The overwhelming majority of buildings in Frederick Town contribute to the District's significance. Any time a contributing, historic building is demolished, a vital and tangible link to the City's past is lost, never to be replaced. The demolition of structures in the District is strongly discouraged because the loss of a building diminishes the neighborhood's sense of place and decreases livability. Once a historic building is demolished, an important educational tool has been removed. Historic buildings yield important information on historic figures and events and construction techniques from the past. Future generations will be unable to make vital connections to the past if historic resources are lost forever.

The demolition of a historic building disrupts the streetscape. This is particularly important when a district's character is defined by a consistent streetscape and the structures positioned along it. Demolition of all or parts of historic structures is to be avoided and will only be considered when all possible alternatives to preserving the structure have been exhausted. If alternatives are not possible, the historic structure, including landscape features, outbuildings, and the relationship of the building to its surrounding context, will be carefully and accurately researched and documented. This documentation must be provided before the demolition permit will be issued. Relocation of historic structures will be considered after all other options have been exhausted and as an effort to prevent the structure's demolition.

Relocating a historic structure could adversely impact the building's integrity. If the building is associated with an event and/or person that is essential to the building's significance, moving it to another location could diminish the structure's integrity. For this reason, the Commission will carefully evaluate all applications for the relocation of historic structures.

Demolition Application Process
Applicants seeking to demolish a building might be required to attend a minimum of two hearings. The Commission will not take formal action on redevelopment plans for the site until after the Commission formally takes action on the proposed demolition. The Commission can take action on the demolition and the subsequent replacement plan in one hearing if the building is determined to be a non-contributing resource. This determination is based on the Planning Department's staff report and recommendations, information provided in the Historic District