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Historic Preservation Commission
Where is the Saco Historic Preservation District?
Streets in the Historic Preservation District are:
-Main Street, from Thornton Academy to the Saco River, including Pepperell Sq.
-Elm Street, from Cutts Avenue to Beach Street
-Cutts Avenue, north side only
-Cross Street, Vernon Street
-Beach Street, to James and Winter Streets
-North Street, to the railroad tracks
-School Street, 0ne house east of Middle
-Middle Street, from Wardwell Home to Beach Street
-Pepperell Park
Permits Required for Most Exterior Work
What projects need a permit from the Historic Preservation Commission?
- Demolishing or moving a building in the historic district
- New construction visible from a public street
- Additions, alterations or reconstruction visible from a public way
- Signs
- Walls, fences, and parking lots within 75 feet of and visible from a public way
- Sandblasting brick or stone buildings
Most signs and other minor changes can be quickly approved by city staff. There is
no fee for historic permits. Call the Planning Department, 282-3487.
Paint it purple
Or any other color. Painting and paint color are not regulated by the Historic
Preservation Commission. Legally required handicapped access ramps are unregulated, as
are interior alterations.
What is the National Register of Historic Places?
The listing of a property or neighborhood on the National Register of Historic
Places is chiefly an honor and has no impact on what you can do to your house or
building. It does, however, stop the Federal government from using Federal money or
issuing Federal permits on a Register site without clearance from historic preservation
officials. It also makes it easier for commercial and multi-family properties to qualify for tax
credits for rehabilitation work. The Way Way General Store, BuxtonRoad, is the city's
latest addition to the National Register.
A Saco Historic Preservation Commission
Application for Certificate of Appropriateness is located
here.
If you have a printer you can print out the form.
