Historic Designation: Frequently Asked Questions

Isn’t Palmer Woods already historically designated?

No. Palmer Woods is not and has never been a historically designated neighborhood, however many surrounding and comparable neighborhoods are, such as Sherwood Forest, Indian Village, and Boston Edison.

What does it mean to live in a historically designated neighborhood?

Living within a local historic district means that your immediate neighborhood surroundings are considered to be of historic, cultural, or architectural significance. It’s important to note that owning property within a local historic district comes with many benefits but also requires a few obligations from you, the property owner.

Why do neighborhoods choose to become historically designated?

Most often, residents want to preserve the architectural integrity of their neighborhood, or to prevent irresponsible development that would harm aesthetics or property values. For these residents, historic designation gives their community a voice in the future of their historical and architectural assets. There are also certain economic benefits, including increases in property values over non-designated neighborhoods, as well as tax incentives. Additionally, protecting local historic districts can enhance desirability for potential residents, and fosters a sense of obligation to future generations of homeowners. Finally, being part of a historically designated neighborhood is considered a source of pride, as well as acknowledgement of the district’s historical and architectural heritage.

What is the process for obtaining approval of a proposed project?

Depending on the scope of the work, the Historic District Commission (HDC) Staff may be able to approve the work and issue you a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) within a few days. If it’s not possible to get an approval at the Staff level, you’ll be added to the next available meeting agenda to go before the HDC for review. As soon as you’ve received the COA for your proposed work, proceed to the Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department to obtain your building permit begin work.

How long does it take HDC to review projects?

This depends whether the proposed project can be approved administratively or must go before the full HDC.

Administrative approval is generally appropriate for small projects (i.e., painting (where color selection comes from a list of approved paint colors), non-facade projects (side and rear), and landscaping projects. Administrative review can occur in as few as a couple days. 

If full HDC review is required, this can be completed within 6-7 weeks at most or as little as 2 weeks, depending on when a complete application is submitted. Complete applications submitted before the deadline are scheduled for the next HDC hearing (within a couple weeks), whereas those that miss the deadline are slotted for the following hearing a month later. The challenge for many homeowners is assembling a complete application with required supporting documents (renderings, elevations, etc.). However, HDC Staff is an excellent resource to homeowners/contractors and can help make sure there is a complete package to present to HDC.

What kinds of home projects need to be approved?

Approvals are required for exterior projects only. HDC does not regulate changes to the interior of a house, unless the interior change affects the exterior experience. Most exterior changes, especially to the home’s facade, will require submission before the HDC. This generally includes changes to the windows, doors, roof, siding, painting, etc. Many of these projects can be approved administratively in a matter of days, while others will require going before the full HDC.

Is HDC approval required for landscaping projects? 

Yes. Although less strictly reviewed than structural projects, landscaping work also falls under the purview of the HDC. Particular attention is paid to large-scale landscaping projects such as the removal of established trees, installation/removal of hardscape elements, installation/removal of fences, or other significant changes where a permit would be required. Though considered on a case-by-case basis, small-scale landscaping projects will not require approval and/or can be administratively approved. If in doubt, HDC staff can prove a valuable resource.

Does historic designation help combat blight?

Yes. Property neglect and blight can be prevented by the use of the “demolition by neglect” portion of the ordinance that requires owners to repair their properties before they reach such a state of disrepair that they have to be demolished.

What kind of projects do and do not require review?

The below lists are NOT all inclusive. If you do not see your project, please call HDC to inquire.

Go ahead with your project if:

• Painting in the same colors in the same location
• Trimming or pruning trees, shrubs, plantings
• Repairing a few sections of fence with like materials and sizes
• Repairing a few shingles, flashing, gutters with like materials
• Replacing a few panes of glass with matching glass, switching seasonal storms/screens
• Tuck-pointing small areas of mortar with matching mortar
• Installing or removing existing storms and screens for the season
• Replacing small deteriorated areas of siding with identical materials and sizes 
• Repairing existing doors with identical materials
• Putting out or removing cloth awnings on existing frames for the season

My home’s original slate roof was removed some years ago by a previous owner. Can the HDC require me to install a new slate roof?

No. When a neighborhood becomes historically designated, the current state of the architectural assets – whether completely original or significantly altered over generations of ownership – is grandfathered in, with the current state of its architectural assets becoming the ongoing standard for future development. Historic designation will not require you to restore original details that have been removed prior to designation. 

My home has original windows that are falling into disrepair. Am I free to replace them with new windows?

Generally, where a historically significant architectural element is capable of being repaired, repair is favored over replacement. This applies to all architectural details but comes up most frequently in windows, roofs, and doors. This means that HDC may deny an owner’s request to install new windows, where the windows may reasonably be repaired. 

Although HDC will as a rule require repair over replacement, if an element is so deteriorated such that full replacement is required, HDC will consider the economic and technical feasibility of a proposed replacement project. Where repair is not economically feasible or an architectural element is beyond repair, any replacement must be historically “appropriate.”

What are the main arguments in favor of historic designation?

• Preservation of Heritage: Historic designation helps protect the architectural and cultural history of our beloved neighborhood, preserving the narrative and identity of the neighborhood for future generations.
• Economic Benefits: Designation can lead to increased property values, tourism, and revitalization of neighborhoods. Historic districts often attract smart investors and beneficial home projects, boosting local property values.
• Tax Incentives: Owners of designated properties may qualify for state tax credits for restoration and rehabilitation, making it financially advantageous to maintain historic buildings.
• Community Pride: Historic areas can foster community pride and a sense of identity among residents, leading to more engagement and participation in community initiatives.
• Combating Blight: Property neglect and blight can be prevented by a portion of the ordinance that requires owners to repair their properties before they reach such a state of disrepair that they have to be demolished.
• Sustainable Development: Preservation reduces waste and the environmental impact associated with new construction. Renovating existing buildings is often a more sustainable option than tearing them down.
• Encouragement of Responsible Management: Historic designation promotes careful and responsible management of home improvement projects. Homeowners are often guided to make choices that are both aesthetically compatible with the neighborhood’s character and structurally sound, enhancing the overall quality of renovations.
• Discouragement of Poor Quality Work: By setting standards and guidelines for renovations, historic designation helps discourage poor quality work that could negatively impact the character of the neighborhood and property values. This ensures that changes made to historic properties are consistent with the overall aesthetic and integrity of the area.

What are the main arguments against historic designation?

• Regulatory Considerations: Property owners may find that the regulations associated with historic designation can create some challenges in terms of future renovations. Navigating these guidelines might require additional time and effort.
• Maintenance Costs: The financial implications of maintaining properties to meet preservation standards can be significant. Some owners may find themselves faced with higher costs than anticipated, which could be a concern for their long-term investment.
• Community Dynamics: As property values potentially increase in designated areas, there may be concerns about affordability for long-term residents. This shift can lead to discussions about how to balance preservation with the needs of diverse community members.
• Subjectivity of Significance: The process of determining what qualifies as historically significant can be complex. Community members may have varying perspectives on the importance of certain sites, which can lead to complex discussions on preservation priorities.