What is the role of the Historic District Commission?

The primary objective of Historic District Commission (HDC) is to preserve and protect the distinctive architectural character of Westport’s Local Historic Properties and Local Historic Districts. The HDC serves the owner’s of designated historic properties by providing staff support and guidance on the stewardship of these properties. In addition to this and in its capacity as a Certified Local Government, the HDC is empowered to serve a number of additional functions.

• Oversee the designated local historic districts and properties in Westport and guide owners through the Certificate of Appropriateness process
• Review requests for the waiver of demolition permits for all structures that are fifty years old or older
• act in an advisory capacity to other Town Departments in matters related to historic preservation

Who makes up the HDC?

The Historic District Commission (HDC) consists of five regular members and three alternate members appointed by the First Selectman for five year terms. A member of the HDC can serve two consecutive terms at a time. Additional provisions are made for members who are appointed to fill a vacancy on the HDC.

What does the HDC do?

The HDC reviews any and all alteration, demolition or construction of buildings and other structures.

When does the HDC meet?

The HDC holds public hearings on the second Tuesday of each month. Pre-Application Meetings, if scheduled, begin at 6:30 pm. Public hearings begin at 7:00 pm.

What is the role of the HDC Administrator?

The HDC Administrator is an employee of the Town of Westport appointed by the First Selectman who is available to assist property owners with requests for designations and modifications to historic properties. This person acts as a liaison to the public and to the Historic Preservation & Museum Division of the Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism. The HDC Administrator maintains all public records related to HDC meetings, prepares the HDC calendar, meeting agendas, minutes, resolutions and notices.

What are the HDC office hours?

The Historic District Commission office is open Monday through Friday during Town Hall business hours.

Where is the HDC Office located?

The Historic District Commission office is located at Town Hall, 110 Myrtle Avenue, Room 108, Westport, Connecticut 06880. The telephone number is (203) 341-1184.

Historic Property Designation

What is the National Register of Historic Places?

The National Register of Historic Places is an ongoing project of the federal government to document the nation’s most significant historic properties (buildings, structures, sites and districts). Although it encourages preservation it cannot mandate design restrictions. Unlike properties which have local designation, the HDC cannot prevent the demolition or inappropriate alteration of a building identified on the National Register . The HDC can request assistance from the Department of Environmental Protection by invoking the Connecticut Environmental Protection Act (CEPA). An historic property may be listed individually on the National Register of Historic Places or it may be listed as one of a group of properties as part of a larger historic district. Historic properties that are income producing and listed on the National Register may qualify for rehabilitation tax credit.

What is the State Register of Historic Places?

Similar to properties/districts on the National Register of Historic Places, an historic property/district may be listed individually on the State Register of Historic Places. Again, this designation is designed to encourage preservation but it does not carry any design restrictions. Unlike properties which have local designation, the HDC cannot prevent the demolition or inappropriate alteration of a building identified on the State Register although it can delay the demolition of these structures for 180 days.

What is a State Archeological Preserve?

Designation as a State Archeological Preserve (SAP) provides protection from unauthorized excavation or disturbances. The HDC has advisory responsibility for any such resources located outside the boundaries of Local Historic Districts or Local Historic Properties.

What is the Historic Resources Inventory?

The Historic Resources Inventory (HRI) is a database which identifies historic resources by name and address. As a Certified Local Government (CLG), the HDC is required to maintain an ongoing survey and inventory system as an informational tool for property owners to provide Historic Resources Forms with the identification of individual resources and narratives describing the property’s architectural and historic significance. Listing on the HRI does not impose a demolition delay or design review process. The HDC has the continuing authority and responsibility to maintain and update the HRI.

What is Local Historic Designation?

The process of local historic designation is initiated by the property owners and includes approval by the Historic District Commission and review by the Connecticut Historic Preservation Council and the Planning and Zoning Commission. The final step in the process is when the RTM approves an ordinance which defines the designation. Once the ordinance is established it is permanent and transfers with the property in perpetuity. Local designation is the primary method which allows the HDC, by state statute, to preserve the character and architecture of Westport’s historic resources.

