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Town of Stratford, CT
Fairfield County
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Council of the Town of Stratford 4-13-1988. Amendments noted where applicable.]
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
ALTERED
Changed, modified, rebuilt, removed, demolished, restored, razed, moved or reconstructed.
APPROPRIATE
Not incongruous with those aspects of the historic district which the Historic District Commission determines to be historically or architecturally significant.
BUILDING
A combination of materials forming a shelter for persons, animals or property.
ERECTED
Constructed, built, installed or enlarged.
EXTERIOR ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES
Such portion of the exterior of a structure or building as is open to view from a public street, way or place.
STRUCTURE
Any combination of materials, other than a building, which is affixed to the land, and shall include but not be limited to signs, fences and walls.
[Amended 6-12-1989; 4-28-1997 by Ord. No. 97-24; 7-9-2012 by Ord. No. 12-14]
A. 
Stratford historic districts. Pursuant to the provisions of C.G.S. §§ 7-147c to 7-147k, inclusive, of the Connecticut General Statutes, there are hereby designated the following historic districts within the Town of Stratford, to protect the heritage, aesthetic quality and character of the Town and to promote the educational, cultural, economic and general welfare of the Town through the preservation and protection of buildings and places within districts of historical and architectural interest:
(1) 
Academy Hill Historic District:
(a) 
The Town of Stratford hereby establishes the Academy Hill Historic District pursuant to Section 7-147b of the Connecticut General Statutes, bounded and described as follows: Commencing at the intersection of the center line of Elm Street with the westerly extension of the south bound of No. 1962 Elm Street; thence north along the center line of Elm Street, 125 feet to a point; thence west at a right angle with the center line of Elm Street 200 feet, more or less, to a point on the east bound of No. 923 Academy Hill; thence south along the east bound of No. 923 Academy Hill 95 feet, more or less, to the southeast corner of No. 923 Academy Hill; thence west along the south bound of No. 923 Academy Hill 112.33 feet to a point on the east bound of No. 967 Academy Hill; thence south along the east bound of No. 967 Academy Hill 55 feet, more or less, to the southeast corner of No. 967 Academy Hill; thence west along the south bound of No. 967 Academy Hill, 133.07 feet to the southwest corner of No. 967 Academy Hill; thence north along the west bound of No. 967 Academy Hill 117.27 feet to a point; thence west along a jog in the west bound of No. 967 Academy Hill, 30.49 feet to a point; thence north along a continuation of the west bound of No. 967 Academy Hill 160 feet, more or less, to the center line of Academy Hill; thence west along the center line of Academy Hill 285 feet, more or less, to its intersection with the center line of Main Street; thence north along the center line of Main Street 760 feet, more or less to its intersection with the westerly extension of the center line of Broad Street; thence east along the extension and the center line of Broad Street 100 feet to a point; thence northeast 120 feet, more or less, to a point on the north bound of No. 974 Broad Street, which point is 50 feet, more or less, east of the northwest corner of No. 974 Broad Street; thence east along the north bound of No. 974 Broad Street 128.66 feet to a point on the west bound of No. 956 Broad Street; thence north along the west bound of No. 956 Broad Street 125 feet more or less, to the northwest corner of No. 956 Broad Street; thence east along the north bound of No. 956 Broad Street and the north bound of No. 942 Broad Street 185.5 feet to the northeast corner of No. 942 Broad Street, being a point on the west bound of No. 924 Broad Street; thence north along the west bound of No. 924 Broad Street 45 feet, more or less, to the northwest corner of No. 924 Broad Street; thence east along the north bound of No. 924 Broad Street and the north bound of No. 908 Broad Street 143.6 feet to the northeast corner of No. 908 Broad Street; thence south along the east bound of No. 908 Broad Street 50 feet, more or less, to the northwest corner of No. 890 Broad Street; thence east along the north bound of No. 890 Broad Street and the north bound of No. 2175 Elm Street 300 feet, more or less, to the center line of Elm Street; thence