Section 175-83        DEFINITIONS.


As used in this Article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:

 

ALTERATION - Any change, modification or addition to a part of or all of the exterior of any building or structure.

 

BUILDING - Any enclosed or open structure which is a combination of materials to form a construction for occupancy or use.

 

CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS (C of A) - The approval statement signed by the Secretary of the Board of Architectural Review (BAR) and the Zoning Administrator that certifies approval by the BAR of the appropriateness of a particular request for the construction, alteration, reconstruction, repair, restoration, demolition or razing of all or a part of any building within an historic district overlay area, subject to the issuance of all other permits needed for the matter sought to be accomplished.

 

CONTRIBUTING PROPERTIES - Properties so designated on the inventory map of landmarks and contributing properties, which is adopted as a part of this Article, being generally those properties which, by reason of form, materials, architectural details and relation to surrounding properties, contribute favorably to the general character of the part of the historic district in which they are located but, by reason of recent age, lack of historic significance or other factors, are not designated as local historic landmarks under the criteria of this Article.

 

DEMOLITION - The dismantling or tearing down of all or part of any building and all operations incidental thereto.

 

EXTERIOR FEATURES (ARCHITECTURAL APPEARANCE) - The architectural style, general design and general arrangement of the exterior of a building or other structure, including the color, the kind and texture of the building material and the type and style of all windows, doors, light fixtures, signs, other appurtenant fixtures and other natural features, such as trees and shrubbery, that are subject to the public view from a public street, public way or other public places.

 

HISTORIC DISTRICT OVERLAY AREA or HISTORIC DISTRICT - Any area delineated by the Town Council and consisting of public or private property within the town, containing one (1) or more historic landmarks as established by the Virginia Department of  Historic Resources, or one (1) or more areas, neighborhoods, sites, places, structures, objects, artifacts or buildings in  which historic events occurred or reflecting significantly the lives of historic personages or great ideas or ideals of the people, having special public value because of notable architectural, economic, ethnic, military, natural, political, religious or social factors, such landmarks, buildings, structures or areas having been designated by the Council as being of such historic, architectural or cultural interest and significance as to warrant conservation and preservation. Such designated district or districts shall not extend farther than the property line of the land pertaining to such historical landmarks, sites, buildings, signs, appurtenances, structures or objects.

 

LOCAL HISTORIC LANDMARK - Any site (including significant trees or other plant life located thereon), building or structure of particular historic significance. "Landmarks" include sites, buildings or structures where the cultural, political, archaeological, spiritual, economic, social or artistic history of the community, state or nation is reflected or exemplified or which are identified with historic personages or with important events in local, state or national history or which embody the distinguishing characteristics of an architectural specimen, inherently valuable for a representation of a period, style or method of construction or a notable work of construction or a notable work of a master designer or architect whose individual genius influenced his age. Listing on the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places is encouraged for all "local historic landmarks."

 

NEW CONSTRUCTION - Any construction within an historic district overlay area that is independent and exclusive of an existing building or structure or part thereof.

 

NONCONTRIBUTING PROPERTIES - Properties with little historic or architectural value and with little or no contribution to the historic character of the district because of their recent age or alteration in such a way as to destroy their architectural integrity.

 

RECONSTRUCTION - Any or all work needed to remake or rebuild all or a part of any building to a sound condition but not necessarily of original materials.

 

REPAIRS - Any work or all work involving the replacement of existing work with equivalent material for the purpose of maintenance but not including any addition, change or modification in construction.

 

RESTORATION - Any or all work connected with the returning to or restoring of a building or a part of any building to its original condition through the use of original or nearly original materials.

 

REVIEWING BODIES - All individuals, boards or elected/appointed bodies, given review authority under this Article, including the Zoning Administrator, Board of Architectural Review and Town Council, upon appeal.

 

(Ord. No. Z-3-97 Added 10-27-97-Effective Upon Passage)

 

SIGNIFICANT CHANGE - A permanent change that alters the general appearance (architectural character) of a building.

 

(Ord. No. Z-3-97 Added 10-27-97-Effective Upon Passage)

 

STRUCTURE - Anything man-made, including but not limited to main buildings, outbuildings, fences, walls, lampposts, light fixtures, signs, signposts, billboards and paving.

 

SUBSTANTIAL EXTERIOR ALTERATION - Any change, other than incidental repairs, to the supporting members of a building or portion thereof, such as the addition, removal or alteration of bearing walls, columns, beams, girders, roofs or foundations, that are visible on the exterior of the structure.


(Ord. No. Z-5-92 Amended Entire Section 4-13-92-Effective Upon Passage)