Design Review for Garages and Small Accessory Structures

Landmark Preservation reviews applications for garages and small accessory structures on all individual landmarks and properties within a historic district to ensure consistency with the appropriate design guidelines.

Before you begin

The following materials are not allowed for new garages, small accessory structures, or additions to existing garages in historic districts or on individual landmark properties:

• Siding: T-111 siding, molded plastic siding, vinyl siding, and aluminum siding, thin brick veneer, stucco less than 7/8” thick, EIFS, materials with a faux-grain wood texture
• Windows: Vinyl windows; windows with only internal muntins or glued-on muntins. 

For more information about appropriate materials, review the design guidelines below.

Design Guidelines

Landmark Preservation staff and the Landmark Preservation Commission (LPC) use guidelines to review all garages and small accessory structures. Site specific conditions determine how well the proposed garage or small accessory structure fits the surrounding historic context. Most garages and small accessory structures will be reviewed with Chapter 4: Guidelines for New Buildings and Non-Contributing Buildings(PDF, 1MB). Garages and mall accessory structures are not common in the Lower Downtown Historic District due to the district’s commercial nature. For more information, visit the Landmark Preservation design guidelines webpage.

E-permits Applications

Submit your application materials via E-permits:

• Create an account or log in to an existing account
• Click the "Development Services" tab
• Click "Apply for a Permit"
• Select "Landmark Certificate of Appropriateness" and follow the instructions.

For assistance with e-permits, visit the FAQ page.

Required documents

Design review applications must adequately describe the project and provide sufficient information to evaluate the proposal. Documentation must clearly illustrate the existing conditions as well as any proposed work.

All applications for garages and small accessory structures must include the following information:

• A completed Landmark design review application and checklist(PDF, 1MB)
• Current color photographs of the area of project scope and street fronting façade(s)
  • Photos must be at least 300 dpi or at least 4” X 6”
  • Photographs must be labeled with the cardinal directions (ex. north, south, east, west). Photographs labeled front, side, and rear will not be accepted
  • Photos must be included as a page or pages within the drawing set or attached as jpeg or pdf. (Thumbnail photos, photos embedded within emails, and photos linked to a file sharing system will not be accepted) Roof Plans that include existing, if applicable, and proposed roof. Plans to be scaled and dimensioned with roof pitch(es) noted.
• Existing and proposed site plans that include:
  • Address with street name
  • Scale and dimensions (at least 1”=20’)
  • Zone lot and Property lines (include both if different)
  • Zone lot depth (e.g., 65/35 or 80/20)
  • Orienting features such as streets, alleys, sidewalks, and adjacent structures
  • Location of hardscaping elements such as fences, site walls, patios, exterior stairways, driveways, etc.
  • North direction arrow
  • Zoning setback requirements
  • Original grade elevation at intersection of side interior zone lot lines and minimum setback to primary setback
  • Identify all proposed and existing site elements that violate zoning regulations for which you will be seeking relief through the Administrative Adjustment process
• Existing and proposed building elevation drawings that include:
  • Scale and dimensions (at least 1”=20’)
  • Overall height of building from base planes
  • Height of additions/new structure, if applicable, from base plane
  • Window and door dimensions, if applicable
  • Porches, awnings, other façade and elevation details
  • Location of all existing and new vents louvers, electrical boxes, lighting, etc.
  • Bulk plane and height
  • Material legend and notes
  • Elevations labeled with the cardinal directions (front, side, and rear labels will not be accepted)
  • Identify all proposed and existing building elements that violate zoning regulations for which you will be seeking relief through the Administrative Adjustment process
• A demolition plan, if applicable, that includes:
  • Site plan showing which structure(s) will be demolished, if applicable
  • If proposing partial demolition of existing structure(s):
    • Demolition roof plan – hatch and dimension area of roof to be demolished
    • Demolition elevations – hatch and dimension area of wall to be demolished
• A roof plan that includes proposed garage roof, scaled and dimensioned with roof pitch noted
• Details of construction that include:
  • All construction materials clearly labeled in elevation including color, finish, and profiles
  • Window and door schedule with material, size, and operation clearly noted
  • For all glazing, provide transparency calculations
  • A material schedule or keynotes
  • Images of all proposed materials
  • Light fixture schedule with manufacture, style, and finish clearly noted
  • Material samples or photographs of new or innovative materials as requested by staff

Ready to apply?

View design review application instructions