As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
ADDITION
A structure added to the original structure at some time
after the completion of the original.
ALTERATION
Any work done on any improvement which is not an addition
to the improvement and changes the appearance of the exterior surface
of any improvement.
DEMOLITION
The razing of any improvement or the obliteration of any
natural features of a landmark.
HISTORIC DISTRICT
A definable group of Tax Map lots, the improvements on which,
when viewed collectively, represent a significant period(s) in the
architectural and social history of the Borough of Saddle River and,
because of their unique character, can readily be viewed as an area
or neighborhood distinct from surrounding portions of Saddle River
or have a unique character resulting from their architectural style.
Except as otherwise stated, all references to "landmarks" in this
chapter shall be deemed to include "historic districts" as well.
HISTORIC LANDMARK or LANDMARKS or HISTORIC SITE or SITES
Any real property, such as a building, structure, ruins,
foundation, route, trail, place or object, including but not limited
to a cave, cemetery, burial ground, camp or village area, or natural
objects or configuration, geological information or feature which
is of particular historic, cultural, scenic or architectural significance
to the Borough of Saddle River and in which the broad cultural, political,
economic or social history of the nation, state or community is reflected
or exemplified; is identified with historic personages or with important
events in the main current of national, state or local history; shows
evidence of habitation, activity or the culture of prehistoric man;
embodies a distinguishing characteristic or an architectural type
valuable as representative of a period, style or method of construction;
represents a work of a builder, designer, artist or architect whose
individual style significantly influenced the architectural history
of the municipality; or is imbued with traditional or legendary lore.
All landmarks shall specifically be identified within the Historic
Preservation Plan Element of the Master Plan as recognized by the
provision of N.J.S.A. 40:55D-28b(6). The designation of a "landmark"
shall be deemed to include the Tax Map lot(s) on which it is located.
IMPROVEMENT
Any structure or part thereof constructed or installed upon
real property by human endeavor and intended to be kept at the location
of such construction or installation for a period of not less than
60 contiguous days.
MAJOR APPLICATION
Any application for a certificate of appropriateness which involves demolition or removal of a landmark, addition to a landmark or construction of a new structure in a historic district or which otherwise falls within the criteria set forth in §
125-6B(1) hereof.
MINOR APPLICATION
Any application for a certificate of appropriateness which does not involve demolition or removal of a landmark, addition to a landmark or construction of a new structure in a historic district and which meets the criteria set forth in §
125-6B(2) hereof.
REPAIR
Any work done on any improvement which is not an addition
to the improvement and does not change the appearance of the exterior
surface of any improvement.
REPLACEMENT
Repairs when a building permit is required for the same.
STRUCTURE
Any improvement, including but not limited to all buildings.
[Amended 2-9-2015 by Ord.
No. 15-905-C]
A. There is hereby created in and for the Borough of Saddle River a
commission as provided for in N.J.S.A. 40:55D-107 to be known as the
"Landmarks Commission of the Borough of Saddle River" (Historic Preservation
Commission).
B. The Commission shall consist of nine members:
(1) Seven of the members shall be citizens of the Borough of Saddle River
and hold no other municipal office.
(2) One of the members shall be knowledgeable in building design and
construction and/or architectural history.
(3) One of the members shall be knowledgeable or have demonstrated an
interest in local history.
C. Members shall be appointed by the Mayor, with the advice and consent
of the Council, and serve for three-year staggered terms, with one
member being appointed each year. Vacancies shall be filled in the
same manner in which the previous incumbent was appointed, and such
vacancy appointment shall be only for the balance of such incumbent's
unexpired term.
D. The Commission shall elect from its membership a Chairman and a Vice
Chairman.
E. The Commission shall create rules and procedures for the transaction
of its business, subject to the following regulations:
(1) The Commission's members, including the Chairman or, in his
absence, the Vice Chairman, but not less than a majority of the full
authorized membership, may grant or deny a certificate of appropriateness.
(2) The Commission shall appoint a Secretary, who need not be a member
of the Commission. The Secretary shall keep minutes and records of
all meetings and proceedings, including voting records, attendance,
resolutions, findings, determinations and decisions. All such material
shall be public records.
(3) All meetings shall comply with the Open Public Meetings Act (N.J.S.A.
10:4-6 et seq.).
F. The Commission members shall serve without compensation but shall
be reimbursed for expenses incurred in the performance of official
business.
G. Within the limits of funds appropriated for the performance of its
work, grants and gifts, the Commission may obtain the services of
qualified persons to direct, advise and assist the Commission and
may obtain the equipment, supplies and other material necessary to
its effective operation.
H. The Commission is empowered to seek advisory opinions and technical
assistance from all municipal employees on any matter within the Commission's
jurisdiction. The Commission shall obtain its legal counsel from the
Borough Attorney or such other attorney so designated by the Mayor,
with the advice and consent of the Council, at a rate of compensation
to be determined and approved by the governing body. Expenditure pursuant
to this subsection shall not exceed, exclusive of gifts or grants,
the amount appropriated by the governing body for the Commission's
use.
I. Powers and duties. The Commission shall:
(1) Prepare and adopt, pursuant to §
125-4A et seq. hereof, a Landmarks Designation List and Landmarks Map.
(2) Make recommendations to the Planning Board on the Historic Preservation
Plan Element of the Master Plan and on the implications for preservation
of historic sites of any Master Plan elements.
(3) Advise the Planning Board on the inclusion of historic sites in the
recommended capital improvement program.
(4) Advise the Planning Board and Board of Adjustment on applications
for development pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-110.
(5) Provide written reports, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-111, on the
application of the Zoning Ordinance provisions concerning historic
preservation.
(6) Hear and decide applications for certificates of appropriateness pursuant to §
125-5 hereof.
(7) Amend, from time to time, as circumstances warrant, the Landmarks Designation List and Landmarks Map in the manner set forth in §
125-2I(1) hereof.
(8) Collect and disseminate material on the importance of historic preservation
and techniques for achieving the same.
(9) Advise all municipal agencies regarding goals and techniques of historic
preservation.
(10)
Adopt and promulgate such regulations and procedures not inconsistent
with this chapter as are necessary and proper for the effective and
efficient performance of the duties herein assigned.
It shall be the duty of all municipal officials reviewing all
permit applications involving real property or improvement thereon
to determine whether such application involves any activity which
should also be the subject of an application for a certificate of
appropriateness and, if it should, to inform both the Secretary of
the Commission and the applicant.
Any not-for-profit organization [501(C)3] that raises funds
or provides support or administers programs in Saddle River for or
in connection with any historic landmark shall be approved by the
Mayor and Council.