State College Borough Historic and Architectural Review Board Background Information & Next Steps April 3, 2017

Presentation outline Regulations in place today related to properties contributing to the National Register of Historic Places Background information on a Local Historic District HARB membership Area and reviewable items What are not reviewable items Review and approval process Examples of recent DHRB reviews Next steps necessary before enactment Example Design Guidelines Links page

State College Historic Property Regulations today Public notice and review by Design and Historic Review Board (DHRB). Posting of property to notify public of proposed partial or total demolition Borough guidelines exist today from 1994 but need revision No prohibition for demolition (whole or in part) of contributing buildings after advisory review by DHRB. Review is advisory only

State College HRC HARB work During 2016 he Historic Resources Commission reviewed the model ordinance drafted by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) As a result of that review modifications were made by the HRC and the current draft was accepted by the HRC in September. HRC recognized that more edits were probably needed but wanted to pursue review by Council in 2017 when time permits.

HARB Membership Registered Architect Licensed Real Estate Broker Building Code Inspector Four additional members who have interest in the preservation of the historic districts and are property owners within the districts Current DHRB has seven members, none of which meet the first three requirements. Board member would need to be modified to meet statutory requirements.

Area proposed for HARB review Holmes-Foster Highlands – 822 properties College Heights – 316 properties Total of 1,138 properties within the two districts that would fall under this review. All main buildings constructed within the last 10 years would be exempt from this review

Reviewable items: exterior, viewable from street

Exclusions to Reviewable Items Paint Color Raised planting beds Retaining walls, stone walls and walls interior to the lot Signs (exception house plaques) Interior renovations General Maintenance

How are the items reviewed by HARB Design Guidelines must be in place for the HARB to review the proposal Focus of review will be: Proportion of building front facades Scale Rhythm of building Materials Textures Architectural Details Roof lines

Other items Can substitute materials Review demolitions Review financial feasibility Limited substitute materials (new aluminum and vinyl installation is not permitted based on the proposal submitted) Review of unreasonable economic hardship

Application Review Timeline Submit complete application 14 days prior to a HARB meeting HARB reviews and has 45 days to make a recommendation from the first meeting Next regular meeting HARB recommendation is submitted for review by Council Council review for Certificate of Appropriateness (COA)and notification must be provided to the applicant within 5 days of the action taken Total time estimate for COA is 80 days. Total time estimate today is 40 days in R2 Zoning District. Longer (up to 100 days) in other zoning districts due to posting requirements.

Current Design and Historic Review Board Review Example Current Design and Historic Review Board Review

College Heights – 2012 conditions

Proposed Alteration Received plan September 6, 2013 Reviewed plan and posted property Historic Resources Commission meeting 30 day posting Issued Zoning Permit – October 10, 2013

Holmes-Foster/Highlands - 2006 conditions

Rendering of Existing

Alteration Implemented – 2012 (Source Google)

Review Timeline Received plan December 2005 Reviewed plan and posted property Planning Commission, Design Review Board and Historic Resources Commission meetings 90 day posting Issued Zoning Permit – January 2007

Holmes-Foster / Highlands - Demo

Example Project that does not require Design and Historic Resources Board Review Today

Holmes-Foster / Highlands

Holmes-Foster / Highlands

PHMC and Council in HARB enactment process Borough required to formally submit a map and a justification of the boundaries (Historic Resource Form) to PHMC for the HARB The Historic District Act specifies that the PA Historical and Museum Commission members must pass a resolution certifying the “historical significance of the district.” The Historic District Act was enacted before the National Register was even established, and therefore the boundaries of that district are not a substitute for meeting the legal requirements involved with passing a HARB ordinance. Staff does the initial review and once determined to be ready the final package is given to the Historical and Museum Commission for their formal approval.

PHMC and Council in HARB enactment process (continued) Non-contributing properties within the district can be included as long as justification is provided and approved by Historical and Museum Commission. Once approved the approved justification and map allows for consideration of the HARB as an ordinance by Council. If a HARB is enacted by Council this ordinance and the previous information provided for PHMC review will be reviewed again. An official resolution is adopted by the PA Historical and Museum Commission and the Borough can proceed with administering the HARB.

Next Steps Schedule discussion @ a future Council session Revisions to ordinance (if desired by Council) – return to DHRB PHMC map review and certification Development of application and COA materials Development of Design Guidelines (will need supplemental consultant) Recruit necessary HARB members to meet statute Address staffing needs as part 2018 budget

Webpage for More Information