It is hereby declared as a matter of legislative determination: (a) That the State of West Virginia is richly endowed with numerous historic buildings, structures, sites and districts which represent the historical, architectural and cultural heritage of this state; (b) That West Virginia heritage, represented by such historic buildings, structures, sites and districts can best […]
When any such commission establishes an historic district, it shall notify the county assessor of the county in which such district or any part thereof is located of the fact of such establishment and the boundaries of the district, together with the restrictions which are applicable to the properties located in such district. The county […]
Upon the request of any such commission, all agencies of the state shall assist such commission in the discharge of its duties and functions. Every such commission shall cooperate and coordinate its activities with the West Virginia historical society and the West Virginia department of culture and history with the view of developing a unified […]
As used in this article: (a) "Exterior architectural features" include the architectural character and general composition of the exterior of a structure, including, but not limited to, the kind, color and texture of the building material and the type, design and character of all windows, doors, light fixtures, signs, other appurtenant elements and natural features […]
The historic district and property regulation provided in this article is intended to identify, study, preserve and protect historic buildings and structures, sites and districts, some of which are located in zoning districts. Historic properties and districts lying within the boundaries of a zoning district are subject to the regulations for both the zoning district […]
Any municipality by ordinance and any county by order of the county commission entered of record may, if it so desires, establish a municipal historic landmarks commission or county historic landmarks commission, hereinafter in this article referred to as the commission, to consist of five members, appointed by the mayor or county commission, as the […]
Any such commission shall be authorized, but not required, within the jurisdictional limits of the municipality or county, as the case may be, and within the limits of available funds, to: (a) Make a survey of, and designate as historic landmarks, buildings, structures and districts which constitute the principal historical and architectural sites which are […]
Prior to designation of an historic landmark or historic district, the commission shall make or cause to be made a report on the historical, cultural, architectural significance of each building, structure, site and district proposed for designation, based upon the following standards: No building, structure, site or district shall be deemed to be an historic […]
In the event that any commission shall exercise authority to issue a certificate of appropriateness to regulate new construction, alteration, removal or demolition of buildings, sites or structures within an historic district or individually designated as an historic landmark, the commission shall have plenary power and authority to regulate such properties, according to the following […]
The municipal or county governing body or the historic landmarks commission shall be authorized to institute any appropriate action or proceeding in a court of competent jurisdiction to prevent any material change in the appearance of a designated historic property or historic district, except those changes made in compliance with the provisions of this article […]
Violations of any such ordinance adopted in conformity with this article shall be punishable by a fine up to ten percent of the total cost of the project requiring a certificate of appropriateness or $500, whichever is greater, or imprisoned in the county jail not more than six months, or both fined and imprisoned.
