Commission Resources
One of the best ways to connect with your applicants is by getting to know the owners of local historic properties in your municipality. Communication is key, so it would make sense to introduce yourself to new property owners when they purchase in the district or even reintroduce yourselves to long standing residents via a welcome letter. Such a letter can lay out expectations and point owners to resources that can help them be the best stewards possible. A sample letter can be found here.
Some commissions hold an annual party or even an awards ceremony to highlight homeowners who did a particularly good job on their projects. Contact us to advertise your event.
One way to bring awareness to your district is to create a walking tour, brochure or signage to help educate the public on the importance of the local history and architecture. The State Historic Preservation Office has grants available for Commissions to complete these projects. If your municipality is a Certified Local Government (CLG), then non-matching grants are available to complete projects that advance preservation goals in your town or city. The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) has more information on what it means to become a CLG and how it can benefit your town. CLG funding available through the SHPO can be found here.
LHDs and LHPs in CT - printable informational handout (2023)
Being a responsible and effective commissioner isn’t easy, but Preservation Connecticut and SHPO staff are available to help with training sessions! Contact us to schedule one.
The resources below can be used to help you learn more about how you can effectively administer the Certificate of Appropriateness application process. We’ve grouped them by subject to provide you with as much information as possible. If you have suggestions, please let us know!
Wednesday, December 20th 7:00 PM via Zoom
Preservation Connecticut and the State Historic Preservation Office along with our virtual “host” the Norwich Historic District Commission, invite all local historic district commissioners, building officials and planners interested in the Local Historic District process to attend this training session hosted via Zoom. Join us for discussion of scenarios, ideas, solutions. Bring your questions!Wednesday, December 13th at 5:00pm at the Council Chambers in the Wethersfield Town Hall, 505 Silas Deane Highway. Preservation Connecticut and the State Historic Preservation Office invite all local historic district commissioners from surrounding communities to attend this training session hosted by the town of Wethersfield. Bring questions for discussion. Refreshments will be served!
Wednesday, December 6th 7pm at Milford City Hall, 110 River Street, Milford. Preservation Connecticut and the State Historic Preservation Office invite all local historic district commissioners from surrounding communities to attend a training session hosted by the City of Milford. We’re hoping that review of the LHD basics along with some common scenarios will spark discussion that will lead to an exchange of ideas, solutions and best practices among commission members and any related public officials interested in learning more. Questions encouraged. Refreshments will be served!
10/7/3034: Stamford's South End property owners not all in favor of proposed Local Historic District. (https://www.stamfordadvocate.c...)
9/8/2023: Greenwich Planning & Zoning approves designation of Bruce Park as new LHD. (https://patch.com/connecticut/...)
7/12/2023: Historic District Commission approved plan to enhance preservation of Westport's history. (https://westportjournal.com/go...)
5/5/2023: Westport HDC recognizes “Non-Teardowns of the Day” – owners who rehabbed historic buildings instead of demolishing them to build anew. (https://06880danwoog.com/2023/...)
5/3/2023: Efforts to establish an LHD in Stamford’s South End met with property owner and developer resistance. (https://www.stamfordadvocate.c...)
4/24/2023: Madison Historic District Commission Study Committee working on proposal for Old Elm Street Historic District.
3/20/2023: Owners of 1950s starter homes in the Flowers Estate at Westport withdraw application for study of potential district due to lack of support. (https://patch.com/connecticut/...)
* We post news as it comes to our attention. Links to articles are included for convenience but we do not guarantee their functionality.
- Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties (NPS 2017)Standards for Rehabilitation (NPS 2022)National Park Service Preservation BriefsUse of Substitute Materials in Historic Districts (Ohio SHPO 2013)Guidelines on Flood Adaptation for Rehab of Historic Structures (NPS 2019)Guidelines on Sustainability for Rehab (NPS 2013)Don't Replace...Repair (Window Preservation Alliance)Relevant Court Cases and their descriptions from the Handbook for LHD Commissions in CT