[Amended 12-20-1999 by Ord. No. 99-11; 8-6-2001 by Ord. No. 2001-09]
A.
The intent of historic preservation is as follows:
(1)
To safeguard the existing architectural design and style as well as the historic heritage of Chester Borough by preserving those structures which reflect the elements of its cultural, social, economic and architectural history and by insuring that new buildings constructed within designated districts shall harmonize with and complement said architectural and historic heritage.
(2)
To foster civic beauty.
(3)
To promote the use of designated districts for the education, pleasure and welfare of the citizens of Chester Borough as well as its visitors and to stabilize and improve property values within designated districts, buildings or sites.
B.
Use regulations. The use regulations permitted in the historical zone shall be those designated by the various applicable requirements of the zoning section, plus those additional regulations set forth hereinbelow, which shall apply to all property within the historical zone.
(1)
Before any new construction or major alterations are made on any property or building within: a) the Borough’s historic districts, sites and zones; b) any building or property listed in the Borough’s Historic Sites Survey entitled "New Jersey Historic Sites Inventory, Morris County Cultural Resources Survey," prepared by ACROTERION Historic Preservation Consultants and dated 1986/1987; c) all properties listed on the State or National Register of Historic Places; d) all properties which have been deemed eligible for listing on the State or National Register; and e) all properties for which a formal State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) opinion has been issued through 1986, the project must be approved by the Planning Board or Board of Adjustment.
[Amended 6-20-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-02-02]
(2)
In reviewing the plans, the Planning Board shall give consideration to:
(a)
The preservation of our community's character. It is the intent of this article that the Historic Preservation Committee shall encourage the principle, that any alterations or repairs be made in the spirit of the architectural style of the building, and that any additions be made in such a manner as not to detract, but rather support, the building's original style.
(b)
The Historic Preservation Committee will encourage this principle by providing information for the use and edification of the Chester Borough residents and property owners concerning architectural details found in the community. They will further assist residents and property owners who request assistance in maintaining their residence.
(c)
In reviewing the applicant's plans, the Committee shall give consideration to the following items as well as to the general standards referred to in the United States Department of Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation, as amended:
[1]
The historic or architectural value and significance of the structure and its relationship to the historic value of the surrounding areas.
[2]
The details of design for the period of architecture and surrounding neighborhood.
[3]
The general compatibility of exterior designs, arrangements and materials proposed to be used.
[4]
Any other factor, including aesthetic, which it deems pertinent.
(d)
If the adjacent property is in a residential zone a buffer shall be provided in accordance with § 163-49G.
(e)
The front of an existing building may not be extended further towards the front yard setback. The front of an existing building may only be remodeled subject to Planning Board approval.
(f)
Any other factor, including aesthetics, which it deems pertinent to the intent and purposes of this chapter.
(3)
In acting on any application under this subsection, the Planning Board shall endeavor to assure that all buildings hereafter erected or altered, including signs thereon and all other signs within the historical zone shall be of such design, appearance and relation to one another they will enhance the historical zone.
(4)
Permitted accessory uses. Customary accessory uses and buildings, provided such uses are incidental to the principal building and conform to the requirements of § 163-84.
(8)
Historic zone minor alteration. Historic zone minor alterations (not including repair and/or replacement and/or repainting of exterior building components) shall be exempt from Board review and approval procedures as enumerated in § 163-84B(1). Work that entails exterior building repairs and/or the replacement and/or repainting of exterior building components shall be subject to Board review as a Historic Zone Minor Application in accordance with the review procedures contained in § 163-84B(1). Exterior repairs and replacements include but are not limited to windows, doors, roofing, porches, steps, painting, and ornamentation such as trim, cornice, soffit, fascia, etc. Notwithstanding the forgoing, if an exterior repair and/or replacement and/or repainting is a minor like-kind repair, replacement or repainting, that shall cost less than $5,000, it shall not require a minor application for historic review. A “minor like-kind repair, replacement or repainting” is defined as a repair, replacement or repainting of building materials or color that is limited to the use of materials or paint that are an exact match of materials or color to be repaired, replaced or repainted. Where applicable, historic zone minor alterations shall be consistent with an approved site plan. Any changes to an approved site plan shall require site plan review and approval.
[Amended 11-1-2004 by Ord. No. 2004-30]
(9)
Any additional requirements and conditions applicable to this zone.