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Hampshire County establishes local historic landmarks register, commissioners approve order
Summary
The commission activated a county-level Historic Landmarks Register and asked the landmarks commission to coordinate implementation with the planning office; commissioners noted the register could enable building-code exemptions and help owners seek state or national listing.
The Hampshire County Commission voted Oct. 28 to activate and recognize a county Historic Landmarks Register, a locally administered list intended to identify and preserve sites, structures and districts of significance within Hampshire County.
Representatives of the Hampshire County Historic Landmarks Commission told the commission the local register will give the county flexibility to recognize locally significant resources that do not meet state or national eligibility and could open pathways for building-code exemptions that facilitate historic preservation projects.
Speakers said the register is voluntary, that some properties may later qualify for state or national registration, and that listing locally can help property owners assemble documentation needed for broader recognition. Commissioners discussed the need to coordinate implementation with the planning office so that building-code and permit workflows are compatible.
The commission adopted an order recognizing the county register and directed the landmarks commission to meet with the planning office and report back to the board. The adoption cites the county—s interest in historic preservation and cross-references West Virginia Code §8-26A-6 as the statutory context noted in the order.
