Historical April 1976 discussion of the proposed district and period permit requirements; not current legal guidance.
The basis for much of the enforcement power of an Historic District ordinance comes from the City’s requirement of building permits and its ability to review construction designs before granting such permits. It is important, therefore, to know when building permits are required by the City. Usually, companies doing a job for a property owner apply for the permit, and many residents may not be aware that such permits have been granted for work on their property. Below is a list is “for instances”, places where exterior work on the front of buildings will require permits and therefore where designs will be reviewed, where the Landmarks and Urban Design Commission will consult the appearance standards of an Historic District before granting a building permit.
1. New structures of any description, including main buildings, garages, carports, attached porches, sun decks, room additions, extensions or enlargement of existing rooms; also small accessory buildings over 35 square feet in area.
2. Entire new roof, when work is not a replacement of like material.
3. New siding over 25% coverage.
4. New fences of any type. Replacement of existing fencing with like material, over 20 lineal feet.
5. Retaining walls over 18 inches high.
6. Any excavation or fill creating a permanent change in elevation more than 6 inches along property lines.
7. Repair or removal of vacant and vandalized buildings and/or garages; or removal of any building or structure.
8. Awnings or canopies located at first floor levels that project over property lines, or over 30 square feet in projected area.
9. Exterior stairs or steps, of any material, that are attached to the structure.
10. All fire damage repair to any structure.
Originally published in The Paper, April 1976.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1976_04.pdf, printed page(s) 8; PDF page(s) 8.
