Historic Preservation Commission

HPC Process Guide

The historic preservation ordinance (Sec. 25-299) created the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC), which is the governing body that regulates changes to historic areas.  This commission is to consist of seven (7) members appointed by the mayor and city council. A majority of the members of the commission shall be residents of the city.   Each member shall possess a demonstrated special interest, specific knowledge, or professional or academic training in such fields as history, architecture, architectural history, planning, archeology, anthropology, curation, conservation, landscape architecture, historic preservation, urban design or related disciplines.  In addition to the aforesaid seven (7) appointed members, the commission shall include one (1) ex-officio member. The ex-officio member shall consist of one (1) city council representative appointed to serve in that capacity by the mayor and city council. The ex-officio member may participate in the review of applications and vote in decisions rendered by the commission. At least two (2) members of the commission shall possess professional or academic training in one (1) or more of the above-listed fields in accordance with the minimum professional requirements of the United States Department of the Interior for certifying local governments under federal regulation 36 C.F.R. Part 61. The requirement for commission membership under the category of demonstrated special interest may be satisfied either by formal training in one (1) or more of the above-listed fields or active membership in a preservation-related organization. The requirement for membership under the category of specific knowledge may be satisfied by formal post-secondary education, employment and/or practical experience in one (1) or more of the above-listed fields. Commission members shall be appointed for terms of three (3) years, except that the terms of the initial appointments shall be staggered so that three (3) members shall serve terms of three (3) years, two (2) members shall serve terms of two (2) years and two (2) members shall serve terms of one (1) year. Commission members may be reappointed. The commission shall elect, from its membership, a chairperson, vice chairperson, and secretary. The terms of the chairperson, vice chairperson, and secretary shall be for one (1) year, with eligibility for reelection. Any vacancy in the membership of the commission caused by the expiration of a term, resignation, death, incapacity to discharge duties, removal for cause, or any other reason, shall be filled for a new term, or for the remainder of the term for which there is a vacancy, as the case may be, in the same manner as provided herein for the appointment and confirmation of the initial members of the commission.

As stated in section 25-300 of the City of Cumberland ordinance, the historic preservation commission shall have the following powers and duties:

(1) The commission may direct studies, reports, and surveys to identify historical, archeological, or architecturally significant sites, structures and districts that exemplify the cultural, social, economic, political, or architectural history of the city, state, or nation. (2) Consistent with the city's policies and procedures regarding the acceptance and use of gifts by public officials, the commission shall have the right to accept and use gifts for the exercise of its functions. (3) The commission shall prescribe appropriate rules and regulations as may be necessary for the proper transaction of its business. (4) The commission shall adopt rehabilitation and new construction design guidelines for designated landmarks, sites, structures, and districts which are consistent with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation. Guidelines may include design characteristics intended to meet the needs of particular types of sites, structures, and districts, and may identify categories of changes that are so minimal in nature that they do not affect historic, archeological, or architectural significance and require no review by the commission. These guidelines shall be utilized by the commission in its review of applications. (5) Consistent with the city's policies and procedures governing the acquisition of easements, the commission may accept historic preservation easements on designated landmarks, structures or sites and sites or structures located in, or adjacent to, the preservation district. (6) The commission may undertake any other action or activity necessary or appropriate to the implementation of its powers and duties or the implementation of the purpose of this article.

Members

Seat 1:  Larry Jackson - Term expires: December 31, 2025

Seat 2: Justin T. Paulman - Term expires: December 31, 2025
 
 Seat 3: Nathan C. Williams - Term expires: December 31, 2025
 
 Seat 4: Lynda Lambert - Term expires February 21, 2026
               
 Seat 5: Tim Hoffman - Secretary - Term expires: December 31, 2023
 
 Seat 6: Brian Plitnik - Term expires: December 31, 2026
 
 Seat 7: Dr. Lincoln Wilkins, Jr. - Term expires:  October 6, 2023
 
Councilwoman Laurie Marchini - M&CC ex officio - Voting member

Meetings

• 2^nd Wednesday of each month
• 4 p.m.
• City Hall
  Council Chambers
  57 N Liberty Street
  Cumberland, MD 21502

Agendas & Minutes

Agendas are available 48 hours prior to the meetings. Use the link to view agendas or minutes: http://www.ci.cumberland.md.us/129/Agendas-Minutes.