Warwick Township Bucks County
City Zoning Code
City Zoning Code
ARTICLE XXVII
Historical District
§ 195-144 Legislative intent.
A.
Certain structures within the Township of Warwick have a distinctive character recalling the rich architectural and historical heritage of this part of Pennsylvania in which we live. These relics of bygone days can and should be a source of inspiration to residents and visitors alike, awakening interest and pride in our historic past and, in a broader sense, promoting the general welfare, education and culture of the Township of Warwick in which these historical objects are located. It is the sense and purpose of this article to help perpetuate these irreplaceable legacies of past generations and preserve their unique character for those who come after us to enjoy. The primary and direct beneficiaries of the protective measures enumerated hereinafter are the owners of these historic sites. The special status given to these structures is in itself a high honor. In addition, it permits the owner to display the official Warwick Township Historic Marker authorized for this use. Also, certain protections are provided under specified conditions, and the assistance and advice of the Board of Historical Architecture Review hereinafter provided is hereby made available whenever needed, without charge.
B.
Specifically these areas are hereby designated as historic districts:
(1)
The Graveyard of Neshaminy Warwick Presbyterian Church, located on the north side of Bristol Road, west of Meetinghouse Road, Warwick Township, and shown on the Tax Map of Bucks County as Parcel 51-3-72, containing 10 acres, more or less, and further identified by metes and bounds in Deed Book No. 172 Page 28, in the office of the Recorder of Deeds for Bucks County. The entire parcel is hereby designated as an historic site.
(2)
The Neshaminy Warwick Presbyterian Church, located on the northeast corner of Bristol and Meetinghouse Roads, Warwick Township, County of Bucks, and shown on the Tax Map of Bucks County as Parcel 51-3-120, containing 14 acres, more or less, and further identified by metes and bounds in Deed Book No. 174 Page 57, in the office of the Recorder of Deeds for Bucks County. The building and approximately 1/2 acre surrounding the same, measured as equally as possible from the sides of the building, shall be considered as designated as an historic site and is on file with the Board of Supervisors of Warwick Township and incorporated herein by reference as if attached hereto.
(3)
Moland House, located on the east side of York Road, north of the West Branch of Neshaminy Creek, Warwick Township, County of Bucks, and shown on the Tax Map of Bucks County as Parcel 51-3-137-1, containing 12 acres, more or less, and further identified by metes and bounds in Deed Book No. 1826 Page 929, in the office of the Recorder of Deeds for Bucks County. The building and approximately two acres surrounding the same, measured as equally as possible from the sides of the building, shall be considered and designated as an historic site. A plot plan of said historic site is on file with the Board of Supervisors of Warwick Township and incorporated herein by reference as if attached hereto.
(4)
Others to be established by ordinance as they are specified.
§ 195-145 When effective.
This Article XXVII of this chapter shall become effective when the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, having been informed by the Supervisors of the Township of Warwick of this adoption of this chapter, has certified by resolution to the historical significance of the historic sites within the Township of Warwick.
§ 195-146 District use regulations.
In order to preserve the cultural, economic and general welfare through the preservation and protection of historic places, properties of unique and historic architectural interest and areas of unique and historic interest in the Township of Warwick, no building or structure shall hereafter be erected, altered or restored, razed or demolished within said historic districts unless and until an application for a certificate of appropriateness shall be approved by the Board of Historical Architectural Review, hereinafter created, as to exterior architectural features including signs, but excluding memorial grave stones and/or markers. Evidence of such required approval shall be a certificate of appropriateness issued by the Warwick Township Board of Supervisors.
§ 195-147 Permitted uses.
Property in the historic districts may be used for any use listed as a permissive use in the districts in this chapter in which said property is situated.
§ 195-148 Approval of building permits.
A.
Each applicant for a building permit which would authorize new construction, alterations or modifications affecting the exterior structural appearance of existing or proposed structures shall first obtain approval of the plans and specifications from the Board of Historical Architectural Review. The applicant shall furnish complete elevation details and specifications, a plot plan and such other information as the Board of Historical Architectural Review may require. So that the unique character and value of the historic districts as a place of special charm and interest shall not be impaired, the Board of Historical Architectural Review shall authorize the issuance of a building permit only if it finds that the architectural style, general design, arrangement, location and materials meet the following standards:
B.
If these standards are not met and the application for a building permit is disapproved, disapproval shall be in writing, giving reasons therefor, and a copy thereof shall be given to the applicant, to the agency issuing permits and to the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. The applicant may appeal from the disapproval as provided by law and the ordinances of the Township of Warwick.
§ 195-149 Notice of meetings.
Any person applying for a building permit within an historic district shall be given notice of the meeting of the Board of Historical Architectural Review, which is to counsel the Supervisors of the Township of Warwick, and the meeting of the Supervisors, which is to consider the granting of a certificate of appropriateness for said permit, and may appear before said meetings to explain his reasons therefor. In the event of a failure to recommend, the Board and, in the event of its disapproval, the Supervisors shall also indicate what changes in the plans and specifications would meet conditions for protecting the distinctive historical character of the historic district.
§ 195-150 Sign permits.
Applications for permits to erect, alter or modify signs shall be processed in the same manner as applications for permits to erect, alter or modify a building or structure.
§ 195-151 Creation and membership of Board of Historical Architectural Review.
For the purpose of making effective the provisions of this chapter, the Warwick Township Supervisors shall create a board to be known as the "Board of Historical Architectural Review," to be composed of five members, all appointed by the Warwick Township Supervisors, one of whom shall be designated to serve until the first day of January following the adoption of this chapter, one until the first day of the second January thereafter, one until the first day of the third January thereafter, one until the first day of the fourth January thereafter and one until the fifth January thereafter. Their successors shall be appointed by the Warwick Township Supervisors on the expiration of their respective terms to serve five years. Vacancies shall be filled by the Warwick Township Supervisors for the unexpired term of any member whose term becomes vacant.
§ 195-152 Composition of Board.
The Board of Historical Architectural Review shall consist of the Building Inspector of Warwick Township, a registered architect, a licensed real estate broker, a member of the Warwick Township Historical Commission and one additional person with a knowledge of and interest in the preservation of the historic districts.
§ 195-153 Responsibilities of Board.
The Board of Historical and Architectural Review shall give counsel to the Township Supervisors of the Township of Warwick regarding the advisability of issuing any certificates required to be issued pursuant to this chapter and the enabling legislation pursuant to which it was adopted. For this purpose, the Board may make and alter rules and regulations for its organization and procedures, consistent with ordinances of the Township and the laws of the commonwealth. A majority of the Board shall constitute a quorum, and action taken at any Board meeting shall require the affirmative vote of a majority of the entire Board. The members of the Board shall serve without compensation and shall make an annual report of their transactions to the Township Supervisors. The Board shall not incur any expense whatever without a prior resolution of the Township Supervisors authorizing such action.
§ 195-154 Enforcement by Building Inspector.
The Building Inspector shall have the power to institute any proceedings at law or in equity necessary for the enforcement of this article.