ORANGE

In a move to encourage historic preservation, city officials have tentatively passed a law expanding the zones that allow bed and breakfast inns. Previously, bed and breakfasts were allowed only in neighborhoods with duplexes and multifamily buildings. The new ordinance, passed with a 4-0 vote last week, allows the small hotels to open in commercially zoned historic buildings.

Officials also loosened the rules determining what is “historic.” Homeowners will no longer need to seek a ruling from the Design Review Board before opening an inn, but may refer to a variety of sources noting the building’s historical significance.

Councilman Dan Slater had to abstain from voting on the law because of a potential conflict of interest. The council should take its second vote on the issue in about a month.