The Historic Review Board shall consist of nine (9) members who shall be residents of the County and who shall be appointed by the County Executive with the advice and consent of a majority of County Council. The terms of office shall be four (4) years, provided that the terms of the members other than the Chairman shall be established in a manner that two (2) shall expire each year. The County Executive shall appoint one (1) member as Chairman who shall serve at the pleasure of the County Executive. One (1) member of the Historic Review Board shall be an architect and one (1) member shall be from the field of historic preservation. Seven (7) members shall be individuals who have demonstrated a concern in the field of historic preservation, have some knowledge of the County's history, or have reasonable knowledge of historic architecture or construction techniques. The Historic Review Board shall have the following powers and duties:

A.

Delineate the boundaries of and recommend to County Council for confirmation those districts which the Historic Review Board determines merit a historic designation pursuant to the criteria set forth in Section 40.15.110. Historic district boundaries shall include all properties closely related to and bearing upon the character of the district, and the buildings, structures, sites and objects located therein.

B.

Conduct and maintain an ongoing survey of the County for the purpose of developing a comprehensive inventory of buildings, structures, sites, objects, districts, landscapes and/or scenic landmarks of historical, architectural, cultural, archaeological or educational benefit. This inventory will be available to all County departments and for public review in the office of the Department during regular business hours.

C.

Cooperate with and enlist the assistance of the State Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs and other interested agencies, organizations and individuals, both public and private, in developing and maintaining the survey set forth in Subsection B.

D.

Review and act upon all applications for the granting of permits required under Section 40.31.280 in a timely manner.

E.

Make recommendations to the County Executive and County Council, and to the Department and the Planning Board, concerning the use of grants, gifts and budgeting appropriations to promote the preservation of buildings, structures, sites, etc., of historic importance to the citizens of the County. The Historic Review Board shall make recommendations to the County Executive and County Council that the County purchase buildings, structures, sites or objects of historical significance when deemed appropriate. The Historic Review Board shall also make recommendations, as appropriate, that the County acquire facade easements, conservation easements, development rights or any other property interest that would promote preservation.

F.

Advise the public on preservation when technical assistance is requested in order to increase public awareness of the value of preserving historic properties.

G.

Adopt rules of procedure and regulations, and establish such committees as the Historic Review Board deems necessary for the conduct of its business. The Historic Review Board shall also keep minutes and records of all proceedings which shall be available for public review in the office of the Department during regular business hours.

H.

Assume whatever responsibilities and duties that may be assigned to it by the County Executive and the State under certified local government sections of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended. Copies of these regulations may be reviewed in the office of the Department during regular business hours.

I.

Advise any County department or agency concerning the effect of its action, programs, capital improvements or activities on property that meets the criteria set forth in Section 40.15.110.

J.

The Historic Review Board shall be responsible for identification and/or confirmation of demolition by neglect, in conjunction with the code official, as defined in Chapter 7 and as based on each inspection report and/or recommendation of the code official on properties in historic overlay zoning districts as required in Chapter 7 or an illegal demolition of a building, structure or object located within a historic district or meeting the criteria to be included in a historic district pursuant to Article 31 and the procedures set forth in this Chapter and the Board's rules. Review of inspection reports and recommendations on potential demolition by neglect shall be added to each agenda when received.

K.

The Historic Review Board will work collaboratively with the code official to effectuate the goals of Chapter 7 and the New Castle County Comprehensive Development Plan regarding properties located in a historic overlay zoning district.

(Ord. No. 97-172, § 3(ch. 13, § 30.330), 12-31-1997; Ord. No. 98-062, § 1(ch. 13, § 30.330), 9-22-1998; Ord. No. 10-113, § 1(Exh. A), 1-18-2011; Ord. No. 12-084, § 4, 5-10-2016; Ord. No. 22-024, § 3, 7-26-2022)

Cross reference— Boards, committees and commissions, ch. 2, art. 4.