What does it mean to live in a historic district?
Local historic districts have been designated by the City because they contain buildings with unique architectural and historic significance. Properties within the historic districts are subject to design review, which means that any exterior alterations made to the property must first be approved by the City of Waterloo Historic Preservation Commission. This is done to ensure that the historic quality of the buildings and the neighborhoods are maintained.
What is the difference between Zoning Codes and the Historic Commission's Design Guidelines?
Zoning codes through the Planning Department designate what piece of ground can be used for such as residential, commercial, industrial, mixed use, etc. Design Guidelines define the character of the neighborhood to not only keep the historic character of the neighborhood but also to insure that home values are not harmed by poorly designed changes
What does designation of a local Historic District do to my property values?
While it is difficult to say what will happen with a specific historic district, in many places around the country homes in a historic district sell for more than an identical home that is not in a historic district.
Are there benefits of owning property in a locally designated historic district?
Yes. Designation is an honor, indicating the community believes the district deserves recognition and protection. A local historic district designation has no effect on local property tax rates for property owners within the designated district; however, historic zoning can help stabilize property values by maintaining the neighborhood’s character and it benefits property owners by protecting them from inappropriate changes made by other owners that might destroy the special qualities of the neighborhood.
As a property owner in a local historic district, can I still make changes to my property?
Yes. Even though you live in an historic district, you can still make changes to your property. However, the Historic Preservation Commission is tasked with ensuring that the proposed changes meet the design guidelines and will not harm the character of the neighborhood.
What is a Certificate of Appropriateness?
A Certificate of Appropriateness is the approval granted by the Historic Preservation Commission that enables a property owner to make exterior changes including: alteration, restoration, construction, reconstruction, relocation or demolition to a property that is listed as a designated local historic landmark or in a designated local historic district.
How do I acquire a Certificate of Appropriateness?
To start the Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) process, you can either come to the Community Planning and Development office on the second floor of city hall or access the form from the Historic Preservation Commission website. Fill out the form and return it to the Community Planning and Development office either in person or by email. The COA needs to be turned in by the first Tuesday of the month for it to be on the agenda for the Historic Preservation Commission, meeting held on the third Tuesday of the month. Most meetings are located in the First Floor Conference room; although some meetings may be in the Mollenhoff room or the City Council chambers which both can be found on the second floor. You can check with the staff person assigned to the Historic Preservation Commission to verify where the meeting will be held.
Do I need to hire professionals to present my plan to the Historic Preservation Commission?
It is not necessary to hire a professional to present your plan, however it is important for either you or a representative to come to the commission meeting so any questions that may arise can be answered. If the commissioners has questions and there is no one to represent you at the meeting then the commission may table the item to the following month.
Must I get a Certificate of Approval before I get a permit from another city department?
Yes, you must obtain a Certificate of Approval before the building department issues a building, sign, or master use permit or the Engineering Department will issues a street use permit.
What is a Certificate of Appropriateness?
A Certificate of Appropriateness is the approval granted by the Historic Preservation Commission that enables a property owner to make exterior changes including: alteration, restoration, construction, reconstruction, relocation or demolition to a property that is listed as a designated local historic landmark or in a designated local historic district.
How do I acquire a Certificate of Appropriateness?
To start the Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) process, you can either come to the Community Planning and Development office on the second floor of city hall or access the form from the Historic Preservation Commission website. Fill out the form and return it to the Community Planning and Development office either in person or by email. The COA needs to be turned in by the first Tuesday of the month for it to be on the agenda for the Historic Preservation Commission, meeting held on the third Tuesday of the month. Most meetings are located in the First Floor Conference room; although some meetings may be in the Mollenhoff room or the City Council chambers which both can be found on the second floor. You can check with the staff person assigned to the Historic Preservation Commission to verify where the meeting will be held.
Do I need to hire professionals to present my plan to the Historic Preservation Commission?
It is not necessary to hire a professional to present your plan, however it is important for either you or a representative to come to the commission meeting so any questions that may arise can be answered. If the commissioners has questions and there is no one to represent you at the meeting then the commission may table the item to the following month.
Must I get a Certificate of Approval before I get a permit from another city department?
Yes, you must obtain a Certificate of Approval before the building department issues a building, sign, or master use permit or the Engineering Department will issues a street use permit.
Why do I have to get a Certificate of Approval and a building permit?
The Certificate of Appropriateness is issued by the Historic Preservation Commission while a building permit is issued by the City of Waterloo building department. The Historic Preservation Commission only looks at how the changes will affect the character of the home; the building department will insure that any changes are in accordance with the City of Waterloo Building Code. An inspector will review that the changes made have conform to that building code while the staff person assigned to the Historic Preservation Commission will insure that the changes were done according to what was approved by the commission.
How are "non-contributing" properties regulated?
