§ 113-8. Criteria for determinations.

A. 

In deliberating on applications, the Commission shall consider, among other things, the historic and architectural value and significance of the site, building or structure; the general design, proportions, detailing, mass, arrangement, texture, material and color of the features involved; and the relation of such features to similar features of buildings and structures in the surrounding area.

B. 

In the case of new construction or additions to existing buildings or structures, the Commission shall consider the appropriateness of the shape of the building or structure both in relation to the land area upon which the building or structure is situated and to buildings and structures in the vicinity, and the Commission may in appropriate cases impose dimensional and setback requirements in addition to those required by applicable ordinance or bylaw. The Commission shall not consider interior arrangements or architectural features not subject to public view.

C. 

The Commission shall not make any recommendation or requirement except for the purpose of preventing developments incongruous to the historic aspects or the architectural characteristics of the surroundings and of the historic district.

D. 

Should the Commission determine that an application for a certificate of appropriateness or for a certificate of nonapplicability does not involve any exterior architectural feature or involves an exterior architectural feature which is not then subject to review by the Commission, the Commission shall cause a certificate of nonapplicability to be issued to the applicant.

E. 

If the construction or alteration for which an application for a certificate of appropriateness has been filed shall be determined to be inappropriate or in the event of an application for a certificate of hardship, the Commission shall determine whether, owing to conditions especially affecting the building or structure involved, but not affecting the historic district generally, failure to approve an application will involve a substantial detriment to the public welfare and without substantial derogation from the intent and purposes of this chapter. If the Commission determines that, owing to such conditions, failure to approve an application will involve substantial hardship to the applicant and approval thereof may be made without such substantial detriment or derogation or, in the event of failure to make a determination on an application within the time specified, the Commission shall cause a certificate of hardship to be issued to the applicant.