Sec. 2-831. - Membership.

The heritage commission shall consist of seven members. Each heritage commission member shall be a city resident. One commission member shall be a member of the city council, and one commission member may be a member of the planning board. No more than five alternate members may be appointed. In determining each member's qualifications, the mayor shall take into consideration the appointee's demonstrated interest and ability to understand, appreciate and promote the purpose of the heritage commission. Members of the heritage commission also may serve on other city boards and commissions, including but not limited to a conservation commission and a historic district commission established under RSA 673:4.

Sec. 2-834. - Powers, duties and guidelines.

In accordance with the provisions of RSA 674:44-b, the powers, duties and guidelines in this section are established for the conduct of the heritage commission. The heritage commission shall have advisory and review authority. The heritage commission:

(1)  Shall survey and inventory all cultural resources that are valued for their historic, cultural, aesthetic or community significance.

(2)  Shall conduct research and publish findings, including reports, to establish the legal basis for a district and preparation of historic district ordinances within the city prior to adoption or amendment as provided in RSA 675:6.

(3)  Shall assist the planning board, as requested, in the development and review of those sections of the master plan which address cultural and historic resources.

(4)  Shall advise, upon request, local agencies and other local boards in their review of requests on matters affecting or potentially affecting cultural and historic resources.

(5)  Shall coordinate activities with appropriate service organizations and nonprofit groups.

(6)  Shall publicize its activities.

(7)  Shall hire consultants and contractors as needed.

(8)  Shall receive gifts of money and property, both real and personal, in the name of the city, subject to the approval of the city council, such gifts to be managed and controlled by the heritage commission for its proper purposes.

(9)  Shall hold meetings and hearings necessary to carry out its duties.

(10)  May acquire, in the name of the city, subject to the approval of the city council, by gift, purchase, grant, bequest, devise, lease, or otherwise, a fee or lesser interest, development rights, covenant, or other contractual right, including conveyances with conditions, limitations, or reversions, as may be necessary to acquire, maintain, improve, protect, limit the future use of, or otherwise conserve and properly use the cultural resources of the city or town, and shall manage and control such; provided, however, that the commission shall not have the right to condemn property for these purposes.

(11)  May assume, if authorized by the city council, the composition and duties of a historic district commission.

(12)  Review and comment on any application for a demolition permit for any building or structure in the city in which the proposed demolition is greater than 500 square feet of gross floor area, and the building was constructed more than 50 years before the date of application for a demolition permit, or is eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, or located in an established historic district. The review committee shall be comprised of three members of the heritage commission and two alternates appointed by the chair of the commission.