At the request of the City of Salisbury and other interested parties, the Regional Urban Design Assistance Team (R/UDAT) of the American Institute of Architects completed a study of the downtown area in May, 1980. Its report recommended a strong traditional Main Street image, the reestablishment of the downtown area as the historical center, the restoration and rehabilitation of older or architecturally significant buildings and the encouragement of construction of new structures of architectural quality or merit compatible with their neighbors but not necessarily of the same style. The downtown historic district is established in keeping with this recommendation and to stabilize and improve property values in the downtown area, to strengthen the local economy, to foster civic pride, to protect against the destruction and deterioration of the downtown and to lead to its continuance of preservation.*

(Prior code § 150-121)

* Editor's Note: The downtown historic district map is included at the end of this chapter.

A.

The historic district commission established in accordance with the provisions of Sections 17.52.070 and 17.52.080 of this title shall serve as the commission for the downtown historic district.

B.

The downtown merchants association or any other interested organization may submit to the city council names of persons for consideration as members of the historic district commission.

C.

In addition to the requirements of Section 17.52.100(C) of this title, when reviewing applications and plans, the commission shall consider the "traditional main street" concept enunciated in the R/UDAT report, dated May, 1980, and the desirability of new buildings and diversity in architecture.

D.

The local members of the Chesapeake Bay chapter of the Maryland Society of Architects are authorized to serve as professional advisors to the downtown historic district commission.

E.

The city council is aware that the tasteless use of commercial paint colors under the guise of ordinary maintenance may have a very detrimental effect on buildings in the district and, in fact, do violence to the very intent of the district. Therefore, the commission shall adopt a color chart with a large selection of suitable exterior colors and, in adopting this color chart, employ and consolidate charts from various paint stores, dealers and companies, which shall be kept available in the office of the building inspector for consideration by property owners. The commission shall informally consult with property owners upon request as to possible colors and combinations thereof prior to actual filing of an application by a property owner in order to minimize delay in approval.

(Ord. 1916 § 4, 2004: prior code § 150-122)

A.

Prior to the construction, demolition, alteration, moving or painting of any site or structure which may affect its exterior appearance, a certificate of approval issued in accordance with chapter 17.52 of this title shall be obtained from the historic district commission.

B.

No approval shall be required for routine maintenance or repair of any structure, including roof coverings and color of paint.

(Ord. 1916 § 5, 2004: prior code § 150-123)

All uses and standards for development shall be the same as set forth for underlying zoning district or districts.