HPC agenda 092299 - Laserfiche WebLink

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How does the HPC determine if my proposed change is appropriate ? The Commission will refer to The Secretary of the Interior 's Standards for Rehabilitation when reviewing proposals for changes to landmarks . The Secretary of the Interior 's Standards will serve as the HPC ' s guidelines until the Commission completes work on its own design guidelines . The forthcoming Orange County Design Guidelines will be modeled after the Secretary of the Interior 's Standards, but will be specific to the County ' s architecture . variety and historic landscapes . How long does the approval process take ? Once a completed application for a certificate of appropriateness is submitted to the Planning and Inspections Department, the department has 30 days to review the application and forward it to the HPC . The Commission will consider the application at their first meeting following the 30 - day review period . The HPC then has 45 days to act upon the application. If the HPC fails to take action on the proposal within the 45 - day period, it shall be deemed approved. In most cases , the HPC will act on the application at the first monthly meeting following staff reviews however, the 45 - day period allows the Commission to extend deliberations until the following meeting, if necessary . The review period will be expedited to the greatest extent possible for work required as a result of storm damage or other unexpected calamity . What are the benefits for owners of historic landmarks ? Landmark designation is an honor of distinction for the property owner, who can take pride in knowing that his or her property is important to the history and cultural heritage of Orange County . Owners of designated landmarks are also eligible to apply for an annual 50% property tax deferral for as long as their property ' s historical significance is maintained . (This deferral applies only to the real property . ) Landmark owners will also be provided a bronze marker, pending available funds . The marker may be placed on the property at the owner ' s consent; otherwise , it may be placed on a nearby public right-of--way . What happens if the HPC denies my request to make a change to my property ? A property owner whose application for a COA is denied by the Historic Preservation Commission may appeal to the Board of Adjustment. What if I choose to move or demolish my property ? The HPC cannot deny a certificate of appropriateness for demolition or relocation of a landmark; however, it may delay the action for up to one year . The Commission will use this time to seek an alternative to demolition or relocation. This may include finding an interested buyer to maintain the structure or . adapt it to another use ; or, as a last resort, to relocate the structure . . X..::::....:.:::..4. .A......:..,...:.::..::. H..;. For more information, please contact: Orange County Historic Preservation Commission Post Office Box 8181 Hillsborough, NC 27278 Hillsborough • 7324181 Chapel Hill • 9674251 Durham a 68& 7331 Mebane • 227-2031 ext. 2594