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Early Notification Pilot Program for Historic Properties
What is the Early Notification Pilot Program for Historic Properties?
- A voluntary, early consultation process between property owners/developers and the public-- with a goal to help streamline the formal Preservation Project application review process
- An opportunity to resolve design issues early in the process
- Priority in the application review process for projects that have been through the Early Notification Pilot Program
- A streamlining product of the Development Oversight Commission working with members of the public and City staff
Who can benefit from this process?
- Property owners, developers, builders, architects, homeowners, and other owner representatives with major projects involving Landmark and Historic District properties.
How does the Early Notification Program Work?
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Informal Process
Developers/property owners contemplating a major project involving historic properties, but prior to submitting a formal project application:
- Prospective applicants contact City Preservation Staff to determine if the project being considered is a Major Project or a Minor Project
- If a Major Project, City Staff will provide the prospective applicants with current electronic Stakeholder Registry list
- Prospective applicants meet with Stakeholders and try to reach consensus prior to application submittal
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Formal Process
Based on a two-week cycle, preservation staff posts project application plans on the City’s website and issues electronic early notification to the current stakeholder registry, in addition to mailing early notification to property owners within a 500-foot radius of the project site, and posting the project site with a special Early Notification sign.
- Within two weeks of the early notification date, registry stakeholders comment on the project.
- If comments are not supportive of the submitted project, preservation staff will host a meeting with the applicant and registry stakeholders to attempt to identify possible solutions.
- After comments are received and project plans are completed, staff sets a hearing date and mails and posts the legal notice of a public hearing.
- The Preservation hearing is held, then submitted for Building Permits or other approvals that may be required to construct the project.
What is considered a major project?
- Significant alterations or additions to character-defining features or original fabric of historic properties
- New construction on sites of historic properties
- Infill projects on vacant lots in Historic Districts
- Projects that are not exempt from environmental reviews
- Projects requiring Public Hearings by either the Preservation Director or the Design Review & Preservation Board
What are the benefits?
- Opportunity for early project input from community, neighbors and staff
- Pre-application assistance in compliance with preservation standards and application requirements
- Early notification registry
- Priority in the application review process
For additional information or to participate in this program:
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