Historical Structure Preservation - 15.50

The purpose of this Chapter is to provide for the preservation of the unique historic and cultural heritage of the Town as embodied in designated historic structures and landmarks, for an increase in local economic activity and financial benefits as a result of the attraction of visitors and tourists to the Town and for greater appreciation of local history by means of educating students and the public at large about the history of the Rangely area.

The Rangely Development Corporation, a non-profit corporation, organized under State law, has created a subcommittee called the Rangely Preservation Board, to be responsible for research and surveys of historic structures and landmarks. It shall, among other duties, adopt criteria for proposals to preserve historic structures and landmarks, negotiate, execute, and administer agreements for preservation of historic structures and landmarks, develop and assist in public education programs, actively pursue grants and financial assistance, and cause designated structures and landmarks to be preserved and restored.

Nominations for a structure or landmark designation can be brought before the Rangely Preservation Board based on criteria established for such designation. The commission will make recommendations to the Rangely Development Corporation to consider the designation of historic structures and landmarks for approval.

For those structures and landmarks that are located within the Town limits and that can be preserved and/or restored in place, a recommendation for designation as an historic structure or landmark shall not be made until an agreement has been reached between the Rangely Preservation Board and the owner acknowledging, among other things, restrictions on use, alterations, maintenance, additions, preservation, restoration, removal, moving, and/or demolition.

The Rangely Development Corporation upon approval of recommendations by the Rangely Preservation Board to designate such historic structures or landmarks, shall forward by resolution, to the Rangely Town Council for designation, following a public hearing.  Such resolution shall include a description of the characteristics of the structure or landmark and a statement of reasons why it should be preserved.