A. 
Short title.
(1) 
This chapter shall be known by and may be referred to by the short title of "The Historic Preservation Ordinance of the City of Bordentown" and may be cited as such.
(2) 
This chapter shall consist of text and a zoning map, said zoning map being entitled "Zoning Map, City of Bordentown." This map, together with all explanatory matter thereon, is declared to be part of this chapter, and is on file with the City Clerk and Planning Board Secretary. If and when changes are made in zoning boundaries as included on said zoning map, such changes in the map shall be made promptly after the City governing body approves such amendment.
B. 
Authority. This chapter is enacted pursuant to the authority granted by Chapter 291, Laws of 1975, commonly referred to and cited as the "Municipal Land Use Law" (N.J.S.A. 40:55D-1 et seq.), as amended; and, without limiting the foregoing, pursuant to the authority granted by Chapter 516, Section 21, Laws of 1985, commonly referred to and cited as "Historic Preservation Commission" N.J.S.A. 40:55D-107.
A. 
Framework. The Board of Commissioners of the City of Bordentown hereby creates a framework of regulations and measures that will be employed by the City to effect and enhance historic preservation.
B. 
Regulations and measures. Said regulations and measures shall include, but not be limited to, establishment and operation of a an Historic Preservation Commission, to perform, manage, and coordinate advancing public interests through historic preservation and manage change within the City through designation and regulation of historic landmarks and historic districts within the City; and issuance of certificate of appropriateness; and other measures and regulations referenced herein.
A. 
Provisions. The provisions of this chapter shall be held to be minimum requirements. It is not intended by this chapter to repeal, abrogate, annul or in any way to impair existing provisions of other articles, chapters, or ordinances, except those specifically repealed by this chapter, or private restrictions placed upon property by deed, covenant or other agreements. Where this chapter imposes a greater restriction than is imposed and required by other provisions of law or by other rules, regulations or resolutions, the provisions of this chapter shall control. Where the provisions of any other laws, ordinances, rules, regulations, or resolutions require greater restrictions than are imposed by this chapter, the provisions of such other laws, rules, regulations or restrictions shall control. Where the provisions of a covenant or easement require greater restrictions than are imposed by this chapter, the provisions of such covenant or easement shall control. The City shall coordinate its efforts with any such covenant or easement to fully effectuate its historic preservation purposes.
Intentions. The intention of this chapter is to advance public interests, effectuate and accomplish the protection, enhancement, and perpetuation of historic resources, buildings, structures, sites, objects, improvements, and districts within the City of Bordentown; to implement certain aspects of the City's Master Plan; to provide guidance to property owners in achieving preservation of historic resources; and to advance the following public purposes:
A. 
To enhance the general welfare of the public by preserving and protecting historic, architectural, engineering, social, cultural, archaeological, scenic, and aesthetic resources in the City;
B. 
To promote the economic welfare of the City through the protection, preservation, rehabilitation, and reconstruction of its historic resources, historic landmarks and historic districts.
C. 
To encourage the continued use of historic resources, historic landmarks and historic districts, and to facilitate their appropriate use or reuse.
D. 
To identify, designate, and regulate historic resources, historic landmarks and historic districts, in order to preserve their historic, architectural, engineering, social, cultural, archaeological, scenic, and aesthetic significance.
E. 
To enhance the public's knowledge and appreciation of the history and historic resources of the City of Bordentown, for the education, pleasure, and welfare of the local population and visitors;
F. 
To foster civic pride in the history, culture, and architecture of Bordentown City;
G. 
To encourage property owners and occupants to maintain historic resources, historic landmarks, historic districts, and surrounding properties, to make private investments in historic resources, to encourage sensitive beautification and reuse, in keeping with the requirements and standards of this chapter and the Secretary of the Interior's standards;
H. 
To maintain the visual and aesthetic continuity, diversity, and character of the City and its neighborhoods;
I. 
To maintain and develop an appropriate and harmonious setting for Bordentown City's historic resources, historic landmarks and historic districts;
J. 
To manage change of historic resources, historic landmarks and historic districts by encouraging sensitive alteration and/or new construction in keeping with the historic character of the City;
K. 
To advise, coordinate, and assist the community to maintain an overall vision of historic and cultural preservation within Bordentown and the region, on behalf of the City;
L. 
To encourage the proper maintenance and preservation of historic settings and landscapes; and
M. 
To discourage the unnecessary demolition or removal of historic resources, historic landmarks and historic districts.