Local Preservation Ordinances

Protect the character of the places your community loves.
Unfortunately, less than 25% of the historic district properties in Connecticut are protected by local regulation.  But your community can develop a formal process to regulate properties on the local, State, and National Registers of Historic Places.  Often, regulation is tied to the federal Secretary of the Interior Standards on Rehabilitation.  Learn more about local preservation laws. 

Our Model Ordinance

Preservation Connecticut has drafted a model Historic Preservation Ordinance, based on the ordinances that have been successfully adopted in Hartford and other communities.  It has also assembled a Local Historic Districts page, which maps all of Connecticut’s local historic districts and contains a wealth of information for historic district commissioners and property owners.  Your community can adapt our model to choose the degree of involvement that best suits you.

Hartford’s Example

One model for your community might be the City of Hartford, which adopted Connecticut’s first municipal preservation ordinance in 2006.  Since then, Hartford’s volunteer historic commission has reviewed over 5,000 applications for new construction or alterations in local, State, and National Register districts. To minimize delays, the commission delegates routine matters to City staff. Thus simple projects, such as replacing a roof in like materials, can bypass the commission hearing.

The Hartford commission also works with property owners to find solutions and even to approve alternate materials for siding or replacement windows, if the alternate materials do not seriously impair historic character.

Our Circuit Riders can help your community.

Become a Member or Donate Today!

GET INVOLVEDDONATE