Historic Preservation & Building Permits

All business and property owners should view the message from the Mayor in this video. 

Overview

The City has a strong preservation ethic. The 30-block area of downtown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This same area is protected by the City’s Historic Preservation Board, which reviews any changes to its precious resources. The City has adopted the International Existing Building Code 2003. 

Certificate Of Appropriateness

Certificate Of Appropriateness is required for signage as well as the construction, restoration, alteration to exterior or demolition of structures within the district. This form must be submitted to the Historic Preservation Officer and reviewed by the Commission prior to beginning such work.

Historic Preservation Resources and Information

For guidance in your design, you may review our Ordinance, Design Guidelines, and Secretary of Interior’s Guidelines. Information on signage is also available. All exterior changes including signage must be approved by the Historic Preservation Board prior to beginning work to avoid fines. 

Historic Paint Palette

Attached is the Historic Paint Palette listing our recommended color options for the Historic District. No colors are pre-approved. As shown on the example, some colors are recommended for Accent Only. 

Treatment Approaches

When working on a historic structure, the 4 treatment approaches in order of preference are Preservation, Rehabilitation, Restoration, and Reconstruction: 

  • Preservation places a high premium on the retention of all historic fabric through conservation, maintenance and repair. It reflects a building's continuum over time, through successive occupancies, and the respectful changes and alterations that are made.
  • Rehabilitation emphasizes the retention and repair of historic materials, but more latitude is provided for replacement because it is assumed the property is more deteriorated prior to work.
  • Restoration focuses on the retention of materials from the most significant time in a property's history, while permitting the removal of materials from other periods.
  • Reconstruction establishes limited opportunities to re-create a non-surviving site, landscape, building, structure, or object in all new materials.

Choosing the most appropriate treatment for a building requires careful decision-making about a building's historical significance, as well as taking into account a number of other considerations. Find details in The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.

Signage

Certificate of Appropriateness and Sign Permit must be obtained prior to erecting a sign for your business. A Certificate of Appropriateness is also required for window graphics. 

Window Graphics 

A Certificate of Appropriateness must be obtained prior to applying window graphics/vinyl signage to your business.  

Interior Changes

Interior changes also require permits. Please view the applications and forms webpage for specific information. Things common in Downtown buildings that require permits are demolition of a wall, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and roofing. You may do your own work, but you are still required to have a General Contractor License through the Building Department

Public Art

A Certificate of Appropriateness must be completed along with the documentation for approval of the artist and the art.