What is a Local Historic District?

Local Historic Districts are comprised of two or more contiguous properties that possess a significant concentration, linkage, or continuity of buildings, structures, sites or objects that are united historically or aesthetically by plan or physical development.

What is a Local Historic Property?

Local Historic Properties are individual buildings, structures, sites or objects which are historically linked to the Town of Westport in architectural character, heritage, cultural identity or significant historical purpose.

How do I know if my house or neighborhood meets the criteria for historic designation?

For individual properties, consideration is made on a case by case basis. The following are the basic guidelines and at least one should apply:

• Structure is 50 or more years old.
• Property is listed on the Historic Resources Inventory.
• Property is associated with events or persons important to the development of the Town of Westport.
• Someone famous lived there.
• Designed by a significant architect
• Structure is indicative of a significant architectural style or period.

What are the benefits of Local Historic Designation?

Statewide and nationally, experience demonstrates that local historic designation assists in the retention and enhancement of property values by providing a stable market in which to invest. It creates community pride, fosters neighborhood stabilization and enhances the appearance and authentic character of a designated area. Building materials and natural resources expended in original construction retain their usefulness and rehabilitation itself uses less energy and raw materials than new construction. Restoration conserves energy and materials while reinforcing already environmentally sustainable neighborhoods.

Does the HDC have a plaque or historic marker program?

The HDC does not sponsor a plaque program. For information regarding historic plaques or markers, please contact the Westport Museum of History and Culture.

Often, the presence of an historic plaque or marker is confused with designation. These plaques do not denote any specific type of designation or provide protection. While some designated structures do have plaques, most properties with Westport Museum of History and Culture plaques are not designated local historic properties.

Alterations to Designated Properties

What is the procedure for altering a designated property?

When the owner(s) of a designated property wishes to make alterations that are in the public view, they must apply for and obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness.

What is a Certificate of Appropriateness?

A Certificate of Appropriateness is issued by the HDC after a public hearing where they have reviewed proposed alterations, construction or demolition to a particular structure. It recognizes that the proposed exterior changes are appropriate or sympathetic to the period and architectural style of the structure in question. It also grants that these changes are in scale with the streetscape and local historic district characteristics (for properties located in local historic districts). No building permit, including demolition or partial demolition permits, can be issued without a Certificate of
Appropriateness.

What construction activities require a Certificate of Appropriateness?

Click here for a complete listing of regulated activities, or contact the HDC Administrator.

What construction activities do not require a Certificate of Appropriateness?

Click here for a complete listing of non-regulated activities, or contact the HDC
Administrator.

How do I get a Certificate of Appropriateness?

An application for a Certificate of Appropriateness is deemed officially received upon receipt by the office of the HDC. They can render a decision no later than 65 days after the official receipt of an application. An application can be withdrawn by the applicant at any point in the process. Applications for a Certificate of Appropriateness can be found here.

What does a Certificate of Appropriateness cost?

There is no fee for obtaining a Certificate of Appropriateness.

How does the HDC handle violations?

The HDC, by State Statute, has the right to inspect any building or structure that falls under its purview. If construction or demolition activities are proceeding in violation of any HDC regulation or ruling, the HDC can issue a violation and refer it to the appropriate department which may result in the issuance of a Cease and Desist Order and/or a Stop Work Order. For work that is already completed, a Notice of Violation can be issued. Each of these orders or notices states the general nature of violation and orders the property owner to appear before the HDC for its determination both as to required remedial work and a schedule for its completion.

Westport Demolition Ordinance

What is the Westport Demolition Ordinance?

The Town of Westport imposes for all structures 50 years of age of older a 180-day demolition delay. A property owner may apply for a waiver, but such waivers are typically granted only for properties that do not possess significant architectural, cultural or historical characteristics.