§ 615-5. Applications, hearings and decisions.

A. 

Applications. An application for a certificate of appropriateness shall be submitted to the Commission on the form prescribed by the Commission. An application fee of $50 must be submitted with the application. All applications for a certificate of appropriateness require a public hearing, including applications for signs, fences, lighting, nonresidential driveways and parking areas, exterior architectural alterations of existing buildings or structures, the demolition or removal of existing buildings or structures and the construction of new buildings and structures.

B. 

Hearings. The Commission shall hold a public hearing upon each application for a certificate of appropriateness. The Commission shall fix a reasonable time and place for such hearing. Notice of the time and place of such hearing shall be given by publication in the form of a legal advertisement appearing in a newspaper having a substantial circulation in the Town of Newtown at least once, not more than 15 days nor less than five days before such hearing. In addition, the Commission shall mail to the applicant written notice of the time and place of the hearing no less than five days before such hearing.

C. 

Decisions. A majority of the members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum, and the concurring vote of a majority of the members of the Commission shall be necessary to issue a certificate of appropriateness. Decisions for a certificate of appropriateness must be rendered within 65 days after the filing of a completed application with the Commission. Failure on the part of the Commission to act within the sixty-five-day period shall constitute an approval, and no other evidence of approval shall be needed. In its deliberations, the Commission shall act only for the purpose of controlling the erection or alteration of buildings, structures or parking which are incongruous with the historic or architectural aspects of the Hattertown Historic District. When the Commission acts upon an application, it shall submit written notice of its decision to the applicant. Such notice shall be given within 65 days after the filing of a completed application with the Commission. When a certificate of appropriateness is denied, the Commission shall place upon its records and in the notice to the applicant the reasons for its determination, which shall include the basis for its conclusion that the proposed activity would not be appropriate. The notice to the applicant may also include recommendations relative to design, texture, material and other similar features. The Commission may issue a certificate of appropriateness with stipulations.