A. 
This chapter shall be known by and may be referred to by the short title of "The Historic Preservation Ordinance of the City of Atlantic City" and may be cited as such.
B. 
Authority. This chapter is enacted pursuant to the authority granted by Chapter 291, Laws of 1975, commonly referred to and cited as the "Municipal Land Use Law" (N.J.S.A. 40:55D-1 et seq.), as amended; and, without limiting the foregoing, pursuant to the authority granted by Chapter 516, Section 21, Laws of 1985, commonly referred to and cited as "Historic Preservation Commission," N.J.S.A. 40:55D-107 to 112.
A. 
Framework. The City Council of Atlantic City hereby establishes an Historic Preservation Commission to coordinate historic preservation within the City through:
(1) 
Designation and regulation of historic landmarks and historic districts within the City;
(2) 
Issuing of certificates of appropriateness for historic sites and structures; and
(3) 
Taking other measures and regulations as referenced in this chapter.
B. 
It is the intention of City Council that the Historic Preservation Commission will work with and advise the Construction Official as well as the Planning and Zoning Boards on the effect that certain construction permits, and development applications will have on designated historic landmarks and/or improvements within any historic district. The Historic Preservation Commission shall review all development activities involving any exterior of an historic landmark or an improvement within an historic district.
C. 
It is not the intention of City Council to require or prohibit any particular architectural style; rather, the purpose of HPAC review is to honor the City's past history and maintain its importance and relevance for the City's present. To that end, new construction upon or near a landmark and within any historic district must not detract from the landmark or historic district.
A. 
Provisions.
(1) 
This chapter shall apply to all landmarks in a district and to any other historic resources which are designated in accordance with the procedures outlined in § 148-12, Designation of historic landmarks and historic districts.
(2) 
The provisions of this chapter shall be held to be minimum requirements. This chapter does not repeal, abrogate, annul or in any way to impair existing provisions of other articles, chapters, or ordinances of the City of Atlantic City, except those specifically repealed by this chapter, or private restrictions placed upon property by deed, covenant or other agreements.
(3) 
Where this chapter imposes a greater restriction than is imposed and required by other provisions of law or by other rules, regulations or resolutions, the provisions of this chapter shall control.
(4) 
Where the provisions of any other laws, ordinances, rules, regulations, or resolutions require greater restrictions than are imposed by this chapter, the provisions of such other laws, rules, regulations or restrictions shall control.
(5) 
Where the provisions of a covenant or easement require greater restrictions than are imposed by this chapter, the provisions of such covenant or easement shall control. The City shall coordinate its efforts with any such covenant or easement to fully effectuate its historic preservation purposes.
A. 
The intention of this chapter is:
(1) 
To enhance the general welfare of the public through the protection, enhancement, and perpetuation of historic resources, buildings, structures, sites, objects, improvements, and districts within the City of Atlantic City;
(2) 
To encourage the continued use of historic resources, historic landmarks and historic districts, and to facilitate their appropriate use or reuse;
(3) 
To identify and designate historic resources, historic landmarks and historic districts in order to preserve their historic, architectural, engineering, social, cultural, archaeological, scenic, and aesthetic significance;
(4) 
To provide guidance to property owners in achieving preservation of historic resources; and
(5) 
To advance the following public purposes as stated in the Historic Preservation Element of the City's Master Plan:
(a) 
To encourage historic preservation in order to maintain the City's unique character;
(b) 
To protect existing historic resources and complement economic development efforts;
(c) 
To acknowledge the importance of historic resources in providing a link to the past;
(d) 
To enhance the appearance of neighborhoods and the casinos, and promote economic development and tourism;
(e) 
To discourage the unnecessary demolition or significant alteration of historic structures/buildings;
(f) 
To encourage the preservation of historic landmarks designated in the National Historic Register;
(g) 
To encourage and explore incentives to assist with the proper maintenance of facades and local historically notable structures;
(h) 
To work with the City's Arts Commission to develop programs and incentives for arts and cultural promotions;
(i) 
To promote the understanding and appreciation of the City's heritage and historic value in local schools and other regional education centers.