southwest along the center line of Elm Street 230 feet, more or less, to its intersection with the westerly extension of the center line of the east leg of Broad Street; thence east along the extension and the center line of the east leg of Broad Street 125 feet to a point at its intersection with the northerly extension of the east bound of No. 2134 Elm Street; thence south along the extension and the east bound of No. 2134 Elm Street and the east bound of No. 2118 Elm Street 220 feet more or less to a point which is the southeast corner of No. 2118 Elm Street, the northeast corner of No. 2092 Elm Street and the northwest corner of an unnumbered parcel on Academy Hill Terrace; thence east along the north bound of said unnumbered parcel 109.16 feet to the northeast corner thereof; thence south along the east bound of said unnumbered parcel 89.70 feet to Academy Hill Terrace; thence southwest across Academy Hill Terrace at an obtuse angle with the last course 90 feet, more or less, to the northeast corner of No. 2048 Elm Street; thence south along the east bound of No. 2048 Elm Street and the east bound of No. 2020 Elm Street 243.8 feet to a point on the north bound of No. 2016 Elm Street; thence east along the north bound of No. 2016 Elm Street, 70 feet more or less, to a point; thence south at a right angle with the last course, 110.57 feet to a point on the north bound of No. 1990 Elm Street; thence east along the north bound of No. 1990 Elm Street 184.52 feet to the northwest side of Ferry Boulevard; thence southwest along the northwest side of Ferry Boulevard, 316.47 feet to the southeast corner of No. 1962 Elm Street; thence west along the south bound of No. 1962 Elm Street and continuing in a straight line 225 feet, more or less, to the center line of Elm Street, being the point of place of beginning; commencing at a point 291 feet easterly from Elm Street being the rear line of property at 2016 Elm Street, thence running: westerly: along the rear of premises known as 2016 Elm Street; southerly: along premises known as 2016 Elm Street; westerly: again along premises known as 2020, 2048-2050 Elm Street being the rear of 49, 91 and 95 Academy Hill Terrace; thence crossing Academy Hill Terrace to the easterly boundary of Parcel B, being the rear of 2146 Elm Street being property now or formerly of Birge; thence running; westerly: again, along Parcel B, being land now or formerly of Birge; southerly: again, along Parcel B, being land now or formerly of Birge; being the rear of 803 and 823 Broad Street; westerly: again, along the rear of premises known as 2118, 2134 Elm Street, to the center line of Broad Street; thence running westerly along Broad Street to the center line of Elm Street; thence running Northerly along Elm Street to a point opposite 2175 Elm Street; thence; southerly: again, along a portion of Elm Street, and premises known as 2175 Elm Street, and rear portion of 890 Broad Street; westerly: again, along the rear portion of 908 Broad Street; southerly: again, along the rear line of premises known as 908 and 924 Broad Street being the rear of 899, 913-915, 923 Judson Place; easterly: again, along the rear portion of 924 Broad street; southerly: again, along the rear portion of 942 and 950 Broad Street, being the rear portion of 929 and 955 and 965 Judson Place; easterly: again, along 950 Broad Street, being rear portion of 2192 and 2184 Main Street; southerly: again, along 974 Broad street; easterly: again, along 974 Broad Street to the center line of Broad Street; thence running westerly to the center line of Main Street; thence running southerly along Main Street to a point opposite 2163 Main Street, at the corner of West Broad Street; thence southerly: again, along 2163 Main Street, and 1033, 1077 and 1055 West Broad Street; thence running westerly: again, along West Broad Street, and the rear of premises known as 2155 Main Street, 2203 Main Street, 2225 Main Street, 2283 Main Street, 2301 Main Street, being land now or formerly of Town of Stratford, Stratford Library Association, and The First Congregational Church of Stratford; southerly: again, along 2301 Main Street to the intersection of Church Street and Main Street; thence crossing Main Street to a point on the easterly boundary of premises known as 2362 Main Street; thence running; westerly: again, along 2362 Main Street to a point on the westerly boundary of 1060 East Broadway; thence northerly: along premises known as 1060 East Broadway and 395-447 Sutton Place, being land now or formerly of the Town of Stratford; westerly, northerly and westerly: