Reminder from the Historic Preservation Commission

The Spring Construction season may seem far away, but it will be here before you know it! If your property is located within the Historic District, it may be time to start getting your plans in order for any Spring or Summer projects. If you have plans to make any exterior alterations that are visible from the public right-of-way (sidewalk or street), you will need an approved Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) from the HPC.

Here are some tips:

• Check out our Design Guidelines and educate yourself on the proper treatment of historic materials and features within our historic district. Use these guidelines to help guide your project plans.

• Plan ahead – COA applications are due to the Village Clerk’s Office 2 weeks prior to the next HPC meeting. COA applications must be complete and include relevant backup information. There’s a COA Checklist at our website.

• You may need other approvals beyond the HPC – reach out to the Building Department to ensure you have plenty of time to get the required approvals before starting work.

  
  

  

  Where historic porches do exist, they are important character-defining features that help reinforce the style of the principal building. Porches significantly impact the rhythm and pattern of the district’s streetscape.

Common projects within the Historic District

Over time, character-defining features such as porches, roofs and windows require maintenance and repairs. Part of the Village Property Maintenance Code requires that property owners maintain their properties. Proper maintenance can prevent future needs for replacement or reconstruction, which preserves the historic character of our village.

Wood Siding

should be maintained and repainted regularly to prevent deterioration. Vinyl replacement siding is generally not appropriate within the Historic District.

Repair existing wood siding when necessary. Paint is your first line of defense against the elements. 

Windows

should be maintained regularly to prevent deterioration. Windows and trim should only be replaced with necessary. New windows should maintain original configuration and be a compatible design and material. Aluminum clad wood is typical acceptable. Vinyl windows are generally not appropriate within the historic district.

These windows were replaced with aluminum clad wood windows that matched the original configuration, profile and setback.

Porches

Repair and restoration of historic porches and decorative elements. Replacement materials may be appropriate if they are visually compatible with the existing porch.

Fences

Retaining historic fencing where it remains is preferred. New fences should use materials such as brick, stone, cast iron and finished wood are acceptable. Vinyl fencing and adding fencing around a front lawn where fencing never existed are generally not appropriate.

Our meetings are open to the public, we meet on the Second Wednesday of every month in Council Chambers (second floor) of the Municipal Building at 7:00pm. Please stop by to discuss a potential project or learn more about our Historic District and the HPC any time!

Check out our website for more information, forms and the Design Guidelines at www.villageoflancasterhpc.com