Historic areas are some of the most valued and important assets of the Village of Pinehurst, having local, state, and national importance. The establishment of Historic Preservation Districts is for the purpose of preserving the Village's heritage; safeguarding its character by preserving the district as a whole and any property therein that embodies important elements of its social, economic, cultural, political, or architectural history. The establishment of the Historic Preservation district is also for the purpose of promoting the conservation of such districts for the education, pleasure, and enrichment of residents of the district, the Village, and others; for the purpose of fostering civic beauty; and for the purpose of stabilizing and enhancing property values throughout the district as a whole, thus contributing to the improvement of the general health and welfare of the Village and the residents of the district.

(Ord. 23-13, passed 5-23-2023)

   Historic districts, as provided for in this section, may from time-to-time be designated, amended, or repealed, provided; however, that no district shall be recommended for designation unless it is deemed to be of special significance in terms of its historical, architectural, or cultural importance. Such districts must also possess integrity of design, setting, workmanship, material, feeling, and/or association. No district shall be designated, amended, or repealed until the following has been carried out:

   (A)   An investigation and report initiated by the Historic Preservation Commission describing the significance of the buildings, structures, features, sites, or surroundings included in any such proposed district, and a description of the boundaries of such district has been prepared;

   (B)   The Department of Cultural Resources, acting through the State Historical Preservation Officer or his or her designee, shall have made an analysis of and recommendations concerning such report and description of proposed boundaries. Failure of the Department to submit its written analysis and recommendations to the Village Council within thirty (30) calendar days after a written request for such analysis has been received by the Department of Cultural Resources shall relieve the Village Council of any responsibility for awaiting such analysis, and the Village Council may at any time thereafter take any necessary action to adopt or amend this Zoning Ordinance with respect to Historic Districts;

   (C)   The Village Council shall also refer the report and the proposed boundaries to the Planning and Zoning Board for its recommendations prior to taking action to amend the Zoning Ordinance;

   (D)   With respect to any changes in the boundaries of such district subsequent to its initial establishment, or the creation of additional districts within the jurisdiction, the investigative studies and reports required by this Section shall be prepared by the Historic Preservation Commission and shall be referred to the Planning and Zoning Board for its review and comment according to the procedures set forth herein. Changes in the boundaries of an initial district or proposal for additional districts shall be submitted to the Department of Cultural Resources in accordance with the provisions of this Section;

   (E)   Upon receipt of these reports and recommendation, the Village Council may proceed in the same manner as would otherwise be required for the adoption or amendment of any appropriate Zoning Ordinance provision.

(Ord. 23-13, passed 5-23-2023)