again, along 395-447 Sutton Place, Sutton Place and 32 Sutton Place, being the rear of 952, 922, 904 East Broadway; northerly: again, along 44 Sutton Place, 37 Warwick Avenue, Warwick Avenue, 34 Warwick Avenue, being the rear of 894, 868, 840 East Broadway; westerly: again, by the rear portion of 34 Warwick Avenue; northerly: again, along 48 and 58 Warwick Avenue, being the rear of 830 and 820 East Broadway; easterly: again, by the rear line of 35 Blakeman Avenue; northerly: again, along 35 Blakeman Avenue, Blakeman Avenue, 48 Blakeman Avenue, being the rear line of 798-800, 774, 750 East Broadway; westerly: again, along the rear lines of 48, 58 and 68 Blakeman Avenue; northerly: again, along land now or formerly of Arnold Peck, being the rear lines of 736 and 728 East Broadway; easterly: again, along 1 and 2 Harris Court; northerly: again, along the rear line of 720 East Broadway; easterly: again, along Harris Court; thence crossing East Broadway to the easterly boundary of 194 White Street; thence running; easterly: again, along 194 White Street; northerly: again, along 194 White Street; easterly, northerly, easterly, southerly, easterly, southerly and northerly: again, by land now or formerly of Jean Ann Evanko, being the rear portions of 186, 170, 160, 144, 132, 118-120 and 110 and 108 White Street; northerly: again, by land now or formerly of Jean Ann Evanko; easterly, southerly, easterly, northerly and easterly: again, by land now or formerly of the State of Connecticut, being the rear portions of 98, 88, 78, 58, 44, 32, 24 White Street and 688 Broad Street; thence crossing Broad Street to a point being the easterly boundary of 693 Broad Street at Ferry Boulevard; thence running; easterly and southerly: again along Ferry Boulevard; southerly: again, along a Salt Marsh Area, being land formerly of the Estate of Walter Wheeler, Jr., now or formerly of Birge, being the rear lines of 713, 725, 735, 751 Broad Street; easterly: again, along a Salt Marsh Area, being land formerly of the Estate of Walter Wheeler, Jr., now or formerly of Birge, begin in part by the rear lines of 58, 66 Academy Hill Terrace; northerly: again, along a Salt Marsh Area, being land formerly of the Estate of Walter Wheeler, Jr., now or formerly of Birge; easterly: again, by land now or formerly of Birge, being the rear line 88 Academy Hill Terrace; northerly: again, by land now or formerly of Birge; easterly: again by Ferry Boulevard; southerly: again, along premises known as 1125 Ferry Boulevard and 1990 Elm Street, to the point of beginning.
(b) 
All of said boundaries being shown are on the map entitled "Academy Hill Historic District, Adopted April 14, 1988, and revised on May 1997," on file in the office of the Stratford Town Clerk, as Map No. 2714, as amended.
B. 
Stratford historic properties. Pursuant to the provisions of C.G.S. §§ 7-147p to 7-147y, inclusive, of the Connecticut General Statutes, the following properties are hereby designated historic properties within the Town of Stratford to provide for the protection of properties of historical and architectural interest:
(1) 
1850 Elm Street, Stratford, Connecticut, also known as the Nicoll-Benjamin House a/k/a the Benjamin House.
(a) 
The Town of Stratford hereby designates the Nicoll-Benjamin House as a local historic property pursuant to Section 7-147p of the Connecticut General Statutes, bounded and described as follows: Starting at an iron pin, that being the northwest corner of property now or formerly Burke; thence running along the easterly street line of Elm Street, North 00° 32' 34" East, 100.16 feet to the place and point of beginning; thence running through lands now or formerly the Town of Stratford South 88° 12' 58" East, 100.00 feet to a point; thence running through lands now or formerly the Town of Stratford North 00° 32' 34" East, 81.00 feet to a point; thence running through lands now or formerly the Town of Stratford North 88° 12' 58" West, 100.00 feet to a point; thence running along the easterly street line of Elm Street South 00° 32' 34" West, 81.00 feet to the place and point of beginning.
(b) 
Said parcel contains 8,098 square feet and is shown on a map entitled "Historic Property Designation Boundary for 1880 Elm St, Stratford, Connecticut," prepared by the Town of Stratford Engineering Bureau, dated March 2012.
C. 
The foregoing ordinance is hereby declared to be effective immediately in accordance with § 2.2.8 of the Town Charter for the reason that there is an urgent need to protect the value and use of property in said historic district and on historic properties.
