Duties & Responsibilities

I. Landmarks & Historic Districts (See ST Code 330-320)

Summary:

The Landmarks and Historic Districts Board conducts surveys and makes recommendations to the Town Board for designation of properties as Town Landmarks and/or Historic Districts. After a public hearing and with the written consent of the property owner, The Town Board designates landmarks and historic districts based on the following criteria. (See ST Code 330-320 and 321 for entire section):

  1. The Town Board may designate an individual property as a landmark or a group of properties as a historic district if it:
    • Possesses special character or historic or aesthetic interest of value as part of the cultural, political, economic or social history of the locality, region, state or nation
    • Is identified with historic personages
    • Embodies the distinguishing characteristics of an architectural style
    • Is the work of a designer whose work has significantly influenced an age
    • Because of a unique location or singular physical characteristic, represents an established and familiar visual feature of the neighborhood
  2. Historic Site Designation Application Form (PDF) and Owners Endorsement Form (PDF)
  3. Tax Exemptions: (See ST Code 298-34 and 298-35)
    • Landmarks or properties located within a Historic District may be exempt from taxation. See explanation, schedule, and requirements at (See ST Code 298-34 and 298-35).

II. Certificate of Appropriateness (See ST Code 330-322 through 330-324)

  • A Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) is needed to carry out any exterior alteration, restoration, reconstruction, demolition, new construction or moving of a landmark or a property within an historic district. A person may not make any material change in the appearance of such a property, its light fixtures, signs, sidewalks, fences, steps, paving or other exterior elements visible from a public street or alley, without first obtaining a COA from the Board.
  • No building permit will be issued for proposed work until a COA has first been issued by the Landmarks and Historic Districts Board. The COA is needed in addition to any building permit or other approval required by the Code of the Town of Southampton.
  • Procedure for COA Application: (See ST Code 330-324) Prior to the commencement of any work requiring a COA, an application must be filed with the Department of Land Management. This will then be reviewed by the Board.
  • Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) Application Form (PDF)
  • Also Refer to:

III. Hamlet Heritage Resource Areas (See ST Code 330-331)

  1. The Board conducts surveys of significant historic, architectural, and cultural resources and recommends the designation of Hamlet Heritage Resource Areas.
    • Heritage resources are man-made objects at least 50 years old that are connected to human activity. These resources could be any buildings used to house human or animal activities, i.e., homes, sheds, garages, mills, barns, agricultural buildings, offices, schools, churches, commercial and public-use buildings. They could be structures such as bridges, canals, roads, docks, fences, monuments and sculptures. They could also be burying grounds, trails, archaeological and commemorative or historic sites. These resources, when grouped together, help convey the special heritage of an area.
    • Hamlet Heritage Resource Area is an honorary title bestowed in recognition of the special character of a neighborhood, hamlet or area. It honors the properties and the community that has cherished its historic heritage. Properties selected as hamlet heritage resources retain the same current Town rights, uses, and regulations. Properties selected as part of Hamlet Heritage Resource Areas are not designated thereby as Town landmarks or Town historic districts. The Hamlet Heritage Resource selection is for honorary purposes only.
  2. Procedure and Criteria for Selection as Hamlet Heritage Resource Area (See ST Code 330-332)

IV. Demolition and Construction Applications for Structures Built Before 1941

  • The Board also reviews demolition and construction permit applications for structures built before 1941 and also structures that are recognized historic resources. These applications should be submitted by the first Tuesday of the month through the Town Building Department where the application forms are available.
    • The applicant should submit:
    • Contact Information
    • Certificate of Occupancy
    • Assessor/Tax Records
    • Construction Documentation: including photographs showing all four sides of the building proposed for demolition plus any other structure on the property; a current property survey showing the improvements of the property, and architectural elevations of the proposed structures
    • Any other supporting documentation