Historic Preservation Guidelines – What You Can (and Can’t) Do
Rules, Regulations, and Renovations: Navigating the Preservation Playbook
So, you’ve bought a beautiful old house—congratulations! You now own a piece of history. But before you whip out the paintbrush or order new windows online, it’s time for a little heart-to-heart with the world of historic preservation guidelines.
These rules exist to protect your home's architectural integrity, not to make your life harder (though it may feel like it at times). The trick is knowing where the line is between what you can do yourself, what needs approval, and what’s absolutely off-limits. Let’s walk through the do’s, don’ts, and gray areas of working on a historically designated property.
What Are Historic Preservation Guidelines?
Preservation guidelines are rules set by:
Local historic districts
State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPOs)
The National Park Service (if you’re listed on the National Register)
These guidelines aim to ensure that any restoration or renovation work stays in harmony with the structure’s historic character.
Commonly Regulated Elements
While rules can vary depending on your location, here are the areas that are typically under the microscope:
🔹 Windows and Doors – You usually need approval before replacing, altering, or even repainting these.
🔹 Exterior Materials – Siding, masonry, and trim must often be preserved or restored with period-appropriate materials.
🔹 Paint Colors – Some districts require specific historically accurate color palettes.
🔹 Rooflines and Porches – Major alterations to roof shape, pitch, or porch design are often restricted.
🔹 Additions and New Construction – Must be compatible in scale, style, and material (but clearly distinguishable from the old).
What You Can Usually Do
✅ Regular maintenance – Painting, cleaning, glazing, and repairing without altering the original appearance.
✅ Interior work – Unless you’re on the National Register or in a local district with interior restrictions, most interior changes are up to you.
✅ Reversible upgrades – Storm windows, insulation, and weatherstripping are often allowed—especially if they don’t damage original features.
✅ Window restoration – You’ll win major preservation points (and often avoid red tape) by restoring instead of replacing.
What You Likely Can’t Do (Without Approval)
🚫 Replace original windows with vinyl or aluminum – This is usually a big no-no.
🚫 Alter historic façades – Modifying the visual front-facing elements of your home can result in violations (and possibly fines).
🚫 Remove decorative trim or architectural features – Even if you think that gingerbread trim is “too much,” preservation boards likely want it to stay.
🚫 Demolish or add without review – Even minor additions might require review to ensure they align with the scale and style of your home.
How to Stay in Compliance
📝 Check Your Designation – Are you on the National Register? In a local historic district? Rules vary significantly.
📞 Talk to the Local Preservation Office – Before doing anything exterior, contact your local board. They’re usually more helpful than you’d expect!
📷 Document Existing Conditions – Take clear before photos in case you need to demonstrate you’re restoring, not altering.
📚 Submit Plans – For regulated work, you may need to submit drawings, descriptions, and even sample materials for approval.
⌛ Be Patient – Review processes can take time. Don’t schedule contractors until you have the green light.
Tips for a Smoother Process
Use the right terminology – Say “restore” instead of “replace.”
Hire experienced pros – Contractors familiar with historic guidelines can help you avoid costly mistakes.
Start small – Begin with lower-impact work (like storm windows) to build trust with your preservation board.
💡 Pro Insight: Restoring your original windows often helps you avoid triggering replacement rules entirely. It’s both compliant and conservation-minded!
Conclusion: Preservation is a Partnership
Yes, there are rules. Yes, they can be frustrating. But preservation guidelines exist to protect the irreplaceable beauty of historic homes—yours included. With the right information, proactive communication, and a restoration-first mindset, you can navigate the process like a pro and keep your house historically fabulous (and compliant).
