The Historic District Review Board, established pursuant to
ordinance adopted March 17, 1980, as amended by Ordinance No. 06-56,
adopted January 2, 2007, and by Ordinance No. 09-5, adopted February
2, 2009, is dissolved. Anywhere in the Code where the term "Historic
District Review Board" appears, the term "Historic Preservation Commission"
is substituted.
All improvements to or development of all historic districts and historic sites designated pursuant to this chapter shall comply with the standards and procedures governing such improvements or development set forth in Chapter
315, Land Development and Zoning, and specifically §
315-38P.
There is hereby created the Township of Bloomfield Historic
Preservation Commission (the "Commission").
The provisions of this chapter are intended to conserve, protect,
enhance, and perpetuate historic sites and districts within Bloomfield.
Its purposes are:
A. To safeguard the heritage of the Township of Bloomfield by preserving
the integrity of those parts of the Township that reflect elements
of its cultural, social, economic and architectural history.
B. To maintain and develop an appropriate and harmonious setting for
the historic and architecturally significant buildings, structures
and places in Bloomfield.
C. To stabilize and improve property values.
D. To foster civic beauty and pride.
E. To manage change by discouraging alterations and new construction
not in keeping with the character of designated historic districts
or designated historic sites and other officially designated historic
districts and historic sites.
F. To encourage the proper maintenance and preservation of historic
structures so as to enhance the visual and aesthetic character of
any designated historic district or designated historic sites and
other officially designated historic districts and historic sites.
The Commission shall have the following powers and duties:
A. Prepare, maintain and augment the "Survey Report," which shall be a survey of historic districts and sites in the Township pursuant to criteria set forth in Chapter
315, §
315-38P. The survey shall be utilized to identify each property, structure, site and district eligible for listing in the Historic Preservation Element of the Township Master Plan, and shall include, but not be limited to, each property, site and district listed or eligible for listing in the State or National Registers of Historic Places, the existing Bloomfield Green historic district and any other districts or sites identified in the Historic Preservation Element of the Master Plan as of the effective date of this chapter. All criteria used for inclusion in the survey of historic sites and districts shall be identified in the Survey Report.
B. Make recommendations to the Planning Board on updates to the Historic
Preservation Plan Element of the Township Master Plan, including but
not limited to the addition to or deletion of historic districts or
sites identified in the Master Plan.
C. For any historic district or site identified in the Historic Preservation Element of the Master Plan, to propose to the Township Council that Chapter
315, Land Development and Zoning, be amended to regulate any such district or site pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-65.1.
D. To apply for, receive, retain or expend, upon resolution of the Township
Council, any federal, state or private grant, grant-in-aid, gift or
bequest in furtherance of this chapter and to obligate the expenditure
of the funds which the Commission may have, or may be appropriated
to it, regardless of whether such expenditure will be made in the
current fiscal year. Any such monies given to the Commission shall
be added to the Commission's existing budget and shall not be
added to the Township's general fund unless the funds may be
used for operating expenses, in which case the Township Council will
determine whether to use such funds to offset appropriated funding.
E. To seek any benefits which may be granted under the National Historic
Preservation Act, as amended, or any other state or federal law, regulation
or grant program, including, but not limited to, the benefits which
flow to communities under the Certified Local Government Program with
regard to training, grant funding and technical systems.
F. To advise the Planning Board on the inclusion of historic districts
or sites in the recommended municipal capital improvement program.
G. To provide written reports pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-111 on the
application of the zoning ordinance provisions concerning historic
preservation.
H. To advise the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Adjustment on applications for development pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-110 and Chapter
315, Land Development and Zoning, of the Township Code.
I. To hear and determine applications for a certificate of appropriateness pursuant to Chapter
315, Land Development and Zoning, §
315-38P.
J. To report annually to the Planning Board and to the Township Council
as to the state of historic preservation within the Township, to include
recommendations and measures for improvement or amendment and to recommend
the placement of appropriate historical markers on designated structures
and sites.
K. To collect and disseminate materials on the importance of historical
preservation.
L. To advise any interested citizen, applicant, municipal, county or
state agency regarding the goals and techniques for historic preservation
as it relates to the preservation of the heritage of the Township.
M. To recommend adoption and promulgation of such regulations and procedures,
not inconsistent with this chapter, as may be necessary and proper
for the effective and efficient performance of the duties and purposes
of the Commission.
N. To carry out such advisory, educational and informational functions
as will promote historic preservation in the Township and consult
with local historical societies on all matters pertaining to protection
of the Township's historic resources.
O. To review historical survey information and, if necessary, to update
said material to incorporate any newly acquired historical documentation
and to reflect changes to a resource's integrity or condition.
P. To advise the Township Council on grants that may be available to
the Township to support historical preservation efforts.
Q. To regulate the installation of permanent structures and temporary
uses on the Bloomfield Green. The Commission shall establish criteria
and procedures by which the Commission will carry out those responsibilities.
All proposals to make permanent changes to or install any permanent
structures on the Green shall be subject to the review and approval
of a certificate of appropriateness by the Commission under the same
criteria utilized to evaluate any other application for a certificate
of appropriateness under this chapter. Any proposals to utilize the
Green for temporary events for uses without the construction or installation
of permanent structures shall submit an application to the Commission
for a permit for that activity or use. In reviewing an application
for such a permit, the Commission shall consider whether the activity
or use can be conducted in a manner that protects the Green's
historic content and character.