A.
Certain structures within the Township of Warwick have a distinctive
character recalling the rich architectural and historical heritage
of this part of Pennsylvania in which we live. These relics of bygone
days can and should be a source of inspiration to residents and visitors
alike, awakening interest and pride in our historic past and, in a
broader sense, promoting the general welfare, education and culture
of the Township of Warwick in which these historical objects are located.
It is the sense and purpose of this article to help perpetuate these
irreplaceable legacies of past generations and preserve their unique
character for those who come after us to enjoy. The primary and direct
beneficiaries of the protective measures enumerated hereinafter are
the owners of these historic sites. The special status given to these
structures is in itself a high honor. In addition, it permits the
owner to display the official Warwick Township Historic Marker authorized
for this use. Also, certain protections are provided under specified
conditions, and the assistance and advice of the Board of Historical
Architecture Review hereinafter provided is hereby made available
whenever needed, without charge.
B.
Specifically these areas are hereby designated as historic districts:
(1)
The Graveyard of Neshaminy Warwick Presbyterian Church, located
on the north side of Bristol Road, west of Meetinghouse Road, Warwick
Township, and shown on the Tax Map of Bucks County as Parcel 51-3-72,
containing 10 acres, more or less, and further identified by metes
and bounds in Deed Book No. 172 Page 28, in the office of the Recorder
of Deeds for Bucks County. The entire parcel is hereby designated
as an historic site.
(2)
The Neshaminy Warwick Presbyterian Church, located on the northeast
corner of Bristol and Meetinghouse Roads, Warwick Township, County
of Bucks, and shown on the Tax Map of Bucks County as Parcel 51-3-120,
containing 14 acres, more or less, and further identified by metes
and bounds in Deed Book No. 174 Page 57, in the office of the Recorder
of Deeds for Bucks County. The building and approximately 1/2 acre
surrounding the same, measured as equally as possible from the sides
of the building, shall be considered as designated as an historic
site and is on file with the Board of Supervisors of Warwick Township
and incorporated herein by reference as if attached hereto.
(3)
Moland House, located on the east side of York Road, north of
the West Branch of Neshaminy Creek, Warwick Township, County of Bucks,
and shown on the Tax Map of Bucks County as Parcel 51-3-137-1, containing
12 acres, more or less, and further identified by metes and bounds
in Deed Book No. 1826 Page 929, in the office of the Recorder of Deeds
for Bucks County. The building and approximately two acres surrounding
the same, measured as equally as possible from the sides of the building,
shall be considered and designated as an historic site. A plot plan
of said historic site is on file with the Board of Supervisors of
Warwick Township and incorporated herein by reference as if attached
hereto.
(4)
Others to be established by ordinance as they are specified.
This Article XXVII of this chapter shall become effective when the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, having been informed by the Supervisors of the Township of Warwick of this adoption of this chapter, has certified by resolution to the historical significance of the historic sites within the Township of Warwick.
In order to preserve the cultural, economic and general welfare
through the preservation and protection of historic places, properties
of unique and historic architectural interest and areas of unique
and historic interest in the Township of Warwick, no building or structure
shall hereafter be erected, altered or restored, razed or demolished
within said historic districts unless and until an application for
a certificate of appropriateness shall be approved by the Board of
Historical Architectural Review, hereinafter created, as to exterior
architectural features including signs, but excluding memorial grave
stones and/or markers. Evidence of such required approval shall be
a certificate of appropriateness issued by the Warwick Township Board
of Supervisors.
Property in the historic districts may be used for any use listed
as a permissive use in the districts in this chapter in which said
property is situated.
A.
Each applicant for a building permit which would authorize new construction,
alterations or modifications affecting the exterior structural appearance
of existing or proposed structures shall first obtain approval of
the plans and specifications from the Board of Historical Architectural
Review. The applicant shall furnish complete elevation details and
specifications, a plot plan and such other information as the Board
of Historical Architectural Review may require. So that the unique
character and value of the historic districts as a place of special
charm and interest shall not be impaired, the Board of Historical
Architectural Review shall authorize the issuance of a building permit
only if it finds that the architectural style, general design, arrangement,
location and materials meet the following standards:
B.
If these standards are not met and the application for a building
permit is disapproved, disapproval shall be in writing, giving reasons
therefor, and a copy thereof shall be given to the applicant, to the
agency issuing permits and to the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum
Commission. The applicant may appeal from the disapproval as provided
by law and the ordinances of the Township of Warwick.
Any person applying for a building permit within an historic
district shall be given notice of the meeting of the Board of Historical
Architectural Review, which is to counsel the Supervisors of the Township
of Warwick, and the meeting of the Supervisors, which is to consider
the granting of a certificate of appropriateness for said permit,
and may appear before said meetings to explain his reasons therefor.
In the event of a failure to recommend, the Board and, in the event
of its disapproval, the Supervisors shall also indicate what changes
in the plans and specifications would meet conditions for protecting
the distinctive historical character of the historic district.
Applications for permits to erect, alter or modify signs shall
be processed in the same manner as applications for permits to erect,
alter or modify a building or structure.
For the purpose of making effective the provisions of this chapter,
the Warwick Township Supervisors shall create a board to be known
as the "Board of Historical Architectural Review," to be composed
of five members, all appointed by the Warwick Township Supervisors,
one of whom shall be designated to serve until the first day of January
following the adoption of this chapter, one until the first day of
the second January thereafter, one until the first day of the third
January thereafter, one until the first day of the fourth January
thereafter and one until the fifth January thereafter. Their successors
shall be appointed by the Warwick Township Supervisors on the expiration
of their respective terms to serve five years. Vacancies shall be
filled by the Warwick Township Supervisors for the unexpired term
of any member whose term becomes vacant.
The Board of Historical Architectural Review shall consist of
the Building Inspector of Warwick Township, a registered architect,
a licensed real estate broker, a member of the Warwick Township Historical
Commission and one additional person with a knowledge of and interest
in the preservation of the historic districts.
The Board of Historical and Architectural Review shall give
counsel to the Township Supervisors of the Township of Warwick regarding
the advisability of issuing any certificates required to be issued
pursuant to this chapter and the enabling legislation pursuant to
which it was adopted. For this purpose, the Board may make and alter
rules and regulations for its organization and procedures, consistent
with ordinances of the Township and the laws of the commonwealth.
A majority of the Board shall constitute a quorum, and action taken
at any Board meeting shall require the affirmative vote of a majority
of the entire Board. The members of the Board shall serve without
compensation and shall make an annual report of their transactions
to the Township Supervisors. The Board shall not incur any expense
whatever without a prior resolution of the Township Supervisors authorizing
such action.
The Building Inspector shall have the power to institute any
proceedings at law or in equity necessary for the enforcement of this
article.
