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Lambertville adopts updated historic preservation ordinance, pursues certified local government status
Summary
Council approved Ordinance 08‑2025 to revise the city’s historic preservation commission procedures, expand local preservation authority and enable participation in the state certified local government program, unlocking potential grant funding.
The Lambertville City Council adopted Ordinance 08‑2025 on second reading, revising the land-use chapter governing the Historic Preservation Commission to strengthen local review procedures and enable the city to participate as a Certified Local Government (CLG).
Council members said the ordinance updates long-standing local practice, clarifies commission procedures and could expand the boundaries or purview of the historic district. Margaret Carelli (Union Street) praised the measure and offered three technical clarifications the commission said it would review with staff: clearer classification of sign applications as 'minor,' confirmation that 'actions not requiring review' require no certificate of appropriateness filings, and consistent language on hearing-scheduling timelines.
Lisa Eastston, the commission chair, and Debbie Kelly were present and the mayor said the city had the state historic preservation office’s support for the draft. The council voted to adopt the ordinance while asking commission leaders and staff to follow up on Carelli’s points and discuss any refinements with the state preservation office.
What happens next: The city will submit documentation needed for CLG status and begin implementing the updated review processes; the commission and staff will clarify definitions and timing language suggested by residents so the state‑reviewed ordinance functions as intended.
