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City of Trenton, NJ
Mercer County
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
A. 
No person shall construct, reconstruct, alter, paint or restore a structure, or move a structure into or within an historic district, nor shall any person cause any such work to be performed, nor shall any construction permit for such work be issued by the Construction Official, unless a restoration permit has been approved by the Historic Landmarks Commission or, in the case of a development application, by the Planning Board or Zoning Board of Adjustment.
B. 
When emergency repairs are required, the Construction Official shall notify the Chairperson of the Landmarks Commission or the City's Historic Preservation Officer and a recommendation regarding emergency repairs shall be made within 48 hours. The Construction Official may allow temporary repairs to an historic site prior to the Landmarks Commission's review when these repairs are necessary for the building's occupancy or for public safety. Such emergency repairs shall be made to conform to the provisions of this section within 90 days.
A. 
In the event that the proposed activities described in § 315-218 are included in a development application submitted for the approval of a subdivision, site plan, conditional use, variance or change of use, the Planning Board or the Zoning Board of Adjustment shall make available to the Historic Landmarks Commission an informational copy of the application. However, failure to make the informational copy available shall not invalidate any hearing or proceedings.
B. 
The Historic Landmarks Commission may provide its advice through a written report submitted by the Commission or by the oral testimony of its staff or one of its members at the hearing on the application. The Commission shall make any recommendations within 45 days of an application for a restoration permit.
C. 
The Planning Board or Zoning Board of Adjustment shall review any such development application to determine whether the proposed activity conforms with the design criteria and guidelines set forth in §§ 315-224 to 315-227 below. In the event that the proposed activity conforms with such criteria and guidelines, the Board shall approve a restoration permit when it issues the other required approvals.
A. 
In the event that the proposed activities described in § 315-218 above are not included in a development application requiring review by the Planning Board or Zoning Board of Adjustment, then prior to the issuance of a construction, zoning, demolition or sign permit, the Construction Official shall immediately refer such application to the Historic Landmarks Commission for a written report on the application.
B. 
The Commission shall complete its review of the application for a construction, zoning, demolition or sign permit and shall submit its report to the Construction Official within 45 days of his/her referral of the application setting forth its findings of whether the proposed activity conforms with the criteria and guidelines set forth in §§ 315-224 to 315-227 below. In the event that the proposed activity conforms with such criteria and guidelines, the Commission shall approve a restoration permit for such activity. The Commission shall notify the Construction Official, in writing, of its action. Failure of the Commission to report within the forty-five-day period shall constitute a report in favor of issuance of the permit. If the Commission recommends to the Construction Official against the issuance of a permit or recommends conditions to the permit to be issued, the Construction Official shall deny the issuance of the permit or include conditions in the permit as the case may be.
A. 
In the event that the proposed activities described in § 315-219 above are not included in a development application, as set forth in § 315-218 above, or subject to the issuance of a permit, as set forth in § 315-220 above, and application shall be made to the Historic Landmarks Commission or the Construction Official for the issuance of a restoration permit. The Construction Official shall immediately refer the application to the Historic Landmarks Commission.
B. 
The Commission shall complete its review of the application for a restoration permit and shall submit its report to the Construction Official within 45 days of his/her referral of the application and shall determine whether the proposed activity conforms with the criteria and guidelines, set forth in §§ 315-224 to 315-227 below. In the event that the proposed activity conforms with such criteria and guidelines, the Commission shall approve a restoration permit for such activity. The Commission shall notify the Construction Official, in writing, of its action. Failure of the Commission to report within the forty-five-day period shall constitute a report in favor of the issuance of the permit. If the Commission recommends to the Construction Official against the issuance of a permit or recommends conditions to the permit to be issued, the Construction Official shall deny the issuance of the permit or include the conditions in the permit as the case may be.
C. 
Applications for restoration permits involving only paint and color selection can be approved by the City's historic preservation specialist, without review by the Commission.
