Making Exterior Changes within Local Historic Districts

FOLLOW THESE STEPS:

1. CONFIRM PROPERTY IS LOCATED WITHIN A LOCAL HISTORIC DISTRICT

2. REQUEST PROJECT REVIEW BY HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION

TWO OPTIONS TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION:

1. DOWNLOAD PDF, THEN SEND OR EMAIL THE PDF TO STAFF

2. NEW! NOW AVAILABLE... APPLY ONLINE

3. IF APPROVED, OBTAIN BUILDING PERMIT

HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION GUIDELINES

PROJECT DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS (BY SCOPE):

SUBMIT ALL DOCUMENTATION ONLINE TO HDC STAFF AT [email protected]

WINDOW REPLACEMENT (HISTORIC WINDOWS)

Completed Historic District Commission Project Review Request Form (ALL 3 pages)
A brochure or other information giving the color, materials, and configuration of the proposed replacement windows
Detailed photographs of window(s) proposed for replacement showing the condition of the interior and exterior of the window(s).

WINDOW REPLACEMENT (NON-HISTORIC WINDOWS)

Completed Historic District Commission Project Review Request Form (ALL 3 pages)

ROOF REPLACEMENT (HISTORIC ROOFING MATERIAL)

Completed Historic District Commission Project Review Request Form (ALL 3 pages)
Detailed scope of work including any related work such as dormers, gutters, soffit and fascia (formatted as bulleted list)
Completed Historic District Commission Application for Replacement of Historic Roofing (both pages must be submitted) which includes:
- Two (2) estimates of the cost to repair the existing roof
- Two (2) estimates of the cost to replace with the same material
- Two (2) estimates of the cost for asphalt shingle replacement

ROOF REPLACEMENT (NON-HISTORIC ROOFING MATERIAL)

Completed Historic District Commission Project Review Request Form (ALL 3 pages)
Detailed scope of work including any related work such as dormers, gutters, soffit and fascia (formatted as bulleted list)

PAINT

Completed Historic District Commission Project Review Request Form (ALL 3 pages)
Specifications of proposed paint colors--to comply with Color Chart assigned to the property
Diagrams indicating location of proposed paint color(s)

SIDING REPLACEMENT

Completed Historic District Commission Project Review Request Form (ALL 3 pages)

DEMOLITION (INCLUDING PARTIAL DEMO)

Completed Historic District Commission Project Review Request Form (ALL 3 pages)
Structural assessment report of the property, completed according to the Commission's Structural Assessment Template by a licensed engineer
Detailed description of what will happen to the site once the demolition is completed
For partial demo, include elevation drawing(s) and/or photo simulation(s) showing the building and surface treatments to newly exposed walls

NEW CONSTRUCTION/ADDITIONS (INCLUDING GARAGES)

Completed Historic District Commission Project Review Request Form (ALL 3 pages)
Drawings of proposed project including:
- Site plan showing all changes and landscape features, including location of construction fencing if applicable
- Floor Plan(s)
- Elevation Drawing(s)
- Section Drawing(s) and other detailed drawings as needed

DOOR & GARAGE DOOR REPLACEMENT

Completed Historic District Commission Project Review Request Form (ALL 3 pages)

SOLAR PANELS

Completed Historic District Commission Project Review Request Form (ALL 3 pages)
Detailed scope of work (formatted as bulleted list) including any and all other related work to be completed (ex: roof plan, site plan, elevation drawings, dimensions)

SIGN INSTALLATION/REPLACEMENT

Completed Historic District Commission Project Review Request Form (ALL 3 pages)
Dimensioned drawings of signs including elevation drawing and/or photo simulation of proposed sign and location on existing building

BUILDING CLEANING

Completed Historic District Commission Project Review Request Form (ALL 3 pages)
Description of cleaning method, names and chemicals, the pressure of any washes or applications, and the proposed surface treatment after cleaning
Brochures/cut sheets for all proposed cleaning agents

FENCE INSTALLATION/REMOVAL (INCLUDING PAVING, WALLS, LANDSCAPING

Completed Historic District Commission Project Review Request Form (ALL 3 pages)
Site plan drawing showing:
- Existing lot lines
- Existing buildings
- Location and dimension of proposed fence
In cases of removal, include a statement as to why element(s) need to be removed rather than replaced

PORCH (REPAIR AND/OR RECONSTRUCTION)

Completed Historic District Commission Project Review Request Form (ALL 3 pages)
Drawings of proposed project including:
- Floor Plan(s)
- Elevation Drawing(s)
- Section Drawing(s) and other detail drawing(s) as needed

DETROIT'S LOCAL HISTORIC DISTRICTS -- THE FINAL REPORTS

All reports and designations for local historic districts are researched and prepared by the Historic Designation Advisory Board (HDAB) which advises the City Council on all matters regarding historic preservation including requests for the designation of local historic districts. The staff of the Advisory Board can further assist residents with specific preservation questions and concerns as well as serve as a general resource to the community.