§ 168-8. Standards of consideration.

A. 

Demolitions. In regard to an application to demolish an historic landmark or any improvement within an historic district, the following matters shall be considered:

(1) 

Its historic, architectural and aesthetic significance.

(2) 

Its use.

(3) 

Its importance to the Borough and the extent to which its historical or architectural value is such that its removal would be detrimental to the public interest.

(4) 

The extent to which it is of such old, unusual or uncommon design, craftsmanship, texture or material that it could not be reproduced or could be reproduced only with great difficulty and expense.

(5) 

The extent to which its retention would promote the general welfare by maintaining and increasing real estate values; generating business; creating new jobs attracting tourists, students, writers, historians, artists and artisans; attracting new residents; encouraging study and interest in American history; stimulating interest and study in architecture and design; educating citizens in American culture and heritage; or making the Borough a more attractive and desirable place in which to live.

(6) 

If it is within an historic district, the probable impact of its removal upon the ambience of the historic district.

(7) 

The expense to the applicant to maintain the historic landmark or improvement as compared to its economic utility.

B. 

Relocation out of the historic district or the Borough. In regard to an application to move an historic landmark or improvement located within an historic district to a location outside the district or outside the Borough, the following matters shall be considered along with any other factors the Commission considers relevant:

(1) 

The possible historic loss to the site of original location.

(2) 

The reasons for not retaining the landmark or structure at its present site.

(3) 

The proximity of the proposed new location to the historic district or to the Borough, including the accessibility to the residents of the Borough and other citizens.

(4) 

The probability of significant damage to the landmark or structure itself during the relocation.

(5) 

The applicable matters listed in Subsection A.

C. 

Relocation within the Borough. In regard to an application to move an historic landmark or any improvements in an historic district to a new location within the Borough of Fanwood, the following matters shall be considered in addition to the matters listed in Subsection B:

(1) 

The compatibility, nature and character of the current and of the proposed surrounding areas as they relate to the intent and purposes of this chapter.

(2) 

If the proposed new location is within an historic district, the compliance with the visual compatibility factors as set forth in § 168-9.

D. 

Visual compatibility considered for new improvements, additions, removals or rehabilitations. In regard to an application to move a landmark or improvement into or to construct a new improvement or add to, alter or rehabilitate an existing improvement within an historic district or a landmark, the visual compatibility of the proposed improvement with the structures and surroundings to which it would be visually related shall be considered in terms of the visual compatibility factors as set forth in § 168-9.

E. 

Consideration on other actions. In regard to an application for approval of any other proposed action as set forth in § 168-6, the following matters shall be considered:

(1) 

If an historic landmark or an improvement in an historic district is involved:

(a) 

The impact of the proposed change on its historic and architectural character;

(b) 

Its importance to the Borough and the extent to which its historic or architectural interests would be adversely affected to the detriment of the public interest; and

(c) 

The extent to which there would be involvement of textures and materials that could not be reproduced or could be reproduced only with great difficulty.

(2) 

The use of any structure involved.

(3) 

The extent to which the proposed action would adversely affect the public's view of a landmark or improvement within an historic district from a public street.

(4) 

If the application deals with an improvement within an historic district, the impact the proposed change would have on the character and ambience of the historic district and the improvements visual compatibility with the spaces and structures to which it would be visually related in terms of the visual compatibility factors set forth in § 168-9.

F. 

Additional matters considered. In regard to all applications, additional pertinent matters may be considered but in no instance shall interior arrangement be considered. These additional matters may include the following standards and objectives of this chapter:

(1) 

Every reasonable effort should be made to provide a compatible use for buildings which will require minimum alterations to the building and its environment.

(2) 

Rehabilitation work should not destroy the distinguishing qualities or character of the property and its environment. The removal or alteration of any historical material or architectural features should be held to a minimum consistent with the proposed use.

(3) 

Deteriorated architectural features should be repaired rather than replaced wherever possible. In the event that replacement is necessary, the new material should match the material being replaced in composition, design, color, texture and other visual qualities. Repair or replacement of missing architectural features should be based on accurate duplication of original features, substantiated by physical or pictorial evidence rather than on conjectural designs or the availability of different architectural features from other buildings.

(4) 

Distinctive stylistic features or examples of craftmanship which characterize older buildings should be treated with sensitivity.

(5) 

Many changes to the buildings and environments are evident of the history of the building and the neighborhood. These changes may have developed significance in their own right and this significance should be recognized.

(6) 

All buildings should be recognized as products of their own time. Alterations which may be inconsistent with the actual character of the building should be discouraged.

(7) 

Contemporary designs for new buildings in old neighborhoods and additions to existing buildings or landscaping should not be discouraged if such design is compatible with the character of the neighborhood, building or its environment.

(8) 

Wherever possible, new additions or alterations to buildings should be done in such a manner that if they were to be removed in the future, the essential form and integrity of the original building would be unimpaired.

(9) 

The Commission shall be guided for further details by the Secretary of Interior Standards for Historic Preservation Projects, which has been prepared by the Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation, Heritage Conservation and Recreation Service, United States Department of Interior, Washington, D.C., and as amended from time to time, and a copy shall be kept with the Borough Clerk.