The Historic Landmarks Commission may provide its advice pertaining to any development application or other application pending before the Planning Board or the Zoning Board of Adjustment. Such advice may be conveyed through the Commission's delegation of one of its members or staff to testify orally at the hearing on any application and to explain any written report that the Commission may have submitted.
In the case of a decision of the Historic Landmarks Commission constituting a denial or negative recommendation, the applicant may, within 10 days thereof, request a reconsideration, review or reversal of such decision by filing a written request for same with the City Clerk. Upon timely filing of such request, the City Clerk shall set the matter down for a hearing before City Council. No decision or recommendation of the Historic Landmarks Commission, to which timely objections have been filed, shall be final until reviewed and approved by City Council at such hearing. If, after a hearing, the City Council shall determine to reverse the decision under review, in whole or in part, or otherwise to withhold approval of any such decision, it shall so state and return the matter to the Historic Landmarks Commission with a summary of its findings and with direction to reissue its decision in conformance with the decision of City Council, or to clarify, reconsider or otherwise dispose of the issue before it within 15 days of the Council's decision, or such other time as may be necessary to avoid undue delay or hardship, in default of which the application shall be deemed granted as applied for.
The Planning Board, the Zoning Board of Adjustment, the Historic Landmarks Commission or the Construction Official, as the case may be, shall approve a restoration permit only if the activity as proposed, or as modified by conditions imposed by either the Board or the Commission, as the case may be:
A. 
Is consistent with the additional criteria of this article and with the purposes of this chapter.
B. 
Would not adversely affect the character and appearance of the Historic District, the relationships among structures or the appearance between structures and public ways in the district.
C. 
Would not adversely affect the exterior architectural features and setting of the structure and its historical and architectural interest.
A. 
A certificate of appropriateness to permit the construction of new structures or additions to existing structures, to move structures into or within an historic district, or involving proposed activities pertaining to outbuildings shall be approved only if the activity as proposed, or as modified by conditions imposed by the Planning Board, the Zoning Board of Adjustment or the Historic Landmarks Commission:
(1) 
Is not incongruous with the existing streetscapes of the Historic District; and
(2) 
Is visually compatible with the structures and places to which it is visually related, as determined by the following standards:
(a) 
The height of the proposed structure shall be visually compatible with the adjacent structures.
(b) 
The relationship of the width of the proposed structure to the height of the front elevation shall be visually compatible with structures and places to which it is visually related.
(c) 
The relationship of the width of windows to the height of windows in a proposed structure shall be visually compatible with the structures and places to which it is visually related.
(d) 
The relationship of solids to voids in the front facade of a proposed structure shall be visually compatible with the structures and places to which it is visually related.
(e) 
The relationship of the proposed structure to the open space between it and adjoining structures shall be visually compatible with the structures and places to which it is visually related.
(f) 
The relationship of entrance and porch projections to the street shall be visually compatible with the structures and places to which it is visually related.
(g) 
The relationship of materials and textures of the facade and roof of a proposed structure shall be visually compatible with the predominant materials used in the structures to which it is visually related.
(h) 
The roof shapes of a proposed structure shall be visually compatible with structures to which it is visually related.
(i) 
Appurtenances, such as walls and open-type fencing, shall form cohesive walls of enclosure along the street to the extent necessary to maintain visual compatibility of the main structure with the structures and places to which it is visually related.
(j) 
The size of the proposed structure, the mass of the proposed structure in relation to open spaces, the windows, door openings, porches and balconies shall be visually compatible with the structure and places to which it is visually related.
B. 
It is not the intent of this chapter to discourage contemporary architectural expression or solely to encourage new construction that simply emulates existing buildings of historic or architectural interest of a certain period or specific architectural style but to preserve the integrity and authenticity of the Historic District, to ensure the compatibility of the new structures therein to the greatest extent possible, and to encourage diverse but compatible architecture. If past architectural styles are to be used, a copy of a specific structure is preferable to an amalgam of building types and styles.
A. 
