Frequently Asked Questions - Historic Lafayette
Historic Districts
Q: If my house is included in the local historic district, does that mean I have to make it look more historic?A: No, you can maintain the current look of your house as long as you would like. A local historic district only reviews proposed changes to exterior architectural features. Routine maintenance of your house is exempt from review.
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Q: Who reviews changes I want to make to my house if it is in a Historic District? A: The Lafayette Historic Preservation Board is charged with review of proposed changes to the exterior of buildings within a historic district. If approved, the Board issues a Certificate of Appropriateness, which allows the building permit to be issued.
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Q: What kinds of things are reviewed by the Historic Preservation Board? A: Exterior architectural features visible from a public way (e.g., streets and sidewalks) are reviewed. Interior changes, landscaping, building maintenance and exterior features not visible from a public way are not reviewed.
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Q: If my house is in a Historic District can I paint it any color I want?A: Yes. The Lafayette Historic Preservation Board does NOT conduct paint color review.
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Q: If my building was located in a local historic district and I was constructing an addition, what would I have to do? A: Before acquiring the building permit for your addition, you would present your plans to the Historic Preservation Board. The Board would review the proposed plans to make sure that they are appropriate to the historic district. If the addition is appropriate, the Board would issue a Certificate of Appropriateness. You would then present the Certificate to the Building Department to get your building permit.
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Q: Isn’t this just another level of bureaucracy?
A: While it is true that an additional step is needed for some projects, the benefits of protecting the architectural heritage found in Old Town Lafayette outweigh this added step. Old Town contains structures built in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Without a local historic district, these gems that have lasted so long could be demolished or irreparably altered tomorrow.
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Q: What will happen to the value of my property if a local historic district is established?
A: No one can predict the future but studies around the country suggest that property values increase faster in local historic districts.
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Q: My house is on the National Register. Isn’t this enough? A: The National Register is primarily an honorary designation. Your nationally registered property is only minimally protected from state or federal projects. By creating a local historic district, the historic character of Old Town will be much better protected. If your building is on the National Register, it is automatically included on the Lafayette Register of Historic Places.
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Q: If my neighbors and I already maintain the historic character of our properties, why do we need an historic district? A: By having a local historic district, you can be assured that a NEW property owner across the street from your house will also maintain the historic character of Old Town.
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Q: Will my property taxes increase after district designation? A: District designation has NO effect on the assessment of property taxes. Property taxes are based on other factors which do not include historic district designation.
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Q: Are there any tax advantages to being within a historic district?A: State Income Tax Credits are available for properties over 50 years old, which are designated as local landmarks or as contributing structures within a historic district. Prior approval from the State Historical Society is required.
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Q: Will historic district designation change the zoning or allowed uses of my property? A: No.
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