Paramus City Zoning Code
ARTICLE XXVI
Historic Preservation HP Zone
§ 429-151 Applicability; purpose.
The HP Zone applies to certain properties with historic and architectural value and is in addition to the regulations of and as an overlay on the otherwise existing zones in which these properties are situate. The purpose of the additional HP Zone designation is to require Land Use Board review of alterations and additions to maintain the historic character and value of these properties and to establish a waiting period before the historic buildings involved can be demolished so that the Borough may explore methods for assistance to preserve the buildings in their present location or have them moved to other suitable locations.
§ 429-152 Properties included.
The properties set forth on the attached table[1] are designated as being in the HP Zone, in addition to the zone districts in which they are shown on the Zoning Map. The block and lot references are to the Borough Tax Maps.
[1]
Editor's Note: The Table of Properties in the HP Zone is included as an attachment to this chapter.
§ 429-153 Permitted uses.
The uses permitted for each of these sites shall be as specified in the respective zone district in which the site is situated.
§ 429-154 Preservation of existing buildings.
No building or structure shall hereafter be erected, reconstructed, altered, restored or demolished within a site designated as part of the HP Zone unless and until an application for a building permit shall have been approved as to exterior architectural features which are subject to public view from a public street, way or place. Evidence of such required approval shall be a certificate of approval issued by the Land Use Board.
§ 429-155 Land Use Board review; demolition or movement of buildings.
A.
In reviewing plans, the Land Use Board shall give consideration to:
(1)
The historical or architectural value and significance of the building or structure and its relationship to the historic value of the surrounding area.
(2)
The general compatibility of exterior design, arrangement and materials proposed to be used.
(3)
Any other factor, including aesthetics, which it deems pertinent.
B.
It is the intent of this section that alterations of, repairs on and additions to historic and architecturally significant buildings and structures be made in the spirit of their architectural style. Criteria for evaluation of historic buildings and structures shall be those developed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
C.
Demolition of historic and architecturally significant buildings and structures shall be discouraged. Demolition or removal may be forbidden or postponed for a period of six months from the date of an application for a demolition permit, and the Land Use Board shall then consult civic groups and public agencies to ascertain how the Borough may preserve the building, structure and/or premises. The Land Use Board is empowered to work out with the owner feasible plans for preservation of buildings and structures where demolition or removal thereof would cause notable loss to the public and to the Borough. Moving of such buildings and structures shall be encouraged as an alternative to demolition.
D.
When it is necessary to move an historic or architecturally significant building or structure to another site within the Borough in order to preserve it, upon approval of relocation plans by the Land Use Board, said building or structure may be relocated, provided that it fulfills the area regulations of the respective zone as to lot size and setbacks. If this conformance is not feasible, variance to normal yard requirements may be granted where it is deemed that such variance will not adversely affect neighboring properties and will maintain the historic appearance of the building or structure.
E.
Any use or construction within an Historic Preservation Zone site shall require the issuance of a certificate of approval from the Land Use Board certifying that such use or construction will not detract from the character of and is in harmony with the nature of said historic site. Plans and specifications shall be used to support the application. It is the intent of this section that the compatibility of plans for such new use or construction be considered in general terms and be judged with leniency.
F.
Nothing in this section shall prohibit the repair or rebuilding of any historic building or structure in the Historic Preservation Zone in order to maintain or return said building or structure to its original condition prior to its deterioration or destruction or to prevent the alteration, repair or demolition of any recent building, structure or addition out of keeping with the architectural character of said area.
§ 429-156 Application for inclusion in zone.
Any building, structure and/or premises of historical or architectural significance within the Borough may be considered for designation as an historic site and placed in the Historic Preservation Zone upon written application to the Land Use Board by the owner or owners of said property and the approval of the Borough Council after obtaining the opinion of the Historic Preservation Commissions. Upon such approval, the site shall be added to the listing above.
§ 429-157 Appeals.
Any person aggrieved by the decision of the Planning Board regarding an historic site shall have the right to appeal to the Borough Council, which shall arrange a public hearing and shall notify the members of the Planning Board of the time and place of such meeting. The Borough Council shall be guided by the standards set forth in this section and may consult with the Historic Preservation Commissions when considering the merits of the application.
§ 429-158 Review of designated sites.
The Planning Board, with the advice and assistance of the Historic Preservation Commission, shall review the designation of historic sites at least once every five years, and if after such review it deems buildings, structures and/or premises not so designated worthy of such designation or it if deems buildings, structures and/or premises so designated not worthy of such designation, it shall made its recommendation for such changes to the Borough Council.