A restoration permit for proposed activities pertaining to existing structures, other than when such proposed activity is the construction of an addition to a structure, the alteration of an outbuilding or the demolition or removal of such structure from the Historic District, shall be approved only if the activity as proposed, or as modified by conditions imposed by the Planning Board, the Zoning Board of Adjustment, the Historic Landmarks Commission or the administrative officer, as the case may be:
(1) 
Preserves or enhances the historical or architectural value and character of the structure; or
(2) 
Seeks to return the structure, or the part covered by the application, to a known or reasonably conceived previous appearance, except that modifications of structures lacking architectural merit and not in character with the Historic District may be considered when the modifications make the building more compatible.
B. 
In determining whether the applicant's proposal will restore the authenticity of the structure, as hereby required, the following guidelines, among other appropriate factors, shall when feasible be followed:
(1) 
Existing materials, if they are the original materials of the original structure or remodeling that is being restored, should be maintained and repaired rather than replaced.
(2) 
Distinguishing original qualities or character of a building, structure or site, and its environment, should not be destroyed. The removal or alteration of any historic material, distinctive architectural feature or examples of skilled craftsmanship should be avoided.
(3) 
Architectural details of the original construction or remodeling that is being restored or altered should be retained. This includes, but is not limited to, cornices and their brackets; window trims, such as molded lintels; porch elements, such as posts, balustrades and spindles; doors and windows, particularly their size and the number and size of the individual panes.
(4) 
Structures and sites in an historic district shall be recognized as products of their own time. Alterations that have no historic basis and that seek to create an earlier or later appearance should be discouraged.
(5) 
If an element must be replaced rather than repaired, a copy of the original is preferable to a similar or conjectural piece.
(6) 
If a copy of a missing piece cannot be obtained, similar or conjectural items are preferable to none at all.
(7) 
In the event replacement of original materials is necessary, the new materials should match the material being replaced in design, color, texture and other visual qualities. Repair or replacement of missing architectural features should be based on accurate duplications of features, substantiated by historic, physical or pictorial evidence to the extent possible, rather than conjectural designs or the availability of different architectural elements from other buildings.
(8) 
The original siding and roofing material should be maintained or repaired, and if replacement is needed, it should be of the same material and size. If the same material is not available, a substitute material should be of the same shape, size and texture.
(9) 
Storm windows and doors should be as unobtrusive as possible.
(10) 
The surface cleaning of structures shall be undertaken with the gentlest means possible. Sandblasting and other cleaning methods that will damage the historic building materials shall not be undertaken.
A. 
The Historic Landmarks Commission may deny the issuance of a restoration permit for the demolition or removal of a structure. The Historic Landmarks Commission shall consult civic groups and public agencies and officials to ascertain how the City may preserve the building or premises. The Commission shall attempt, with the owner, to establish feasible plans for preservation of structures where moving or demolition thereof would be a significant loss to the public and the City.
B. 
In regard to an application to demolish any structure within an historic district, the following matters shall be considered:
(1) 
Its historic, architectural and cultural significance.
(2) 
Its potential for use for those purposes currently permitted in the zoning provisions of this chapter.
(3) 
Its importance to the City and the extent to which its historical, architectural or cultural value is such that its removal would be detrimental to the public interest.
(4) 
The extent to which it is of such old, unusual or uncommon design, craftsmanship, texture or material that it cannot be reproduced or could be reproduced only with great difficulty and cost.
(5) 
The extent to which its retention or rehabilitation would promote the general welfare by maintaining and increasing real estate values, generating business, creating new jobs, attracting visitors, students, historians, artists and artisans, attracting new residents, encouraging study and interest in American history, stimulating study in architecture and design, educating citizens in American culture and heritage or making the City a more attractive and desirable place in which to live.
(6) 
If it is within an historic district, the probable impact of its removal upon the character of the district.
C. 
The purpose of this section is to encourage the preservation of historical buildings and to offer the City, interested persons, historical societies or other organizations the opportunity to acquire or to arrange for the preservation of buildings.
