Pepperell Post, June 2010: Alterations to buildings in the distoric district

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A Newsletter by the City of Saco, Maine	June, 2010	Return to newsletter index

Alterations to buildings in the historic district

Do you own or live in a building located within the City's Historic District? Are you planning on changes to your home or place of business soon? If so, there are certain steps that must be taken before a local building permit can be issued.

If you are planning any of the following projects for buildings within the City's Historic Overlay District, you will need to obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Saco Historic Preservation Commission prior to doing the work.

New construction of a principal or accessory building visible from a public street where such building will be located in a historic district, or upon a historic site.
Demolition of a historic landmark or demolition of any building or portion of any building, including the removal of architecture features from an historic landmark or a contributing building in a historic district.
Moving an historic landmark or any building located in a historic district.
Additions, alterations, or reconstruction, including porches and steps to existing buildings within a historic district or a historic site where such addition would be clearly visible from a public way.
New signs placed in a historic district or a historic site or historic landmark.
New construction of walls, fences and parking lots in an historic district within 75 feet of and clearly visible from a public way.
Sandblasting of brick or stone buildings.

Contrary to popular belief, the Historic District regulations do not require prior approval to paint a home but it does require approval before windows, siding and roof shingles are replaced. There is no fee to apply for a Certificate of Appropriateness and generally applications can be processed in a relatively short amount of time. Staff is available to meet and discuss your projects with you as you plan them out so give us a call at 284-6983.