Saco City Zoning Code
ARTICLE XX
Special Preservation Standards in Downtown District
§ 230-2001 Applicability.
The following provisions apply to any proposal involving the demolition or removal of any building or structure built before 1895, or any appurtenance thereto, in the in the area depicted in Figure 20-1.
Figure 20-1 Map of the Downtown District, Excluding Areas Within the HPOD  |
§ 230-2002 Demolition.
Buildings within this area may not be demolished without a certificate for demolition.
§ 230-2003 Certificate for demolition in Downtown District.
A.
Scope and purpose. The purpose of this section is to afford the City the opportunity to preserve neighborhood character and to preserve historic buildings and structures or important portions and features thereof.
B.
Procedure and submissions. The Planning Board shall hold a public hearing on each application within 30 days of submission. Notice shall be given in the same manner as required for a site plan review. The Planning Board may waive any application requirement if it determines it is not necessary to an application. There is no fee for this application. Applicants shall file with the Planning Board an application for a certificate for demolition, which shall include at least the following:
(1)
The applicant's name, address, and interest in the subject property. If not representing the owner, the applicant shall provide evidence of right, title, or interest in the property.
(2)
The owner's name, address, and signature, if different from the applicant's.
(3)
The address and the Tax Map and lot number.
(4)
The present use and zoning classification of the subject property.
(5)
Photographs of the building involved and of adjacent buildings.
(6)
A brief description of the new construction, reconstruction, alteration, maintenance, demolition or removal requiring the issuance of the certificate of demolition.
(7)
Evidence which supports one or more of the standards of approval below. This might include evidence from a structural engineer, a Building Inspector, an architectural historian, a builder, an appraiser, or other qualified expert.
C.
Standards of approval for a certificate for demolition.
(1)
The building may be demolished within 60 days, unless the Planning Board makes the following three findings based on the record:
(a)
The building is of historical significance as defined in Article XIX of this chapter;
(b)
Prudent and feasible alternatives to demolition exist; or
(c)
The property is not deteriorated beyond reasonable repair.
(2)
If the Planning Board finds that any of the three standards are not met, it shall issue a certificate for demolition. If it does not make such findings within 60 days of the public hearing or if it issues a certificate of demolition, the Code Enforcement Officer may issue a demolition permit.
D.
Conditions of approval. In approving an application for the demolition, the Planning Board may impose reasonable conditions, including, but not limited to, the following conditions:
(1)
Photographic, video, or drawn recording of the property to be demolished; and/or
(2)
Reasonable salvage and curation of significant elements and/or other reasonable mitigation measures.
E.
Hazard buildings. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent the ordinary maintenance or repair of any exterior architectural feature. Nothing in the section shall prevent the construction, reconstruction, or demolition of any building or feature which the Code Enforcement Officer determines is required because of concerns about structural deficiencies, the safety of the building and the safety of its occupants.