Frequently Asked Questions about Littleton’s proposed Downtown Historic District
| The Downtown Design Standards
and Guidelines were approved on March 13, 2006. For more information,
please contact the Community Development Department at 303-795-3748. |
What is a historic district?
A Historic District is an area designated by City Council as having a concentration of buildings and sites that have historical value, notable architectural character and/or embody the cultural heritage of the community. A district constitutes a distinct area that is worthy of preservation for the future character and identity of the community.
What is the purpose of the Downtown Historic District?
- To preserve and enhance the character of the City’s historic core.
- To encourage redevelopment that complements the historical distinctive quality of Downtown Littleton.
- To provide a vision for the future of Downtown Littleton.
Property owners are doing a pretty good job of maintaining and redeveloping their buildings Downtown, so why change anything?
Grant money may be available (see proposed incentives package) for professional design assistance, façade renovation and other projects to help preserve the area, which may encourage new investment.
State and federal tax incentives become available to encourage owners to improve their buildings and bring investment to Downtown.
Establishing a historic district would ensure that redevelopment is appropriate to the historic fabric of the area. As properties change hands, new owners will also be subject to review by design guidelines.
Property owners as well as potential investors (prospective property owners and business owners) have assurances of how the area will develop in the future.
Do I have any say as to whether my property is included in a historic district?
Yes. Before a local historic district is designated, all residents and owners of property in the proposed district have the opportunity to express their views either in writing or in person to the Historical Preservation Board and the City Council.
Will inclusion in a local historic district restrict how I use my property?
No. Historic district designations do not restrict zoning or land use.
Would the Historic District affect the zoning or density of my lot?
No. Zoning and density would still be subject to the zoning codes currently in force. However, there is currently a proposed incentive for the district to relax parking requirements for existing buildings and new additions. Please refer to the handout on incentives for more information.
Are all buildings in a historic district necessarily historic?
No. When a boundary for historic district is drawn, it may include non-historic properties as well. Non-historic buildings are subject to the same review for façade changes and additions, and would also eligible for the proposed incentives (see proposed incentives package).
Would I be able to add on to my building?
Yes. New construction must be sensitive and compatible with the existing building. If possible, new construction should be concentrated on the rear (non-public) of the building. Although the addition should be compatible with the existing structure and the district, it should also be differentiated, so as not to be confused with the original historic structure. Additions, like other alterations, must comply with established design guidelines.
If I want to replace my storefront with a new storefront that is identical in materials and design, would I have to get approval from the City for it?
No. Replacements that do not change the design or type of materials on the exterior of a building are considered maintenance and not subject to review under the Historic Preservation code.
Would there be any restrictions on the interior of my building?
No. Historic districts place no restrictions on a building’s interior.
How long would it take to get approval from the City for an alteration to my building?
Changes to the exterior of a building require a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA). Depending on the nature of the work, the COA may be approved by staff or by the Historical Preservation Board. Time frames are as follows:
Staff review: 1-2 weeks (can be concurrent with building permit review)
Board review: 5-8 weeks
(Note: the Board will consider ways to expedite the COA approval process at their January 19, 2005 meeting)
If I am unhappy with a decision made by the Historical Preservation Board concerning my Certificate of Appropriateness, may I appeal?
Yes. Appeals may be made to the Littleton City Council.
What costs are associated with the historic district?
Building materials and design associated with the quality of a historic district may increase the cost of rehabilitation or new construction. Tax credits together with grants that have been proposed as part of the incentives package can help defray the additional cost.
Check with your insurance agent about any potential changes to your policy should it be included in a local historic district. Also see the City’s FAQ handout on what the City would require in case of damage or loss of a structure in a historic district, which may provide helpful information for your agent to make an assessment.
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