§ 3.03.01. Generally

A.

Purpose

1.

The purpose of these historic preservation regulations is to establish procedures, as set forth in the Florida Certified Local Government Program, for the protection of the Historic and Archaeological Resources of Unincorporated Hillsborough County. These regulations are to be read in accordance with and as specified in the provisions of the Florida Certified Local Governmental Guidelines. It is the express intention that these regulations implement the Florida Certified Local Governmental Guidelines. These procedures shall provide for the establishment of an historic preservation review commission to be known as the Historic Resources Review Board (HRRB); the designation of Landmarked Historic and Archaeological Resources, Landmark Sites, and Historic Districts; the maintenance of the Historic Resources Inventory; and the regulation of designated properties. These procedures shall comply with the Florida Certified Local Government Guidelines.

2.

The architectural, archaeological, cultural, and historic artifacts of Hillsborough County are important community resources which enrich the lives of citizens and visitors alike, provide expanded economic opportunity, and present opportunities to stabilize and enhance property values. The structures, interiors, buildings, and archaeological resources important to the understanding of the history and archaeological prehistory of Hillsborough County possess special public interest and should be conserved and protected by designating them and their environs as Landmarked Historic and Archaeological Resources, Landmark Sites, and Historic Districts, hereafter referred to collectively as "Landmarks." These regulations, the purpose of which is to preserve, promote, and improve the Landmarks of Hillsborough County, benefit the educational, cultural, economic, and general welfare of the public.

3.

Hillsborough County has played an important role in the development of Florida, and this history is shown today through its Historic and Archaeological Resources. These Landmarks represent the historical and archaeological activities of the community

B.

Intent

It is the intent of these regulations to:

1.

Protect against the destruction of, encroachment upon, or addition of features likely to have Adverse Effects on the historic, architectural, archaeological, or cultural character of the Landmark.

2.

Preserve the historic and prehistoric cultural and archeological integrity and ancient appearance of Landmarks, wherever located and within any and all Historic Districts established.

3.

Encourage uses which will lead to their continuance, conservation and improvement in a manner appropriate to the preservation of the cultural, archaeological, architectural and historical heritage of the County.

4.

Prevent developments in the visual environs of such areas or structures which would detract from their character.

5.

Assure that new or altered structures and uses will preserve and enhance the special character of the Landmark.

6.

Discourage unnecessary destruction of buildings, structures and sites of special cultural, architectural, archaeological, and historical importance.

7.

Foster such planning as to encourage the continued use and preservation of historic property.

C.

Regulatory Framework

These regulations accomplish historic preservation through a three-step process. First, the regulations establish an HRRB made up of professionals and experts in the field of architecture, anthropology/archaeology, history and other fields related to historic preservation. Second, the regulations provide for a process whereby the Board of County Commissioners will designate the Historic and Archaeological Resources of the County as Landmarks using the recommendations of the HRRB. Third, the regulations establish guidelines for the treatment of Landmarks, especially involving exterior alterations and demolition of buildings and structures and the subsurface disturbance of archaeological resources. The HRRB may issue Certificates of Appropriateness (COAs) for changes to Landmarks.

D.

Historic and Archaeological Resource and Landmark Inventory

1.

The County shall develop and maintain a listing of its Landmarks and Historic and Archaeological Resources considered eligible for Landmark designation. This list, referred to as the Historic Resources Inventory, shall be periodically updated and shall contain, but not be limited to, all Hillsborough County designated Landmarks. The HRRB shall notify affected property owners of its intent to add Historic and Archaeological Resources to the Historic Resources Inventory.

2.

When applications for development permits, development orders or other development approvals affect properties listed in or properties abutting those listed in the Historic Resources Inventory the County department receiving the application shall provide the HRRB written notification within five working days of receiving application for permits which do not require a public hearing and 15 working days after the deadline for filing of application for permits which require a public hearing The County Administrator shall request, obtain, and consider testimony from the HRRB. The HRRB shall give consideration to the views, if any, of interested persons.

3.

The HRRB shall review each application at its next regularly scheduled meeting provided that the HRRB receives notification of the application at least ten days prior to that meeting. If the HRRB does not receive notification of the application at least ten days prior to the next regularly scheduled meeting, the HRRB will review the application at the following month's regularly scheduled meeting. Should the HRRB fail to act on an application within the above referenced time frame, it shall be deemed that the HRRB has no comment regarding the application. The applicant, or its representative, may attend the meeting at which the application shall be reviewed.

4.

The HRRB shall prepare a list of routine alterations, including Minor Work, which may receive administrative review from the HRRB staff, provided that the alteration complies with the guidelines of the HRRB. In reviewing projects which may affect properties listed in or properties abutting those listed in the Historic Resources Inventory, the HRRB shall apply the following criteria to determine whether or not the project will have either no effect or an Adverse Effect on the Landmark and/or Historic and Archaeological Resources:

a.

A project has no effect on a Landmark and/or Historic or Archaeological Resource when the project proposes to preserve and protect those characteristics of the property that qualified, or may qualify, the property for Landmark designation. For the purpose of determining effect, alteration of features of the property's location, setting, or use may be relevant depending on a property's significant characteristics and should be considered.

b.

A project is considered to have an Adverse Effect when the effect on a Landmark and/or Historic or Archaeological Resource may diminish the integrity of the property's location, design, setting, materials, workmanship or associated historic use. Adverse Effects on historic or prehistoric cultural and archaeological properties and resources include, but are not limited to:

• Physical destruction, damage, or alteration of all or part of the property;

• Isolation of the property from or alteration of the character of the property's setting when that character contributes to the property's qualification for the Landmark designation;

• Introduction of visual, audible, or atmospheric elements that are out of character with the property or alter its setting.

(Ord. No. 00-21, § 2, 5-18-00; Ord. No. 03-9, § 2, 6-5-03; Ord. No. 07-18, § 2, 7-19-07, eff. 10-1-07)