of this study is to explain to the Phelps family the tax and development benefits and restrictions of historic designation . It is assumed that the 12 . 77 - acre parcel will be preserved and would be the part of the farm considered for any historic designation . The larger parcel would continue in its current farming use or be sold for development. A possible subdivision scenario has been created to illustrate how a conservation design may be used to protect the integrity of the historic homesite and its viewsheds . II . DESCRIPTION OF LOCAL AND NATIONAL REGISTER DESIGNATIONS Local Designation designation of a historic property in Orange Count entails both benefits and restrictions to Local g p p y g y landowners . Restrictions govern the appearance and alteration of the site , while tax benefits enable the property owner to reinvest the savings in their property or livelihood . Outlined below are the effect of local designation on your property , the designation process , and benefits you will receive . Two primary features of local designation are the following : • Owners who wish to make certain changes to properties designated as landmarks must have their plans reviewed and approved by the Historic Preservation Commission . HPC approval must be obtained before a building permit can be issued. for an annual fift - percent 50 % property tax • Owners of designated landmarks may apply y p ( ) p P deferral for as long as their property ' s historical significance is maintained. Certificate of Appropriateness Required . The key element of designation is the authority of the HPC to review proposed changes to the exterior of a designated landmark. An owner of a designated property is required to apply for a certificate of appropriateness (COA) prior to making any changes to the site ' s exterior. The Historic Preservation Commission reviews the application , and in a quasi judicial manner, rules on the ` appropriateness ' of the proposed change . The Commission will adopt design guidelines and refer to them to determine if proposed alterations are in keeping with the historic aspects of the landmark. The Commission