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Historic District Designation

Designating a neighborhood as a Local Historic District helps protect neighborhood character and celebrate our civic identity.

Historic districts across the country have been extensively studied to better understand how they affect neighborhoods. Overwhelmingly, historic districts maintain or improve surrounding property values, are more walkable than non-designated areas and bolster a city’s appeal to visitors and potential residents, just to name a few benefits. Need more reasons? Here are 24 of them.

Local Historic District Designation provides additional oversight of proposed demolitions and new construction, including public hearings for all applications, while establishing guidelines for significant exterior alterations. Designation also discourages the demolition of historic resources that are part of a city’s cultural heritage.

Fact vs. Fiction

When it comes to local historic districts, make sure you’re getting your information from a trusted source.

Local designation does not disallow new development, prevent you from selling or redeveloping your property, or dictate what you are able to do with the interior of your property. Designation does not dictate what color you paint your property or how you choose to use it.

Properties in local historic districts can also receive property tax deductions, and apply for grants, while individually listed local landmarks can sell their development rights. Questions? See our FAQ list here.

Ok, what’s the process?
  1. After a detailed application and a proposed map are submitted to the City’s Preservation and Planning Department, the city will schedule a public input session to hear from residents of the district.
  2. After hearing from the public and finalizing the proposed district boundaries, the City will send ballots to the owners of properties located within the district boundaries.
  3. Property owners within the boundary will have 60 days to return their ballots to the city. A simple majority (50% + 1) is required to move the application forward. A ballot that is not returned will count as a “no” vote.
  4. If a majority of property owners vote “yes,” in favor of the district, the application will be scheduled for a public hearing by the Community Planning and Preservation Commission.
  5. If the CPPC recommends approval of the application, the proposed designation will be added to the City Council’s agenda for a vote.
  6. Even if a majority of residents are in favor of the district, the Council can still vote to deny the application.
historic black and white photo of First Block in St. PetersburgSign which reads Driftwood at entrance to historic Driftwood neighborhood surrounded by trees

I’m interested in learning more!

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Read the BlogLocal Historic Districts FAQ