Frequently Asked Questions

There is a growing market of homebuyers who appreciate historic architecture and who look for historic properties that are well maintained and have retained their historic integrity and architectural qualities. Historic Preservation regulation helps to improve the overall level of architectural quality in renovation projects, and this improvement influences the older building's market values to the extent that it effectively maintains and improves the historic architectural qualities of designated properties through the review process.

Yes. Municipal actions which would affect your property would be reviewed by the Historic Preservation Commission, which would act as a "check" against harmful undertakings by the Township or any other governmental agency.

The entire property, land and structures, are designated. However, in reviewing permit applications for the property, the Commission's main concern will be the historic structures on the property.

Review by the Historic Preservation Commission is required before a permit can be issued for any of the following work: 

• Demolition 
• Relocation of Structures 
• Changes in the exterior appearance by alteration, addition, or new construction 
• Site plan review or subdivision 
• Zoning variance requests 

Proper upkeep of any Landmark Site must be maintained as per Preventative Maintenance Ordinance Number 0-01-23-June 2001.

Historic integrity must be maintained according to the "circa" (date/time frame) of the original construction of the building. The intent of the Commission is to encourage design that is compatible with the historic structure in scale, massing, materials and related features. As a Certified Local Government program, we are bound by the U.S. Department of Interior "Standards for Rehabilitation and Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings". Therefore, the colors of any structure that has Landmark status must be compatible with its age.

The Freehold Township Ordinance does not apply to interiors of any structures, or to ordinary repairs and maintenance.

Yes. All Appeals of Commission decisions are made to the Zoning Board of Adjustment.

If your house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places you may be eligible for Federal Tax Credits. Unfortunately, New Jersey State law does not currently enable municipalities to grant favored tax treatment (abatement, exemptions, etc.) to designated historic structures; however, there is a bill in the State Assembly (Assembly Environment Committee—Assembly, No. 1172) that may enable you to recoup some monies if your house is designated a Landmark Site. This bill has been in front of the Assembly since March of 2000 but has not as yet been enacted into law.

In reviewing all applications, the Commission must follow the review criteria contained within Freehold Township Ordinance Number 18-60 thru 18-66, Land Use Ordinances. The intent of the Commission is to encourage design that is compatible with the historic structure in scale, massing, materials and related features.