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WHAT IS A LOCAL HISTORIC DISTRICT OR LOCAL HISTORIC PROPERTY?

Establishing a Local Historic District (LHD) or Local Historic Property (LHP) is one of the most powerful community preservation tools available and is a great way to protect the history, culture and character of a place. LHDs and LHPs can represent places where important historic events took place, and can include of architecture, landscape architecture or art. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, they can represent the character or feeling of a place – they are what give a community its personality.

Connecticut has over 8,000 historic properties listed in 135 Local Historic Districts and 93 Local Historic Properties across the state!

The overall character of a district is protected by a public review process through locally appointed municipal Historic District Commissions or Historic Property Commissions. It is the role of the Historic District or Property Commission to review proposed changes and offer guidance to building owners in a fair and consistent manner to ensure that any alterations visible from any public street or right of way are in keeping with the distinctive character of the designated district. The purpose of this review is to ensure that changes to historic properties are compatible with the size and scale of an existing building and that current and future owners retain the most significant, or “character defining” features of a property.

These commissions also have the legal authority to determine whether new construction or demolition within the district is appropriate for the historic character of the property and district as a whole. Design review and review of proposed demolitions provide a sense of continuity in historic districts and ensure that the distinctive architectural features of a particular neighborhood are protected over time.

HOW ARE LOCAL HISTORIC DISTRICTS OR PROPERTIES ESTABLISHED?

LHDs and LHPs are created by something called a Study Report. Study Reports often include historical information, architectural descriptions of the property(ies), photographs, an inventory of what is included in the boundary, and a clear boundary map. Previously completed Study Reports are on file with the municipality and many are also housed at the SHPO.

By statute, commissions are composed of five regular members and three alternates, all of whom must be municipal residents or property owners who can participate in local elections. Where possible, the local historic district itself must be represented by someone who lives in it.

Property owners are required to apply to the commission for a certificate of appropriateness when proposing:

  • exterior alterations that affect architectural features – such as porches, windows, or doors;

  • the use of different materials for alterations or repairs;

  • new buildings or structures;

  • demolition of existing building(s) or structure(s);

  • exterior advertising signage; and

  • fences, walls, driveways, new parking areas and exterior lighting.

A certificate of appropriateness is not required for

  • alterations not visible from a public street or right of way;

  • routine maintenance such as carpentry repair which doesn’t change materials, design or texture, or painting; or

  • interior remodeling.

Local Historic District boundaries may coincide with, be larger or smaller than, or distinct from State or National Register district boundaries. State and National Register Historic Districts recognize properties for their historic significance to a community, on a local, state or federal level. State and National Register listing does not protect historic resources from insensitive changes or demolition.