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07 <br /> i <br /> 3 <br /> DESIGNATION OF HISTORIC LANDMARKS <br /> Definition . Historic landmark designation is the selection of certain historic properties <br /> that meet specific age,criteria of a architecture and , historical or cultural significance , a <br /> p g > g s <br /> determined by the Historic Preservation Commission . Landmarks are designated <br /> individually or in groupings (historic district designation) . Designation occurs by <br /> adoption of an ordinance by the Board of County Commissioners , Appendix H contains <br /> a sample designation ordinance . <br /> Historic landmark designation is the most important component of a local government ' s <br /> historic preservation program . Landmark designation provides regulatory protection of <br /> those sites deemed important to a locality ' s heritage and history . Landmark designation <br /> is also an honor of distinction for the property owner, who can take pride in knowing that <br /> his or her property is important to the history and cultural heritage of Orange County . <br /> Although state enabling legislation does not require owner consent to designate a <br /> property as a historic landmark, Orange County ' s landmark designation program will be <br /> voluntary . Owners of eligible properties will be invited by the HPC to submit their <br /> property for landmark designation . Property owners may decline participation in this <br /> program if they wish. <br /> Requirements of Property Owners . Landmark designation has the following <br /> consequences for property owners : <br /> • Owners who wish to make certain changes to properties designated as landmarks <br /> must have their plans reviewed and approved by the Historic Preservation <br /> Commission . HPC approval must be obtained before a building permit can be issued . <br /> • Owners of designated landmarks may apply for an annual fifty percent property tax <br /> deferral for as long as their property ' s historical significance is maintained . <br /> Certificate of Appropriateness Required . The key element of designation is the authority <br /> of the HPC to review proposed changes to the exterior of a designated landmark . An <br /> owner of a designated property is required to apply for a certificate of appropriateness <br /> (COA) prior to making any changes to the site ' s exterior . The Historic Preservation <br /> Commission reviews the application, and in a quasi judicial manner, rules on the <br /> ` appropriateness ' of the proposed change . The Commission will adopt design guidelines <br /> and refer to them to determine. if proposed alterations are in keeping with the historic <br /> aspects of the landmark (see Appendix I for an example of design guidelines) . The <br /> Commission may make recommendations on the proposal, or deny the applicant a COA <br /> if it finds the proposed work will adversely impact the special character of the landmark . <br /> Review by the Historic Preservation Commission. HPC review is intended to ensure that <br /> changes to the landmark are in keeping with the historic and/or architectural integrity of <br /> 34 <br />