In any case wherein a priority feature is either unsuited or unavailable for acquisition as War Between the States Heritage Preserve, the commission in agreement with the owner thereof may recognize such for its importance by registering it as a Heritage Site through the following registration procedures:
(1) The commission through its research and consultation with the owners of properties selected as priority features shall notify the advisory board of those which are unsuited or unavailable for dedication but for which the owners have made application for recognition as Heritage Sites through registration.
(2) The advisory board shall review such applications and shall recommend to the commission the approval of those which it deems worthy of preservation through registration as Heritage Sites.
(3) From the advisory board's recommendations, the commission shall approve those applications for recognition as Heritage Sites which it deems deserving and appropriate for carrying out the purposes of this chapter.
(4) Upon approval of an application by the commission, the commission may enter into a written agreement of registration with the owner of the feature concerned whereby the State shall give public recognition of the importance of the area or feature as a Heritage Site and the owner shall express his intent to preserve it.
(5) The commission shall erect and maintain an appropriate sign on the Heritage Site indicating its recognition and the owner thereof shall be given a certificate acknowledging its registration.
(6) The registration agreement may be terminated by the owner or the commission at any time upon thirty days' notification to the other party. Such termination shall remove the feature from the Heritage Site Program, and any certificate previously issued therefor or sign erected shall be returned to the commission by the property owner.
(7) Unless the registration agreement is terminated, the owner of a Heritage Site shall maintain its essential natural character.
HISTORY: 2000 Act No. 387, Part II, Section 52A, eff July 1, 2000.