Historic Preservation Design Guidelines
Section 6: Demolition
The Historic Preservation Commission may not deny an Application
for Demolition, but it may delay the effective date of the Certificate
of Appropriateness for up to 365 days in the case of contributing
buildings. The Commission may waive all or part of this delay period
for noncontributing buildings and sites.
The demolition or removal of buildings or sites in a historic district
requires a Certificate
of Appropriateness.
A delay in demolition is recommended for a structure that
has been found to be historically significant on either a
local, state or national level and/or a structure which exhibits
good architectural style or elements of such style.
If the demolition of a structure is found to have an adverse
effect upon the overall aesthetic character of the National
Historic Register Area, or any specified site in the district,
a delay in demolition is to be applied.
Structures which are not grossly deteriorated by insect infestation,
severe water damage, fire, vandalism, or the like, and which
do not pose a threat to the public health, safety and welfare,
should have a delay in demolition applied.
Should a structure be proposed for demolition due to a need
for the site on which it is located, it is recommended that
a delay in demolition is applied. The purpose of the delay
is to provide ample time to locate an alternative site and
to prepare for moving the structure.
The Secretary of the
Interior's Standards state that "the removal of a historic
building in a complex, a building feature, or a site feature which
is important in defining the historic character of the site is not
a recommended action." In addition, the Standards
list as an action not recommended "the removal of a historic
building, building feature, or landscape or streetscape feature
that is important in defining the overall historic character of
the district or the neighborhood." Therefore, the imposition
of a demolition delay by the Commission is consistent with the Secretary
of the Interior's Standards to retain significant buildings
and streetscapes which define the overall historic character of
the district.
Applicant should print out form and fill out completely.