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A.  No private building, structure, or edifice, including fences, boundary walls, signs, light fixtures, steps and paving or other appurtenant fixtures shall be erected, altered, restored, moved or demolished within an historic preservation district until after an application for a certificate of appropriateness as to exterior architectural features has been submitted to and approved by an historic preservation district commission, except as otherwise provided by the governing body in the ordinance establishing such commission or as provided by rules, regulations, policies, procedures and standards adopted by said commission.  Similarly, if earthworks of historical or archaeological importance exists in the historic district there shall be no excavating or moving of earth, rock or subsoil without a certificate of appropriateness.  For the purposes of this Part “exterior architectural features” shall include but need not be limited to the color, architectural style, general design and general arrangement of the exterior of a structure, including the kind and texture of the building material, the type and style of all roofs, windows, doors, light fixtures, signs and other appurtenant fixtures.  The style, scale, material, size and location of outdoor advertising signs and bill posters within an historic preservation district shall also be under the control of such commission.  

B.  An historic preservation district commission shall not consider interior arrangement or use but shall consider the relationship of the exterior of the buildings concerned with all others in the historic preservation district as to avoid incongruity and promote harmony therewith.  

C.  An historic preservation district commission shall adhere to and seek compatibility of structures in the historic district in terms of size, texture, scale and site plan and said commission shall set forth and define guidelines prior to any exercise of its authority.  

D.  Nothing in this Part shall be construed to prevent ordinary maintenance or repairs which do not involve a change of design, material, or of the outward appearance, thereof; nor to prevent the construction, reconstruction, alteration or demolition of any such feature which is required by the public safety because of an unsafe or dangerous condition.  The requirements of this Part shall not apply to work which has begun or for which a permit has been issued prior to the establishment of the historic preservation district.  

E.  No review, approval, disapproval or recommendation shall be made by an historic preservation district commission until said commission has adopted rules, regulations, policies, procedures and standards following a public hearing.  

Acts 1974, No. 273, §7.