This has been in the works for a while, but an ordinance is now ready for presentation to the neighborhood, and eventually the Board of Aldermen if the neighborhood thinks it should be. You can find out more about the ordinance tonight.
In order to ensure that future development respects both the formal characteristics and the historic architectural integrity that define the Old North St. Louis neighborhood and to codify standards for the rehabilitation of historic buildings which ensure that alterations maintain historic design integrity, the Old North St. Louis Restoration Group has drafted a Local Historic District Ordinance to be introduced to the Board of Alderman.
We invite property-owners to a Community Information Meeting on Thursday, March 12th from 6:30-8:30pm at 2720 N 14th Street (former Parks Drug building) to learn more about this proposed ordinance, hear from the Director of the Cultural Resources Office, and get your questions answered.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Would I be forced to make improvements to my home?
No, this ordinance would not require the correction of any condition predating the enactment of the ordinance, except the stabilization of vacant buildings.
2. Would I need a permit to perform routine maintenance and repairs?
Small repairs are necessary to prevent deterioration of a building or landscaping element. While such repairs may not require a building permit, a Cultural Resource Office permit would be required for:
a. Tuckpointing over 25% of a facade (spot-pointing does not require a permit)
b. Painting of stone or brick
c. Relayment or repair of parapet walls or coping tiles
d. Replacement or repair of gutters and downspouts
e. Repair of existing walls, steps, stoops, porches, decks or awnings
f. Replacement of windows and doors
g. Installation of retaining walls along a Public or Semi-Public Facade
h. Fences
i. Replacement of roofing material on a sloped roof.
3. What if I can’t afford to make home improvements to these standards?
The Cultural Resources Office staff can help home-owners find the most economical solution which will satisfy these standards. If a solution cannot be found, any section under this code may be exempted due to economic hardship that may be experienced by the owner. All applications for exemptions shall be case and site specific and shall be offered as proof before a hearing before the Preservation Board.
We hope to see you there!
