Historic District Myths & Facts

There are many myths and misconcep­tions about what a homeowner can or cannot do to a house in the Forest Park Heights Historic District.

 

The Historic District Guidelines only control exterior features that are visi­ble from a public street or park.

 

Myths ...One of the biggest is that houses can only be painted an ap­proved color. Not true! The Historic Commission does not control the color of: paint, landscaping, storm windows, air conditioners, light fix­tures, sidewalks, roofing material, screen/storm doors, or gutters.

 

A homeowner does NOT need ap­proval for changes to the interior of the house.

 

Facts: Replacement windows, siding, additions, fences, steps/stairs, doors, porches, garages, roofing material, lo­cation of TV satellite dishes and trim fall under the guidelines. To change any of these features, requires a Cer­titicate from the Historic Commission.

 

As a general rule, if you are consider­ing changing any significant architec­tural feature on the visible exterior of your house, you should speak with the staff person for the Historic Commis­sion in the City Planning Department. If the proposed change is controlled by the Commission, there are three types of Certificates that can be requested.

 

Non-Applicability: This category is for "changes that affect features not controlled by the Commission". This is used to notify the building depart­ment that a proposed modification is not covered under the guidelines.

 

Appropriateness: This category is for "changes that are in conformance with the guidelines and/or acceptable for the particular district". When restoring a feature to its original condition, for example, removing vinyl siding, apply under this category.

 

Hardship: This category is for "changes that are not appropriate but which may be necessary due to eco­nomic, physical, social, or other special conditions that apply to the individual property but not to the overall district". An example of hardship might be the replacement of a slate roof. To re-slate might cost over $50,000, while an as­phalt roof be under $20,000. The Com­mission requires detailed documentation to support hardship.

 

Receiving a Certificate is a process that can take up to 60 days.

 

For more infor­mation on the Springfield Historic Com­mission, you can visit their website www.springfieldplanning.org. or contact Ralph Slate 732-5818 for advice about the review process.