[Amended 7-9-2012 by Ord. No. 12-14]
The Town of Stratford hereby establishes the Stratford Historic District Commission, a municipal historic district commission, to carry out the provisions of §§ 7-147c to 7-147k, inclusive, of the Connecticut General Statutes. The Historic District Commission shall also perform all of the functions of a historic properties commission related to designating new properties and otherwise administering the provisions of C.G.S. §§ 7-147p to 7-147y, inclusive, of the Connecticut General Statutes.
[Amended 8-10-1998 by Ord. No. 98-8; 11-9-1998 by Ord. No. 98-13; 7-19-2001 by Ord. No. 01-11; 4-8-2002 by Ord. No. 01-22]
A. 
The Historic District Commission established under the provisions of this chapter shall consist of five regular and three alternate members, who shall be electors of the Town of Stratford holding no salaried municipal office.
B. 
At least three members of the Historic District Commission shall reside in an historic district under the jurisdiction of the Commission if any persons reside in any such district and are willing to serve on such Commission.
C. 
Such alternate members shall, when seated as provided in this section, have all powers and duties of a member of the Commission. If a regular member of said Commission is absent or has a conflict of interest, the Chairperson of the Commission shall designate an alternate to so act, choosing alternates in rotation so that they shall act as nearly equal a number of times as possible. If any alternate is not available in accordance with such rotation, such fact shall be recorded in the minutes of the meeting.
D. 
The appointments to membership in the Commission shall be so arranged that the term of at least one member shall expire each year, and their successors shall be appointed in like manner for terms of five years. Vacancies shall be filled for the unexpired term and in the same manner as the original appointment.
E. 
The Commission shall elect annually a Chairperson, a Vice-Chairperson and a Clerk from its own number. Alternate members shall not participate in the vote for election of officers of the Commission.
F. 
Each member and alternate shall continue in office until his or her successor is duly appointed.
G. 
All members and alternates shall serve without compensation.
H. 
Any member or alternate may be appointed for another term or terms.
I. 
A Commission member may only be removed for cause in accordance with § 2.2.12 of the Stratford Town Charter.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See § 2.2.13 for current provisions.
[Amended 7-9-2012 by Ord. No. 12-14]
A. 
The Historic District Commission shall adopt rules of procedure not inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter. The Commission may adopt regulations not inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter to provide guidance to property owners as to factors to be considered in preparing an application for a certificate of appropriateness.
B. 
The Historic District Commission shall keep a permanent record of its resolutions, transactions and determinations and of the vote of each member participating therein.
C. 
The Historic District Commission shall also file with the Connecticut Historical Commission, at least once every year, a brief summary of its actions during that year, including a statement of the number and nature of certificates of appropriateness issued, any changes in the membership of the Commission and any other information deemed appropriate by the Historic District Commission.
D. 
The Historic District Commission may accept grants and gifts. Subject to the prior approval of 2/3 vote of said Commission, the Commission may employ clerical and technical assistance or consultants and incur other expenses appropriate to the carrying on of its work, subject to appropriation by the Town of Stratford or receipt of such grants or gifts, and may expend the same for such purposes.
E. 
The Historic District Commission established under this chapter may:
(1) 
Make periodic reports to the Stratford Town Council.
(2) 
Provide information to property owners and others involving the preservation of the historic district and historic property.
(3) 
Suggest pertinent legislation.
(4) 
Cooperate with other regulatory agencies and civic organizations and groups interested in historic preservation.
(5) 
Render advice on sidewalk construction and repair, tree planting, street improvements and the erection or alteration of public buildings not otherwise under its control where they affect the historic district or historic property.
(6) 
Furnish information and assistance in connection with any capital improvement program involving the historic district or historic property.
(7) 
Consult with groups of experts.
F. 
To encourage participation, secure support and draw on the resources of interested residents of the historic district or historic properties who are not members of the Historic District Commission, and apart from the provisions herein for formal appeals from Commission decisions by aggrieved parties and other than the required public hearings by the Commission upon applications for certificates of appropriateness, the Commission may hold meetings with residents of the historic district if and when at least 20 of the owners of real property in that historic district make written petition for such meeting to discuss matters of policy or other matters that may be at issue between property owners and the Commission. The Commission may call meetings so requested and shall not be bound by the testimony and evidence presented at such meetings, but in formulating policy should be responsive to the sentiments of the community insofar as its best judgment suggests and the powers and limitations derived from the General Statutes and this chapter permit.
