[Amended 8-26-1991]
This chapter is adopted in accordance with the Charter of the Town of South Berwick and pursuant to the legislative authority vested in the Town by virtue of 30-A M.R.S.A. §§ 3001 through 3007, 4301, and 4351 through 4359, and the acts amendatory thereto, for the purpose of preserving, protecting, and enhancing buildings and places or areas within the Town which possess particular historical, cultural and economic welfare of the residents and visitors to the Town. To achieve these purposes, it is intended that historic districts and related regulations shall be used:
A. 
To prevent inappropriate alterations of buildings of historic or architectural value.
B. 
To prevent the demolition or removal of designated sites or landmarks and significant historic structures within designated districts whenever a reasonable alternative exists or can be identified.
C. 
To preserve the essential character of designated districts by protecting relationships of groups of buildings and structures and archeological sites as defined by the Maine Historic Preservation Commission.
[Amended 9-14-2009]
[Amended 8-26-1991]
As used in this chapter, the following words and terms shall have the following meanings:
ALTERED
Includes the words "rebuilt," "reconstructed," "rehabilitated," "restored," "repainted," and "demolished" or any other change to the exterior facade of a structure.
BUILDING
A combination of materials forming a shelter that may be used for persons, animals, or property.
CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER
A person appointed by the Town Manager to administer and enforce this chapter.
COMMISSION
The Commission acting as the Historic District Commission established in § 84-3.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
Direct or indirect pecuniary benefit to any person or member of the person's immediate family (i.e., grandfather, father, wife, son, grandson) or to his employer or the employer of any member of the person's immediate family, or interest sufficient to tempt the member to serve his own personal interest to the prejudice of the interests of those for whom the law authorizes and requires him to act. "Conflict of interest" shall also be defined in accordance to 30-A M.R.S.A. § 2605, as amended.
CONSTRUCTED
Includes the words "built," "erected," "enlarged," "installed," "moved," "reconstructed," "rehabilitated," "restored," and "altered."
DEMOLITION
The razing of any structure or any exterior architectural feature, or the permanent removal of architectural trim elements.
[Amended 9-14-2009]
DISTRICT
See "historic district."
ERECTED
See "constructed."
EXTERIOR ARCHITECTURAL FEATURE
The architectural style and general arrangement of the exterior of a building or structure, including but not limited to the kind, roof color and texture of the building materials; the type and style of all windows, doors, lights, dormers, gable cornices, porches, decorative trim, etc.; and the location and treatment of any vehicular access or parking space.
HISTORIC (adjective)
Important in or contributes to history.
HISTORIC DISTRICT
A geographically definable area possessing a significant concentration, linkage or continuity of sites, buildings, structures or objectives united by past events or aesthetically by plan or physical development and designated in accordance with the requirements of this chapter as appropriate for historic preservation. Such historic districts may also comprise individual elements separated geographically but linked by association.
HISTORIC LANDMARK
Any improvement, building or structure of unique historic architectural significance to the Town of South Berwick, relating to its heritage, cultural, social, economic or political history or which exemplifies important events in local, state, or national history as may be designated in accordance with this chapter.
HISTORIC SITE
Any parcel of land of special significance in the history of the Town of South Berwick and its inhabitants or upon which an historic event has occurred and which has been designated as such in accordance with this chapter.
HISTORY (noun)
A record of events, as of the life or development of a people, country, institution, etc.
IMPROVEMENT
Any place, structure, building, fixture, object, landscape, or topographical feature which in whole or part constitutes an exterior betterment, adornment or enhancement of any real property.
LANDMARK
See "historic landmark."
MATERIAL
A substance or substances out of which a building or structure is constructed.
PERSON
Includes an individual, a corporate or unincorporated organization or association and the Town of South Berwick.
SITE
See "historic site."
STRUCTURE
A combination of materials other than a building, including but not limited to walls, fences, walks, parking lots or driveways.