Historic District Building Standards
We love living in a designated historic district, but sometimes its difficult to know the standards you need to follow. We’ve listed out as frequently asked questions below.
historic Home Standards FAQ
What are the top no-nos in our historic district?
The biggest no-nos are anything that permanently alters or hides the historic character of the home, especially on the front facade—like painting unpainted brick, sandblasting masonry, changing windows or openings, adding modern doors, covering original materials, or altering the roof. In general, if it’s visible from the street, it needs to match the original design, and if something can be repaired instead of replaced, that’s the expectation.
What are the consequences for non compliance?
Non-compliance can result in denied permits, stop-work orders, and fines from the Cultural Resources Office or City building division. If work is done incorrectly, you may be required to remove it and rebuild it to meet historic standards, often at significant additional cost and delay. In more serious cases, including neglect, the City can require full reconstruction to restore the building’s historic character
What is the approach to repair vs. replace?
The priority is always to repair original materials whenever possible. Replacement is only appropriate when something is beyond repair, and even then it must closely match the original to preserve the building’s integrity.
What are the rules for brick and masonry?
Brick should be preserved in its original state, which means no painting unpainted brick and no abrasive cleaning like sandblasting. Repairs must match the original in color, texture, and mortar to avoid long-term damage and visual inconsistency.
What are the rules for front of house/facade?
The front (public) facade must remain visually consistent with its original design. You cannot change openings, remove architectural details, or add new features like porches or decks because the street-facing appearance defines the historic character.
What are the standards for windows?
Windows must match the original size, proportions, and configuration, especially on the front of the house. Materials and design should be historically appropriate, and mismatched or modern-looking replacements are a common reason for denial.
Can I paint my brick?
If it’s never been painted before, n o. Painting unpainted brick traps moisture, damages the material, and permanently alters it. It also accelerates deterioration of mortar joints over time.
If it’s been painted before, yes. But it has to be a special paint — otherwise your brick will crumble and your house will basically fall down.
What are the rules for roofs and rooflines?
Roof shape, slope, and structure must remain unchanged, and materials should match or closely resemble the original. Highly visible or low-quality materials on sloped roofs are not appropriate because the roof defines the building’s overall form.
What are the standards for doors?
Doors should reflect the historic style of the home in both design and material. Modern flat or hollow-core doors are not appropriate because the entry is a key visual focal point.
You can add a storm door but it must be simple, full-light, and visually compatible with the main door. It should not look modern or out of place.