[Amended 7-9-2012 by Ord. No. 12-14]
A. 
No building or structure shall be erected or altered within the historic district or on historic property until after an application for a certificate of appropriateness as to exterior architectural features has been submitted to the Historic District Commission and approved by said Commission.
B. 
No building permit for erection of a building or structure or for alteration of an exterior architectural feature within the historic district or on historic property and no demolition permit for demolition or removal of a building or structure within the historic district or on historic property shall be issued by the Town of Stratford or any department, agency or official thereof until a certificate of appropriateness has been issued. A certificate of appropriateness shall be required whether or not a building permit is required.
C. 
The Historic District Commission may request such plans, elevations, specifications, material and other information, including, in the case of demolition or removal, a statement of the proposed condition and appearance of property after such demolition or removal, as may be reasonably deemed necessary by the Commission to enable it to make a determination on the application. The style, material, size and location of outdoor advertising signs and billposters within the historic district shall also be under the control of such Commission. The provisions of this section shall not be construed to extend to the color of paint used on the exterior of any building or structure.
D. 
No area within a historic district or on historic property shall be used for industrial, commercial, business, home industry or occupational parking, whether or not such area is zoned for such use, until after an application for a certificate of appropriateness as to parking has been submitted to the Commission and approved by said Commission. The provisions of this section shall apply to the enlargement or alteration of any such parking area in existence on October 1, 1973.
[Amended 7-9-2012 by Ord. No. 12-14]
A. 
The Historic District Commission shall hold a public hearing upon each application for a certificate of appropriateness unless the Commission determines that such application involves items not subject to approval by the Commission. The Commission shall fix a reasonable time and place for such hearing. Notice of the time and place of such hearing shall be given by publication, in the form of a legal advertisement appearing in a newspaper having substantial circulation in the Town of Stratford, not more than 15 days nor less than five days before such hearing.
B. 
A majority of the total membership of the Commission shall constitute a quorum, and the concurring vote of a majority of the total membership of the Commission shall be necessary to deny a certificate of appropriateness. Within not more than 65 days after the filing of an application as required by Section 7-147e of the Connecticut General Statutes, the Commission shall pass upon such application and shall give written notice of its decision to the applicant. When a certificate of appropriateness is denied, the Commission shall place upon its records and in the notice to the applicant the reasons for its determination, which shall include the basis for its conclusion that the proposed activity would not be appropriate. In the notice to the applicant, the Commission may make recommendations relative to design, arrangement, texture, material and similar features. The Commission may issue a certificate of appropriateness with stipulations. Evidence of approval, as referred to in Section 7-147d of the Connecticut General Statutes, shall be by certificate of appropriateness issued by the Commission. Failure of the Commission to act within said 65 days shall constitute approval, and no other evidence of approval shall be needed.
[Amended 7-9-2012 by Ord. No. 12-14]
A. 
If the Commission determines that the proposed erection, alteration or parking will be appropriate, it shall issue a certificate of appropriateness. In passing upon appropriateness as to exterior architectural features, building or structures, the Commission shall consider, in addition to other pertinent factors, the type and style of exterior windows, doors, light fixtures, signs, aboveground utility structures and mechanical appurtenances and the type and texture of building materials. In passing upon appropriateness as to exterior architectural features, the Commission shall also consider, in addition to any other pertinent factors, the historical and architectural value and significance, architectural style, scale, general design, arrangement, texture and material of the architectural features involved and the relationship thereof to the exterior architectural style and pertinent features of other buildings and structures in the immediate neighborhood. No application for a certificate of appropriateness for an exterior architectural feature, such as a solar energy system, designed for the utilization of renewable resources shall be denied unless the Commission finds that the feature cannot be installed without substantially impairing the historic character and appearance of the district or historic property. A certificate of appropriateness for such a feature may include stipulations requiring design modifications and limitations on the location of the feature which do not significantly impair its effectiveness. In passing upon appropriateness as to parking, the Commission shall take into consideration the size of such parking area, the visibility of cars parked therein, the closeness of such areas to adjacent buildings and other similar factors.
B. 