Architectural review is a process that applies to all properties inside the boundaries of the historic district. While non-historic, "non-contributing" buildings currently are not targeted for preservation, adverse alterations could be made that would negatively affect the street and neighborhood. The standards of architectural review for non-historic properties are based on avoiding adverse impacts to the district.
Will I be able to replace my windows?
The recommendations of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Secretary of Interior's Standards for the Rehabilitation of Historic Buildings, encourage the preservation of original wood windows. Wood windows can be easily repaired and made weather-tight. When repair is not feasible, replacements may be approved, but on a window-by-window determination by the Historic Preservation Commission. More information on windows and window replacement is available from the historic district design guidelines.
Is work on the interior of a building reviewed by the Historic Preservation Commission?
The historic district commission only reviews work to the exterior of a building. If the work you are doing on the interior will affect the exterior of the resource, such as closing up a window or moving a doorway, you may have to show the commission the plans for the interior work to explain why the changes are being made to the exterior. This would be viewed as supporting documentation. The historic district commission does not review interior work.
Are yard or landscape features reviewed by the Historic Preservation Commission?
Yes, landscape features are reviewed by the Historic Preservation Commission. This could include large trees that line the streets, historic fences, drive and walk ways, stone walls, old shrubs that define property lines in a neighborhood, a historic garden designed by a known landscape architect, a park or green. The key word is significant. The commission does not review every plant or garden but it does review major historic landscape features or landscape features that have been determined to be character-defining for the district.
Does the Commission review what I do to the back of my house?
The Commission reviews all exterior changes, including those not visible from the street. The entire house, garage, and yard contribute to the historic character of the district.
Will the Commission make me restore my old house to its original appearance?
You will not be required to return your home to its original appearance if the changes took place before the Historic District was created. However, restoring the original character of your home could improve the value of the structure and neighborhood.
Would I be allowed to build an addition to my property?
Yes, but the design would have to be reviewed to ensure it meets the Secretary of the Interior's Standards and the City of Waterloo Historic Design Guidelines.
Isn't it more expense to preserve historic features then to replace them?
The answer to this question depends on the feature, its design and material. However, there are some things that a property owner can do to ensure that they are getting the best advice and best price when repairing historic features.
First, it is important to get an estimate on the work from a contractor that has experience in working with historic buildings. Contractors without historic preservation experience typically recommend wholesale replacement of historic materials because they do not have an understanding of how they work or where to get them.
Second, it is important to find companies that manufacture features that are compatible with historic buildings at reasonable costs. Such companies can be found through the Internet or advertisements in magazines like the Old House Journal.
Third, preservation isn’t about the cheap quick fix; it involves investing in a property so that it will withstand the test of time. Investing in quality materials up front is often more cost-effective in the long run. After all, the wood windows in a historic home have probably been in service for over 100 years—and that is a pretty good return on the initial investment. On the City of Waterloo Historic Preservation Commission website you will find links to the state database of recommended firms that do historic work.
I hear I can't use vinyl on my home. Why?
Vinyl does a poor job of protecting the home underneath as moisture is sealed in, so the structure cannot “breathe.” This provides a haven for termites and bacteria which eventually destroy the structure underneath. Cost is often a consideration for choice of siding or window materials, however there are better options.
The City of Waterloo’s Historic Design Guidelines is great source of
information. The guidelines were written to assist you as a property owner when it comes to planning a home improvement project, to ensure that the proposed work will help preserve the historic character of the property and the neighborhood. Remember that any exterior changes to property located within a historic district are subject to review before the project begins.
Are there any tax-breaks or financial assistance available from the City?
The City has some programs that apply to certain historic districts, operated by the Community Planning and Development Office which abates taxes on an increase in value of 10% or more from improvements made to a building. In addition the state also has a historic tax credit that is available. The federal government has tax credits but they are tailored to income producing properties.
The City of Waterloo Community Development Lead Hazard Control Grant completes improvements to your home to remove lead based paint. Both owner-occupied and rental homes can participate
- Your home must have been built before 1978
- You must have a child that is less than 5 years of age either living in the home or who visits the home
- You must be income eligible
- Call 319-291-4429 for more details
Who is on the Commission?
Volunteers and citizens of the city with a diverse range of backgrounds, professions, and interests, but who all share a common interest in preserving historical aspects of our city. If you are interested in serving on the commission contact the mayor’s office which has responsibility for filling positions on all city boards and commissions.
What if I have further questions?
You may either contact your neighborhood association, the City of Waterloo Community Planning and Development Office staff person assigned to the commission at 319-291-4366 or the City of Waterloo Building Department at 319-291-4319. They will try to answer any questions you have or direct you to someone who would be able to give you the information you need.
Any tips or suggestions on how to research your home's history and preservation it?
Here's a great website with suggestions on how to find the history of your home.
https://www.housinglist.com/articles/home-history-preservation-and-research
