Sec. 32-231

Other

• Wait period after denial1 year

  No subsequent application under section 32-231(a) regarding the contributing structure may be made until more than one year after a final denial by the town council.

• Demolition review guidelines

  Whether or not the contributing structure is of such architectural or historic interest that its removal would be to the detriment of the character and integrity of the historic district. Whether or not the contributing structure is of such interest or significance that it would qualify as a national, state, or local historic landmark. Whether or not retention of the contributing structure would help to preserve and protect a historic place or area of historic interest in the Town. Whether or not plans for future use of the site after demolition are appropriate, compatible, sympathetic, and complimentary to the character and integrity of the historic district.

• Right to demolish contributing structure

  The owner of a contributing structure in the town historic district shall as a matter of right be entitled to raze or demolish a contributing structure provided that: (1) The owner has applied to the town council for such right. (2) The owner has for the applicable period of time set forth in the time schedule in section 32-231(b)(4), and at a price reasonably related to the fair market value of the contributing structure and the land, other improvements and appurtenances pertaining thereto (assuming the buyer will be required to preserve and restore the contributing structure in place on the property) as determined by the average of two real estate appraisals from two different appraisers, made a bona fide, public offer (pursuant to the requirements of this section 32-231(b)) to sell such contributing structure, and the land, other improvements and appurtenances pertaining thereto (collectively, the 'property'), to the town and any other person, firm, corporation, government or political subdivision or agency thereof, which gives reasonable assurance that it is willing to preserve and restore the contributing structure in place. If the two required real estate appraisals submitted by the owner differ by more than ten percent, the owner must have the property appraised a third time at his own expense by a third real estate appraiser selected by the town. The bona fide offer to sell must be at a price not more than the average of the two such appraisals that are closest to one another. (3) No bona fide contract, binding upon all parties thereto, shall have been executed for the sale of any such property thereto, prior to the expiration of the applicable time period set forth in the time schedule in section 32-231(b)(4). Any appeal which may be taken to the court from the decision of the town council, whether instituted by the owner or by any other proper party, notwithstanding the provisions heretofore stated relating to a stay of the decision appealed from, shall not affect the right of the owner to make the bona fide offer to sell referred to above.