In its deliberations, the Historic District Commission shall act only for the purpose of controlling the erection or alteration of buildings, structures or parking which is incongruous with the historic or architectural aspects of the historic district or historic property. The Commission shall not consider interior arrangement or use; however, the Commission may recommend adaptive reuse of any buildings or structures, within the district or on historic property, that is compatible with the historic and architectural aspects of the historic district or historic property.
[Amended 7-9-2012 by Ord. No. 12-14]
Where, by such reason of topographical conditions or district borderline situations or because of other unusual circumstances solely with respect to a certain parcel of land and not affecting generally the district in which it is situated, the strict application of any provision of this chapter would result in exceptional practical difficulty or undue hardship upon the owner of any specific property, the Commission, in passing upon applications, shall have power to vary or modify strict adherence to said sections or to interpret the meaning of said sections so as to relieve such difficulty or hardship, provided that such variance, modification or interpretation shall remain in harmony with the general purpose and intent of said sections so that the general character of the district or historic property shall be conserved and substantial justice done. In granting variations, the Commission may impose such reasonable and additional stipulations and conditions as will, in its judgment, better fulfill the purposes of said sections. In addition to the filing required by Subsection (b) of Section 7-147e of the Connecticut General Statutes, the Commission shall, for each variation granted, place upon its records and in the notice to the applicant the reasons for its determinations.
If any provision of this chapter or any action taken or ruling made by the Historic District Commission pursuant to the provisions of this chapter or if any regulations or ordinance adopted under said sections has been violated, the Commission may, as its exclusive remedy therefor, institute an action in the Superior Court for the Judicial District of Fairfield at Bridgeport to restrain such violation and to issue orders directing that the violation be corrected or removed. Regulations and orders to the Commission issued pursuant to the provisions hereof or to any regulation or ordinance adopted under said sections shall be enforced by the Zoning Enforcement Official or Building Inspector or by such other person as may be designated by ordinance, who may be authorized to inspect and examine any building, structure place or premises and to require in writing the remedying of any condition found to exist therein or thereon in violation of any provision of the regulations or orders made under the authority of said sections or of any regulation adopted under said sections.
[Amended 7-9-2012 by Ord. No. 12-14]
A. 
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prevent the ordinary maintenance or repair of any exterior architectural feature in the historic district or on historic property which does not involve a change in the appearance or design thereof, nor to prevent the erection or alteration of any such feature which the Building Inspector or a similar agent certifies is required by the public safety because of a condition which is unsafe or dangerous due to deterioration, nor to prevent the erection or alteration of any such feature under a permit issued by the Building Inspector or similar agent prior to the effective date of this chapter.
B. 
If a building on historic property or in the historic district is to be demolished, no demolition shall occur for 90 days from the issuance of a demolition permit if during such time the Historic District Commission or the Connecticut Historical Commission is attempting to find a purchaser who will retain or remove such building or who will present some other reasonable alternative to demolition. At the conclusion of such ninety-day period, the demolition permit shall become effective and the demolition may occur. Nothing in this section shall be construed to mandate that the owner of such property sell such property or building.
C. 
The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to any property owned by a nonprofit institution of higher education, for so long as a nonprofit institution of higher education owns such property.
[Added 5-11-2009 by Ord. No. 09-11]
A. 
Upon notice by the Historic District Commission, the Zoning Enforcement Officer or Building Official shall serve a notice of violation on the person or entity in violation of this chapter which would result from, but not limited to:
(1) 
Failure to apply for a certificate of appropriateness and or a building permit required of any building or structure which can be seen from the public way, pursuant to § 121-6; and
(2) 
Failure to comply with the scope of approved work by the Historic District Commission.
B. 
Upon notice by the Historic District Commission, the Zoning Enforcement Officer or Building Official shall have the power to institute any proceedings at law or in equity necessary for the enforcement of this chapter.
C. 
Penalty. A property owner failing to obtain a certificate of appropriateness or building permit pursuant to the chapter shall be fined the sum of $100 for each day that the violation is unabated.
D. 
Appeal. Any person, property owner, occupant, firm or contractor that has been fined for a violation of this chapter may appeal said fine by requesting a hearing before the Historic District Commission not more than 15 days from the issuance of the fine. Any fine issued will continue to accrue during the appeal period and will not be repealed, waived or voided without a majority vote of the Historic District Commission Members or alternates eligible to vote on the appeal.