What is the Richmond Historic Preservation Commission?

The Role of the Commission

The Richmond Historic Preservation Commission was established in 2000 by the Richmond Common Council under ordinance 26-2000. The primary function of the Commission is to identify buildings, structures, sites and objects, which are architecturally or historically significant. The Commission was also granted powers to draft preservation guidelines and plans, advise other agencies on matters concerning historic sites and structures, and assist and educate the public about Richmond’s unique architectural heritage. The Commission's jurisdiction is limited to the City of Richmond.

The Commission makes recommendations to the Richmond Common Council to designate conservation districts and historic preservation districts. Once a landmark or district is designated by ordinance, the Commission serves as the agency that administers the preservation standards required by the designation. These standards are a tool to maintain a structure's, a district's, or a landscape's character defining features. Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness is the formal manner through which the Commission monitors the character and condition of a landmark, or district.

The Commission uses the Wayne County Historic Sites and Structures Inventory (also referred to as the Interim Report) to help them identify contributing, notable or outstanding examples of the area's architectural and cultural heritage. The Interim Report, published in 2001, identified 11 eligible districts and several hundred historic structures

Governance

The nine members of the Richmond Historic Preservation Commission are unpaid volunteers who serve for the good of the city’s efforts to preserve its built environment. The members are appointed by the mayor and are approved by the city council. Each member is appointed for a three year term, and must be knowledgeable in various aspects of preservation. Commission members must be residents of the City of Richmond according to ordinance.

What is a Conservation District?

A Conservation District is a building, site, or area that demonstrates the historic and/or architectural significance of a period in Richmond’s history.

In Richmond, districts are officially designated by City Council after due study and public hearing by the Richmond Historic Preservation Commission. Designation as a Conservation District may be based on historic or architectural significance, or both. Suitability for preservation and educational opportunities are also considered.

Once designated by City Council, the Preservation Commission administers preservation standards that apply to new construction or demolition. Design standards are created for each district based on each district’s unique architectural character. As of June, 2009 Richmond has three conservation districts….. The Richmond Depot District, the Linden Hill District and the Harry Frankel House District.

What is the National Register of Historic Places?

The National Register of Historic Places is the federal government’s official list of cultural resources worthy of preservation. The register was established as part of the Preservation Act of 1966 to protect and preserve historic sites of national significance. The Keeper of the National Register is an administrative branch within the National Park Service that officially reviews nominations of archaeological and historic sites and structures and guides the federal implementation of cultural resources legislation.

Commission Services

Provides technical assistance to owners of historic and older homes within the city limits who are interested in improving their residences or property based on preservation rehabilitation standards including:

Advises on proper painting techniques

Repointing historic masonry with proper mortar mixes

Repair techniques of rotten wood with wood epoxies

Improving energy efficiency with wood storm windows

Advises owners of structures within conservation districts on the Certificate of Appropriateness application process: what information is needed to complete the application, which projects would need an application, which projects would need Commission approval.

Supports and coordinates programs to educate the community regarding preservation techniques and goals.

Serves as a library of preservation resources and research materials which the public may access during business hours.

Protects historic buildings in danger of demolition or significant remuddling through ordinances and preservation standards.

Preserves the character-defining features of an area or structure through standards, legal ordinances, and the Certificate of Appropriateness review process.

Recommends to the Common Council or the County Council local designation of buildings or sites with historic significance.

Provides guideline books for owners of buildings located within historic districts.

Researches the history of an area of buildings, districts, landscape features, and individual residences for designation purposes.

The City of Richmond Historic Preservation Commission Presents:

Historic Richmond Today Video Series