Benefits and Responsibilities of Historic Designation

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Inherent in the decision to become historically designated are a number of key benefits and responsibilities which must be considered with full, transparent information. Below is a listing of those benefits and obligations.

Benefits of Historic Designation

 

  • Historic designation gives communities a voice in their future and in the future of their historical and architectural assets.
  • Preservation of significant architectural and historical assets increases the beauty and uniqueness of a neighborhood.
  • Local historic district designation enhances property values. In 2010, local historic district designation added between 10.6% and 28.5% in home value when compared to similar non-designated properties. Properties within local historic districts also appreciate at greater rates than the local market overall as well as faster than similar, non-designated neighborhoods.
  • Local districts protect the investments of owners and residents of historic properties, and protect properties from short-term investors who do not have the historical and architectural integrity of the home in mind. 
  • Designation would prevent property neglect 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.
  • Under the State Historic Tax Credit Program, tax credits of up to $1M are available for owner-occupied residential dwellings in local historic districts. This opportunity allows a property owner to receive a state tax credit for 25% of qualified rehabilitation expenses.
  • Historic districts are a vehicle for education. They are a tangible link to the past and a way to bring meaning to history and to people’s lives.
  • Protecting local historic districts can enhance desirability for potential residents.
  • Designation fosters a sense of responsibility to future generations of homeowners to maintain the historical and architectural heritage of our neighborhood.
  • Informed by professional staff (including architects, architectural historians, landscape architects, and other professionals), the Historic District Commission may serve as an invaluable resource for homeowners who are interested in maintaining the historical and architectural integrity of their homes.
  • Designation encourages homeowners to obtain permits and to comply with building codes, which helps assure compliance with construction standards within the historically designated community. 

Responsibilities of Historic Designation

 

  • Designation will require the ongoing responsibility of stewardship of your historic property and its surroundings.
  • Any modifications you would like to make to the exterior of your property (including windows, landscape, fences, demolition and new construction) is required to be approved by the HDC prior to obtaining a building permit to perform the work.
  • Although some projects may be approved administratively, more significant projects will be required to go before full review by the HDC, increasing the time involved in obtaining permits. 
  • Designation requires homeowners seeking project approval to be organized, well-researched, detail oriented, and transparent, as well as requiring due diligence on the part of homeowners in selecting materials, features, and design.
  • Where repair is reasonably possible, replacement / removal of certain architectural features will generally not be allowed (subject to economic & technical feasibility considerations).
  • Modern, often less expensive materials will generally not be approved, and homeowners will be required to repair original features wherever reasonably feasible.