Historic Designation Criteria Checklist

The Historic District Commission (HDC) uses the following checklist to assist it in evaluating the significance of nominated multi-resource and single-site historic districts. The decision to designate a district is discussed by the HDC based on the criteria that apply to the nominated site(s).

The checklist summarizes many of the significance factors that the HDC looks for, which are more fully described in the Historic District Eligibility section.

Level of site significance:

• Local
• State
• National

Condition of structure and site:

• "Substantially Altered" (basic shape, original façade plan, windows and doors have been obscured or changed)
• Minor alterations (porch removal or enclosure, roof material replacement, siding added over old siding, basic mass and fenestration intact
• Original or near original condition (all changes reversible)
• Outbuildings present and recognizable
• Original site and setting largely preserved (lot size, environmental character trees, setbacks, streetscape)

Standing structures and sites, including archeological sites, must be determined to be significant in one or more of the following criteria to be found eligible for designation:

A. Historical and cultural significance:

• Has character, interest, or value as part of the development, heritage or cultural characteristics of the City
• Has character, interest, or value as part of the development, heritage or cultural characteristics of the County
• Has character, interest, or value as part of the development, heritage or cultural characteristics of the State
• Has character, interest, or value as part of the development, heritage or cultural characteristics of the Nation
• Is the site of a significant historic event
• Is identified with a person or a group of persons who influenced society
• Exemplifies the cultural, economic, social, political or historic heritage of the County and its communities

B. Architectural and design significance:

• Embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period or method of construction
• Represents the work of a master
• Possesses high artistic values
• Represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction
• Represents an established or familiar visual feature of the neighborhood, community or county due to its singular physical characteristic or landscape