A Historic Context Statement is a written document that outlines the broad patterns of a city’s history and development. It describes the city’s key historic events and development trends and includes an overview of typical building types and architectural styles. It is a planning document that tells the stories of how, when, and why the built environment of the city looks the way that it does. It helps to provide greater clarity and consistency for identifying historical resources, reduces the burden of original research for property owners and applicants, and helps to streamline designation decisions, as appropriate. The development of a Historic Context Statement is not a survey effort and it does not provide a list of eligible properties or result in the designation of any properties.

A Historic Preservation Ordinance is a local law that provides the regulatory and legal framework for identifying and regulating the treatment of historic properties. A Historic Preservation Ordinance is an important component of a comprehensive historic preservation program that can be tailored to the needs of the community to provide protection for historical resources, add predictability to the local planning process, and promote development that is compatible with the community’s goals.

Yes, the City has had a Historic Preservation Ordinance since 1993. The current effort to update the Historic Preservation Ordinance is to align it with current best practices and make it easier to use for applicants, staff, and decision-makers.

Yes—preservation ordinances allow for maintenance, updates, repairs, and even additions. Proposed changes to the exterior of designated historic properties would be subject to city review and approval as part of permitting process.

Historic designation may affect property value. Several studies have been conducted throughout the country examining that question and the majority of studies have determined that property value generally increases for properties in designated historic districts. However, there is no way to be certain how historic designation would affect a particular property. You can read more about it here.

To be eligible for local historic designation, a property must meet specific criteria related to its historic or architectural significance. When designation for a property is considered, information on a property’s significance is evaluated against the criteria for designation by historic preservation professionals and the city’s decision-making body, commonly a City commission or City Council.

It doesn’t impose any rules by itself. It provides background information on key historic events and trends in the City’s history and is a useful planning tool that may guide the future identification of historic properties.

A Historic Context Statement is written by historic preservation professionals after conducting historic research and incorporating input from the community. It is reviewed and approved by City staff and decision-makers.

Yes, possibly. Preservation policies can shape how neighborhoods look and feel, create a unique environment and sense of place, guide what types of buildings are preserved, and help manage change. Even if you don’t own property, you may care about your community’s shared history and experience.

Preservation focuses on the physical character of buildings and neighborhoods, not land use (like zoning for certain types of businesses). However, historic preservation policies can help to inform how buildings are reused or adapted over time.