D. 
In regard to the application to move any structure from a district to a location outside the district, the following criteria shall be considered:
(1) 
The historic or architectural loss to the site of the original location and the district as a whole.
(2) 
The compelling reasons for not retaining the structure at its present site.
(3) 
The probability of significant damages to the structure at its present site.
A. 
Activities authorized by a restoration permit shall be completed within 12 months of the date of issuance thereof, unless the term is extended by the Planning Board, the Zoning Board of Adjustment or the Historic Landmarks Commission, as the case may be.
B. 
A restoration permit may be approved, with or without conditions, even though the application does not conform with criteria and guidelines set forth in §§ 315-224 to 315-227 above, if the Board or the Commission, as the case may be, determines that applying such standards to the application is impracticable or will result in undue hardship to the owner and that such hardship outweighs the public interest by denying the application.
C. 
The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to any activity performed pursuant to a valid and existing development approval or construction permit issued prior to the effective date of this chapter (May 25, 1989).
The following districts and buildings have been designated historic sites and districts to which the provisions governing historic preservation apply and, pending review and recommendation of the Planning Board of any modifications thereof, shall remain as designated and subject to the regulations and restrictions hereof:
Individual Landmarks and Sites
Site
Location
204 West State Street, Interior
120 North Warren Street
222 West State Street, Interior
222 West State Street
Ackerman Building
210 East Hanover Street
Adams and Sickles Building
One West End Avenue
Cadwalader Park
Parkside and Bellevue Avenues
Carver Center
36-44 Fowler Street
Champale Office
1024 Lamberton Street
Delaware-Raritan Canal House
1 Prospect Street
Delaware-Raritan Canal
City-wide
Dickinson House
701 Clinton Avenue
Douglas House
Front and Montgomery Streets
Elks Lodge No. 105
120 North Warren Street
Ellarslie Mansion
Cadwalader Park
Emlan House
312 West State Street
First Presbyterian Church
120 East State Street
Friends Meeting House
Montgomery and East Hanover Streets
Golden Swan
101-103 South Warren Street
Grinslade's Blacksmith
334 North Olden Avenue
The Hermitage
46 Colonial Avenue
Site of Hunterdon County Courthouse
16 South Warren Street and Prison Wall
John T. Nixon School
20 Bellevue Avenue
Kelsey Building
101 West State Street
Ladder Company No. 2 Firehouse
1005 South Clinton Avenue
Mercer Street Friends Center
151 Mercer Street
Mercer Cemetery
51 South Clinton Avenue
Mount Carmel Guild
73 North Clinton Avenue
Mt. Zion Church
135-137 Perry Street
New Jersey National Bank
One West State Street
New Jersey Steel and Iron Co. Building
501 John Fitch Way
New Jersey State Employees' Association
15 West State Street
Old Barracks
Front and Willow Streets
Old Eagle Tavern
431-433 South Broad Street
Old Mill House
School Lane and Mill Road
Old Masonic Temple
South Willow and West Lafayette Streets
Old City Hall
2 North Broad Street
Pentecostal Church
207 North Montgomery Street
Public Library, Interior
130 Academy Street
Reading Freight Station
260 North Willow Street
Rudolph U. Kuser
315 West State Street
Shaky Bridge
City Water Works, vicinity Calhoun Street
St. Michael's Episcopal Church
140-144 North Warren Streets
Trenton City Hall
319 East State Street
Trenton Elk's Lodge No. 105, Interior
120 North Warren Street
Trenton Battle Monument
North Broad and North Warren Streets
Trenton State Prison Warden's House
498 Second Street
Trenton State Prison Administration Building
392 Third Street
William Trent House
518 South Warren Street
Historic Districts
Berkely Square Historic District
Ewing-Carroll Historic District
Greenwood Hamilton Historic District
Fisher, Richey, Perdicaris Historic District, as described in Ordinance No. 89-85
Hanover Academy Historic District
Mill Hill Historic District
State House Historic District