HPC Recommending an Update to Ordinances

The Westampton Township Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) is finalizing its recommended updates and clarifications to the current set of ordinances concerning historic preservation. Residents who have an interest in historic preservation efforts or who live in Rancocas Village are encouraged to attend the next meeting being  held on Wednesday, August 29 at 7 pm. The HPC meets in Room 107 of the Municipal Building at 710 Rancocas Road.

Recommended revisions include:

• revised definitions
• new definitions include hardscaping, historic district buffer area, modification, normal public vantage point and fencing
• designation of a historic district buffer area
• change in the criteria for reviewing applications including consideration of the height and scale of a proposed building
• change in the criteria for reviewing applications including the consideration of lighting, fencing, signage, hardscaping. placement of HVAC units and alternative energy systems
  • All fencing greater than 30 inches in height is acceptable for review
  • Fencing that is not recommended include chain-link, gloss white vinyl fencing   
  • Acceptable materials for sidewalks and walkway paving include brick stone, slate, cobblestone, exposed aggregate concrete, earth-tone or material-emulated pigmented concrete, stamped concrete, crushed stone, faux-masonry tile

If you would like more details about the recommended revisions, please attend the August HPC meeting. These revisions will undergo legal, planning, Township Committee and Land Development Board review before being considered for adoption.