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1. What does local historic designation mean?

Designation means that your property has been recognized as a valuable and unique part of our cultural and historic heritage. On a practical level, it means that any building permit for exterior modification or demolition will have to come before the commission for consideration and possible modification.

2. What will local historic designation cost me?

Certainly one of the factors you considered when buying your home was its architectural style, especially how it looks from the street. This style adds to the street scape of your neighborhood and the general character of our community. Historic designation provides a way for you to protect this valuable cultural asset, and a way for the community to express its interest in it. For more information, contact the Historical Commission at 973-616-8048.

3. Will historic designation affect the value of my property?

Some large real estate brokers have divisions that specialize in marketing historic homes. There is a segment of the market that places extra value on such properties. However, there is no consensus among real estate professionals on this issue.

4. Will my property be the first designation as historic in the Borough of Pompton Lakes?

As of 2008, Pompton Lakes has 14 designated local historic properties. They include the Einstein Memorial Library, PL High School, Lenox School, the Post Office, the Train Station and 33 Ramapo Avenue to name a few. All designated properties are listed in the Borough's Master Plan (PDF).

5. Will my property rights be restricted by historic designation?

Historic preservation is a required part of our Master Plan and often called overlay zoning. Other aspects of zoning place restrictions on your property rights. For example, they determine how much of your lot can be occupied with a building, and how close to a property line a building can be. The object of historic designation is to preserve the historic character of your property, the Commission will consider how your plans meet these objects.

6. Will the Commission's decisions be final?

The Commission recommends properties to the Planning Board, which after proper published legal notice and a public hearing, decides if designation should be granted. The Planning Board's decision may be appealed to the Mayor and Council. Commission decisions on building permits may be appealed to the Planning Board.

7. How can I donate a historic item to the Borough?

If you are interested in making a donation of a historic artifact, please contact the Historic Commission Chair by email to historic@pomptonlakes-nj.gov.