Design Review for Other Projects

Minor work that introduces little to no visible change to a historic structure or property may be subject to the landmark quick review and approval process. Quick review applications are typically processed within a few business days.

Quick review approvals may be issued by Landmark Preservation staff for the following existing exterior features providing that the applicable design guidelines and standards are met:

• Rear-yard decks and porches (must demonstrate no change in size, height, materials and ornament)
• Rear-yard fences (no change in height, openness, and materials)
• 1-2 flat profile skylights on rear- or side-facing roofs
• Sheds not on foundations (less than 100 square feet)
• Exterior HVAC work (no change in geometry, demand, or materials)
• Simple exterior electrical or mechanical work that is not visible from the public street
• Reroofing (no change in materials, color, or installation pattern)

External alterations that are not visible from public streets (public alleys excluded) may be approved administratively by Landmark Preservation staff if the alterations do not impact the form of the structure or significant architectural details, and clearly meet the design guidelines. 

These projects include:

• Replacement of non-historic window and doors
• New or altered rear or side porches
• New decks and balconies not visible from street
• New awnings and canopies
• New rear dormers
• Alterations and additions to garages and secondary structures
• Site changes

The Landmark Preservation Commission and the Lower Downtown Design Review Commission also review any projects that are not visible from the public street that do not meet the design guidelines.

Alterations that are visible from public streets (public alley excluded) require review by the Landmark Preservation Commission or the Lower Downtown Design Review Commission.

Download the landmark design review application and checklist(PDF, 1MB)

Download the landmark quick review application(PDF, 176KB)

Photos of existing conditions showing proposed building site and surroundings are required and must be:

• In color
• Labeled with direction and orientation to the street
• No smaller than 4"x6" in size (or between 1024 x 768 pixels and 1280 x 960 pixels)
• Arranged on one or more sheets within the drawing set (PDF format), with each image clearly labeled

For examples of acceptable photos and tips for taking good photos, download Landmark Standards for Photographs(PDF, 590KB) and the Photo Page Example(PDF, 999KB).

All projects must submit a dimensioned and scaled site plan including:

• Street address
• North arrow
• Scale (plans must be drawn to a measurable scale)
• Location of existing and proposed mechanical equipment
• Location of streets, sidewalks, alleys (including any right-of-way or easement), and all existing structures
• Location of existing and proposed fences, retaining walls, exterior stairways and ramps, driveways, etc.
• Property lines and required zoning setbacks
• Front setbacks of the primary structure and adjacent properties for projects that entail work on the front of the structure, such as a porch
• Location of all proposed work
• Location of front 65% of the lot and rear 35% of the lot (or 80% / 20%, depending on the zone district) for those projects that entail rear porches, second-floor porches, or roof decks
• Original grade elevation at intersection of side property lines and minimum setback

Please coordinate with staff to determine if additional information is needed due to the unique circumstances of your project. Elevation drawings, material cut sheets and photographs, and detail drawings may be required, depending on the scope of proposed work.