For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply:
ALTERATIONAny change because of construction, repair, maintenance, or otherwise to a building or structure in whole or in part located in the Historical District or designated as a landmark.
APPLICANTThe record owner of the buildings and site, the lessee of a building, or a person holding a bona fide contract to purchase the building or site.
BOARDThe Borough of Langhorne Historic Architectural Review Board.
BUILDINGAny structure, place, or any other construction built for the shelter or enclosure of persons, animals, or chattels, or any part of a structure when subdivided by division, walls, or party walls extending to or above the roof and without openings in such separate walls. The term "building" shall be construed as if followed by the words "or any part thereof."
CONSTRUCTIONThe erection of on-site improvements on a parcel of ground located in the Historical District or on a landmark site, whether the site is presently improved, unimproved, or becomes unimproved by demolition, demolition by neglect, destruction of the improvements located thereon by fire, windstorm, or other casualty, or otherwise. A parcel of ground shall be referred to as a site.
DEMOLITIONThe complete or constructive removal of a building or structure on a site; altering a building or a structure in such a manner as to render it unfit for use to such an extent that repair is not feasible or is so costly as to be economically prohibited. Alterations within the scope of an approved building permit shall not be regarded as demolition.
DEMOLITION BY NEGLECTNeglect in the maintenance of any building, structure, or site resulting in any one or more of the following:
A. The deterioration of a building or structure to the extent that it creates or permits a hazardous or unsafe condition;
B. The deterioration of a building or structure characterized by one or more of the following:
(1) Those buildings or structures which have parts which are so unattached that they may fall and injure members of the public or property;
(2) Deteriorated or inadequate supports or foundations;
(3) Defective or deteriorated floors supports or floor supports insufficient to carry imposed loads with safety;
(4) Members of walls or other vertical supports that split, lean, list, or buckle due to defective materials or deterioration;
(5) Members of walls or other vertical supports insufficient to carry imposed loads with safety;
(6) Members of ceilings, roofs, ceiling and roof supports, or other horizontal members which sag, split, or buckle due to defective materials or deterioration;
(7) Members of ceilings, roofs, ceiling and roof supports, or other horizontal members insufficient to carry imposed loads with safety;
(8) Fireplaces or chimneys which list, bulge, or settle due to defective materials or deterioration;
(9) Any fault, defect, or condition in a building or structure which renders the same structurally unsafe or not properly watertight;
(10) Any action by any Borough, county, state, or federal office or agency concerning the safety or physical condition of a building.
EARTHWORKSAny subsurface remains of historical, archaeological, cultural, environmental, or architectural importance or any unusual ground formation of archaeological significance.
EXTERIORThe outside surfaces of buildings or structures.
EXTERIOR ARCHITECTURAL FEATURESIncludes, but are not limited to, the architectural style, scale, general design, and general arrangement of the exterior of a structure, including the kind and texture of the building material, the type and style of all roofs, windows, doors and signs.
HISTORICAL DISTRICTThe area of the Borough which falls within the boundaries of the attached map.
LANDMARK or LANDMARK SITEA building, structure, lot, site, or landmark located in the Historical District, or designated as an historical site, of particular historic, architectural, cultural, environmental, or natural significance, which meets at least one of the following criteria:
A. Exemplify or reflect the broad cultural, political, economic, or social history of the nation, commonwealth, Borough, or community;
B. Identified with historic personages or peoples, or with important events in national, state, or local history;
C. Embody distinguishing characteristics of an architectural-type specimen, inherently valuable for a study of a period, style, method of construction, or indigenous materials or craftsmanship; or
D. Representative of the notable work of a master builder, designer, artisan, or architect whose individual style and ability has been recognized.
ORDINARY REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCEWork done on a building or structure in order to correct any deterioration, decay of, or damage to a building, structure, or part in order to restore same as nearly as practical to its condition prior to such deterioration, decay, or damage.
PRESENT CONDITION OF PROPERTIES LOCATED IN THE DISTRICTThe Building Inspector, in conjunction with the Board, shall review and note, in writing or by photograph, the condition of all buildings and structures located in the Historical District within one year of passage of this chapter. No property owner shall be required to restore, renovate, or repair a building or structure to a condition of higher quality than evident at the time of passage of this chapter. If a property owner applies for a building permit, the Board may recommend repairs, renovations, or restoration of the property to a condition of higher quality than evident at the time of passage of this chapter.