TO: Mayor and Town Council
FROM: W. Calvin Horton, Town Manager
SUBJECT: Updated Design Guidelines for the Chapel Hill Historic Districts
DATE: June 10, 2002
The attached resolution would approve proposed Design Guidelines for the Chapel Hill Historic Districts. Upon adoption, the document is proposed to be used by the Chapel Hill Historic District Commission and property owners in the historic districts. The document was transmitted to the Council on May 13, 2002.
BACKGROUND
April 24, 2000 The Town Council accepted a grant of $8,000 from the State Historic Preservation Office to begin working on the development of updated design guidelines for the Chapel Hill historic districts. The Town contributed $6,000 towards the project. A Consultant was hired to prepare the Guidelines Handbook with input and assistance from the community, staff, and the Historic District Commission. The process included two public forums, one at the beginning of the update and a second one at the completion of the draft.
May 13, 2002 The proposed “Design Guidelines for the Chapel Hill Historic Districts” document was transmitted to the Town Council.
With the May 13 transmittal, we referenced preparation of a planting list. The planting list is attached to this memorandum for your review. This planting list is to be included as an appendix to the Design Guidelines document.
PURPOSE OF THE UPDATE
The proposed Historic District Guidelines Handbook describes the existing patterns of sites and structures in the districts, followed by guidelines for changes. The Guidelines would set the standards for property owners and for the Commission on what is congruous with the character of the districts. These revised guidelines are to be used to guide the Historic District Commission as the Commission reviews and approves Certificates of Appropriateness.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Historic District Commission Recommendation: On April 11, 2002, the Historic District Commission voted 6-0 to recommend that the Council approve the proposed Design Guidelines for use by the Chapel Hill Historic Districts.
Manager’s Recommendation: That the Council adopt the attached Resolution, approving the proposed Design Guidelines for the Chapel Hill Historic Districts.
ATTACHMENTS
A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR THE CHAPEL HILL HISTORIC DISTRICTS (2002-06-10/R-7)
WHEREAS, the Town of Chapel Hill, through the Comprehensive Plan Goals and Objectives, has stated the goal of conserving and enhancing areas, sites, and structures of special visual, architectural or historical value; and
WHEREAS, the Town, through the Comprehensive Plan, has stated the goal of conserving and enhancing the natural beauty and atmosphere of Chapel Hill; and
WHEREAS, updating the Historic District Design Guidelines would help the Town achieve these goals; and
WHEREAS, the Town Council indicated the need for updating the Historic District Design Guidelines through the resolution of April 13, 2000, authorizing the Town Manager to accept a grant for this purpose;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council approves the updated Design Guidelines for the Chapel Hill Historic Districts (adopted April 11, 2002 by the Chapel Hill Historic District Commission) for use by the Chapel Hill Historic District Commission, Town staff, and citizens and property owners in Chapel Hill.
This the 10th day of June, 2002.