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City of Providence
City of Providence Zoning Ordinance
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§ 1718

HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION ORGANIZATION AND PROCEDURES

1718 HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION ORGANIZATION AND PROCEDURES

  • A. Organization

    1. Membership and Appointment The Historic District Commission is appointed in accordance with Rhode Island General Laws, Chapter 45-24.1-3, as amended. Members of the Historic District Commission shall have a demonstrated interest in historic preservation. The appointments may be drawn from but not be limited to the following professions and disciplines: American history, architectural history, landscape design, architecture, archaeology, preservation, law, real estate, planning, or historic building contracting. Duly organized and existing preservation societies may present to the Mayor lists of qualified citizens to be considered for appointment.

  • 2. Term Each member appointed by the Mayor serves for a three year term in accordance with State law and is eligible for reappointment. Upon expiration, appointed members shall continue to serve until replaced.

  • 3. Auxiliary Members The Mayor has the right to name an auxiliary member to the Historic District Commission in addition to the regular members, and such auxiliary member will sit as an active member, upon the request of the Chair when and if a regular member of the Historic District Commission is unable to serve at any meeting of the Historic District Commission.

  • 4. Expired Terms and Vacancy In the event of a vacancy on the Historic District Commission, the appointing authority may make an interim appointment to fill the unexpired term(s) of such member(s). Vacancies shall be filled within 90 days.

  • 5. Officers The Historic District Commission includes a Chair, appointed by the Mayor; and a Vice-Chair elected from its membership. In its rules and regulations, the Commission may provide for other officers if necessary. The Department of Planning and Development shall assign staff to work with the Historic District Commission.

    • B. Procedures

      1. Adoption of Rules The Historic District Commission shall adopt and publish all rules and regulations necessary to carry out its functions under the provisions of this Ordinance.

  • 2. Adoption of Standards and Guidelines The Historic District Commission shall adopt and publish standards and guidelines as necessary to inform historic district residents, property owners, and the general public of those criteria by which the Historic District Commission will determine whether to issue a Certificate of Appropriateness. The Historic District Commission may adopt different standards and guidelines for each district. The standards and guidelines shall insure that consideration is given to: the historic and architectural significance of the district, the structure, and its appurtenances; the way in which the structure and its appurtenances contribute to the historical and architectural significance of the district; and the appropriateness of the general design, arrangement, texture, materials, and siting proposed in the plans for both new and existing structures and appurtenances. The Historic District Commission may incorporate by reference in its rules and regulations such other standards as are appropriate, including, but not limited to the Standards and Guidelines for Rehabilitation adopted by the United States Secretary of the Interior. The Historic District Commission may from time to time amend its standards as reasonably necessary, and it shall publish all such amendments.

  • 3. Conduct of Business The Chair will preside over all Historic District Commission meetings and has the right to vote. The Vice-Chair will, in the case of absence or disability of the Chair, perform the duties of the Chair. All meetings of the Historic District Commission shall be open to the public and any person, organization, or duly authorized representative is entitled to appear and be heard on any matter before the Historic District Commission reaches its decision.

  • 4. Quorum A quorum is necessary for business to be conducted before the Historic District Commission. A majority of the number of duly appointed regular members constitutes a quorum.

  • 5. Record The Historic District Commission shall keep a record of all resolutions, proceedings, findings, decisions, and actions and such record shall be open to the public.

  • 6. Duties In addition to the powers described in Section 1707 above, the Historic District Commission has the following powers and duties: a. The Historic District Commission is authorized to regulate the alteration, repair, construction, demolition, removal of any exterior structure and/or appurtenance within any Historic District identified on the Providence Overlay Zoning District Maps of the Official Zoning Map adopted in accordance with this Ordinance.

    • b. In order to assist the City on matters of historic preservation, the Historic District Commission may provide its expertise and advice to agencies of city government as appropriate.