Historic Preservation Ordinance Considering Update Regarding Demolitions

By Alyssa Schnugg
Staff writer
alyssa.schnugg@hottytoddy.com

City officials are considering a change to Oxford’s Historic Preservation Ordinance in order to give members of the city’s two historic preservation commissions and property owners more time to consider alternatives to demolishing older homes.

If approved by the Oxford Board of Aldermen, no Certificate of Appropriate will be issued to homeowners, or business owners, for up to 60 days. This would enable the Historic Preservation Commission and the Downtown Square Historic Preservation Commission members time to explore other options to preserve the building or structure.
“The staff believes this language balances a property owner’s right to develop the property, with the desire to preserve viable housing stock, by encouraging property owners to move or rehabilitate residential structures that can be preserved as an alternative to demolition,” said Paige Barnum, a planner with the Oxford Planning Department.
The 60 days begins on the date the commissions consider the application, and may be extended for additional time by mutual written agreement between the applicant and the department.
“If the building is deemed unsafe or dangerous then this would not apply,” Barnum said.
Applicants seeking a Certificate of Appropriateness for demolition must submit a reason for the demolition request. If the application states that the structure proposed for demolition no longer retains its structural integrity, a structure condition report prepared by a licensed engineer must be included with the application submitted to the Planning Department.
Property owners seeking to demolish a home inside of a historic district will be required to notify all adjoining and affronting property owners.
Oxford’s Historic Preservation Ordinance was established in 2000 to help protect the unique buildings and structures located in Oxford’s historic neighborhoods.
To help enhance public awareness of Oxford’s two historic preservation commissions, the proposed ordinance amendment would require a sign be posted on properties that are seeking Certificate of Appropriateness.
“Much like the notice signs that are currently posted on all properties under consideration by the city’s Planning Commission,” Barnum said.
A second reading of the proposed changes to the Historic Preservation Ordinance will be held at 5 p.m. July, 17 at City Hall.