Modify, Demo, Relocate Landmarks

If a historically landmarked structure is to be modified with new construction or repair, demolished, or relocated, the changes are to be done in a historically appropriate manner that maintains the character, integrity, and safety of the structure. 

Certificate of Appropriateness

Decisions about modifications, demolitions, and relocations are made in the process to seek a 'Certificate of Appropriateness'. Certain criteria must first be met for repairs and modifications, relocation, and demolition.

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Criteria

  1. Repairs & Modifications
  2. Relocating
  3. Demolition

In reaching all decisions concerning applications for Certificates of Appropriateness of repairs and modifications, the Erie Historic Preservation Advisory Board and the Board of Trustees apply the following criteria:

  • The effect on the general historic and architectural character of the structure and property;
  • The architectural style, arrangement, texture, and material used in the existing and proposed structures and their relation to and compatibility with other structures;
  • The size of the structure, its setbacks, location, and the appropriateness thereof when compared to existing structures and the site;
  • The compatibility of accessory structures and fences with the main structure on the site, and other structures;
  • The effects of the proposed work in creating, destroying, or otherwise impacting the exterior architectural features of the structure upon which such work is done;
  • The condition of existing improvements and whether they are a hazard to public health and safety;
  • The effects of the proposed work on the protection, enhancement, perpetuation of the use of the property; and, 
  • Compliance with the United States Secretary of the Inferior's "Standards for Rehabilitation".

Application

Upon reviewing the criteria above for a Certificate of Appropriateness, an applicant is invited to complete the online, fillable Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness

Approval Process

The Erie Historic Preservation Advisory Board (EHPAB) reviews the applications within 60 days and after a 30-day review timeframe, the Advisory Board issues a recommendation to the Board of Trustees to approve, modify and approve, or disapprove the application.

Next, the Board of Trustees reviews the recommendation by EHPAB and the application for a Certificate of Appropriateness within 60 days of receipt. Within 30 days of ending its review, the Board of Trustees determines if the application is approved or denied. 

Upon approval by the Board of Trustees, the Town issues the Certificate of Appropriateness. If the Board of Trustees denies the application, then no person may submit a new application for a Certificate of Appropriateness that is the same or substantially the same as the denied application for a period of one year after the date of denial.

Note:

  • If the Board of Trustees denies an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness, the owner of the landmarked structure may request a hardship exemption. See below for further details.
  • The EHPAB reserves the right to extend its review period by up to 90 days in cases of moving or demolishing historic structures if the original application does not meet certain criteria. 
  • The Board of Trustees, when approving an application, may set a time limit in which the owner must apply for a building permit that is compatible with the Certificate of Appropriateness.

Hardship Exemptions

If the Board of Trustees denies an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness, the owner of the landmarked structure may request an exemption for economic hardship or a health and safety hardship. The owner may request an exemption based on the above criteria by applying to the Board of Trustees, submitting documentation of the reasons. The Board of Trustees will review and make decisions using the same process as for the review of original applications for Certificates of Appropriateness. No consideration by the Erie Historic Preservation Advisory Board is necessary.

Economic Hardship: The exemption can be granted if the owner can demonstrate that they are unable to obtain a reasonable return on investment.

Health and Safety Hardship: The exemption can be granted if the owner can demonstrate that applying the criteria for appropriateness would cause a situation that would be substantially inadequate to meet the owner's needs because of health or safety issues that were not created by action or inaction of the owner.