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Can aluminum, vinyl, cement board or other synthetic materials be used on buildings in the Historic District?

There is no specific rule prohibiting certain types of materials on buildings in the Historic District. This applies to siding, doors, windows, fences, or any other structure.

Decisions on the use of materials in the Historic District are made on a case-by-case basis by the Historic Preservation Commission. The Commission assesses each individual proposal against the standards in the Historic Preservation Ordinance for the purpose of issuing a "Certificate of Appropriateness" or COA.

Numerous factors are considered, including:

  • The existing materials and their condition.
  • Whether materials are original to the building and whether they can be preserved.
  • The rating of the building in the Historic District Architectural Survey.
  • The conditions in the neighborhood, including the materials on nearby buildings.
  • The details of the proposed materials including size, texture, finishing, installation, etc.

Property owners are encouraged to consult with the Historic Commission during the planning stages of any project to determine if their proposal meets the applicable guidelines.

If you would like more information regarding this subject, please visit the Historic Preservation page of the City's website.

updated Dec 06, 2018