Are there any financial assistance for renovating a historic property?
For contributing buildings in the District, Federal and State tax credits are available for renovation work. Town staff can provide more information on either program upon request.
The Historic District maps on the Community Development Map Resources webpage shows which properties are within the district. Each structure in the district is considered contributing to the historic character of the district or noncontributing. Non-contributing structures were generally built after the District's period of significance.
What does the Historic District Review Board (HDRB) do?
The HDRB, which is comprised of town residents and architectural and historic preservation experts, meets monthly at a work session and a public hearing to review applications for exterior changes to properties within the district. Visit the HDRB webpage for more information.
What resources are available for technical assistance?
The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation and the Technical Preservation Services division of the National Park Service offers specific information on maintaining historic buildings. Town staff and the HDRB can provide some design and renovation guidance and homeowners are encouraged to consult design professionals with expertise in historic architecture.
When do I need approval for exterior work on my property?
Most exterior changes to buildings and structures within the Heritage districts require a Certificate of Appropriateness approved by the HDRB before the work has begun. Common applications to the HDRB include window replacement, siding replacement, roof replacement, additions, new accessory buildings, and new houses. Application deadlines are typically 30 days prior to the HDRB public hearing to allow for advertising of the application. Visit the Forms & Fees webpage for the application and the HDRB webpage for process information.
Why does the town have a Historic District?
The designation provides a mechanism to ensure conservation of the town’s traditional neighborhoods and older commercial structures, providing a community identity apart from the suburban growth of the urbanizing region. The town’s heritage resources tell the story of the community’s people and way of life that made the town what it once was and formed the foundation for what it is today and will be in the future. These structures are a draw for families and businesses looking for a community with a sense of place and unique appeal.
