Montgomery City Zoning Code

To adopt and promulgate such regulations and procedures not inconsistent herewith as are necessary and proper for the effective and efficient performance of the duties herein assigned.

Within six months from the effective date of this section, to complete a survey of historic sites and historic districts in Montgomery Township and to prepare a list and official map of said historic sites and districts which shall then be referred to the Planning Board for inclusion in the Master Plan pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55d-28(b). The list and official map shall also be referred to the Montgomery Township Committee for adoption and inclusion in the Zoning Map and the Land Development Ordinance as a Landmarks Preservation Overlay Zone.

To keep a register of all properties and structures that have been designated as historic sites or historic districts, including all information required for each designation. To advise and assist owners of historic sites and property or structures within historic districts on physical and financial aspects of preservation, renovation, rehabilitation and re-use and on procedures for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places.

To provide information and advice concerning all proposed National Register nominations for properties that come within the jurisdiction of the Landmarks Preservation Commission and to provide assistance to people who may wish to secure national or state historic recognition.

To hold public hearings and to review applications for construction, alteration, removal or demolition affecting proposed or designated historic sites within historic districts in accordance with the provision of Subsection 16-13.16. Applicants may be required to submit plans, drawings, elevations, specifications, and such other information as may be necessary for the Commission to make informed decisions upon said applications.

To consider applications for Certificates of Hardship pursuant to Subsection 16-13.16.

To develop specific design guidelines for the alteration, construction, or removal of landmarks or property and structures within historic districts.

Subject to the amount appropriated by the Township Committee for the Commission's use, to call upon available Township staff members as well as other experts for technical advice.

Subject to the amount appropriated by the Township Committee for the Commission's use, to retain such specialists or consultants and/or to appoint such citizen advisory committees as may be required from time to time;

To amend from time to time as circumstances warrant the Landmark Designation List and Historic Preservation Map for the Township.

To advise the Planning Board and the Zoning Board of Adjustment on matters affecting historically and architecturally significant property, structures and areas.

At its discretion, to confer recognition upon the owners of landmarks or properties or structures within historic districts by means of certificates, plaques, or markers.

To collect and assemble materials on the importance of historic preservation and specific techniques for achieving same.

Report at least annually to the Township Committee on the state of historic preservation in the Township and to recommend measures to improve same.

To undertake any other action or activity necessary or appropriate for the implementation of its powers and duties pursuant to this section or to the implementation of the purposes of this section.

To undertake any action or activity reasonably necessary or appropriate to implement and promote the Montgomery Township Landmarks Preservation Grant Program ("program") established through section 2-29 of this Code, including but not limited to receiving, reviewing and ranking applications for grants, making recommendations to the Township Committee for the award of grants, verifying the completion of projects for which grants are being awarded and establishing procedures and policies for the program.