§ 74-26. Community appearance commission; responsibilities, powers and duties.

(a)

Responsibilities. It shall be the general responsibility of the commission to study and evaluate the visual problems and needs of the town, including new construction, alterations and additions by property owners and developers, and to make any plans and carry out any programs that will, in accordance with the powers set forth below, enhance and improve the visual quality and aesthetic characteristics of the town. In particular, it shall strive to ensure that any proposed new construction or development will make effective use of existing terrain and environment, preserve to the extent possible the maritime forest and shrubbery indigenous to the town and employ exterior designs and materials that harmonize well with the natural environment and are compatible with the town programs and policies.

(b)

Powers and duties. The commission shall have the following powers and duties:

(1)

Initiate, promote and assist in the implementation of programs of general community beautification in the town;

(2)

Coordinate the activities of individuals and organizations, public and private, whose plans, activities and programs bear upon the appearance of the town. In this connection, the commission shall review all site and building plans relating to proposed construction within the town before a building permit is issued, and present its suggestions, comments, objections and criticisms regarding their aesthetic suitability to the affected parties. Where appropriate, it also will hold pre-planning consultations with developers and property owners and their representatives, to provide guidance for their proposed activities. In considering clearing or construction proposals, the commission shall work closely with and assist any architectural control committee or property owners' associations to eliminate unnecessary duplication;

(3)

Provide leadership and guidance in matters of specific lot, subdivision, area or community design and appearance;

(4)

Make studies of the visual characteristics and problems of the town, including surveys of an appropriate nature, and recommend standards and policies of design for the entire area, and portions of neighborhoods thereof, or any project to be undertaken;

(5)

Prepare both general and specific plans for the improved appearance of the town, which plans may include the entire area or any part thereof, and may set forth desirable standards and goals for the aesthetic enhancement of the town or any part thereof, including public ways and open spaces, and public and private buildings and projects;

(6)

Participate, in any way deemed appropriate by the board of commissioners, in the implementation of its plan;

(7)

Request from the proper officials of any public agency or body, including agencies of the state and its political subdivisions, its plan for public building, facilities, or projects to be located within the town;

(8)

Review these plans and make recommendations regarding their aesthetic suitability to the appropriate agency, or the board of commissioners. All plans shall be reviewed by the commission and all recommendations of the commissioners with regard to any public project shall be made in writing in a prompt and expeditious manner;

(9)

Formulate and recommend to the planning board for adoption or amendment ordinances (including the zoning chapter, subdivision regulations, and other local ordinances regulating the use of property) that will, in the opinion of the commission, serve to enhance the appearance of the town;

(10)

Direct the attention of the town or county officials to needed enforcement of any ordinance that may in any way affect the appearance of the town;

(11)

Seek voluntary adherence to the standards and policies of its plans;

(12)

Enter, in the performance of its official duties and at reasonable times, upon private lands and make examination or surveys;

(13)

Subject to the approval of the board of commissioners:

a.

Promote public interest in and an understanding of its recommendations, studies, and plans, and to that end prepare, publish, and distribute to the public such studies and reports as will, in the opinion of the commission, advance the cause or improve municipal appearance; and

b.

Conduct public meetings and hearings, giving reasonable notice to the public thereof.

(Code 2001, § 21-3(h); Ord. No. 1989-9, 3-14-1989; Ord. No. 2016-16, Art. II, c., 12-7-2016)