Progress & Preservation...Together

Frequently Asked Questions

Apr 16, 2002

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
A) Add a second story to our house? Yes, the second story must be subordinate to the first. Pg. 27-30 and Pg. 6-last paragraph*

B) Finish the new exterior with stucco? Yes, intent is to architecturally tie old to new. Pg. 29, photo #37*

C) Install Cape Cod Windows? Yes, if Cape Cod Windows are in the style of your home. Pg. 14*

D) Use the color of our choice to paint the exterior? Yes, Yes. Pg. 36*

E) Utilize xeriscape or Southwestern Style landscaping for the yard? Yes. The Design Guidelines do not address issues around landscaping. Remember, only exterior changes requiring a City building permit activate the design review process. Pg. 12, photo #6; pg. 22-24, photos #25-28*

F) Install an air conditioning unit? Yes. Pg. 25*

G) Replace our brick garage with a frame garage? Depends on many factors. Overall condition, contributing or non-contributing structure, however, design review appears more lenient on garages than housing. Pg 48-51; Pg. 41, photos #58 & 59*

H) Install a lawn sprinkler system? Yes. Again, as in question E above, design review does not apply

.I) Cut down existing mature trees and shrubbery? Yes, though removing mature trees is strongly discouraged. Only exterior changes requiring a City building permit necessitate the design review process.

J) Install a dish on the roof? Yes, installation should minimize the visual impact of the item. Pg. 25*

K) Place playground equipment in our yard? Yes. Same response as in question E, H and I above.

L) Replace a window with glass brick? Yes, if glass block was original. Pg. 15*

M) Can I replace my entry door? Yes, though if original, preservation is the first choice. If not original or beyond repair, then the door replacement should be similar to original finishes and avoid change in position or proportion. Pg. 13, photos #7*

N) Can I gut the inside of my house? Yes, design review applies only to exterior design that requires a City building permit. Pg. iv, Preface*

O) Can I put up aluminum storm windows? Not raw aluminum, but pre-finished aluminum clad may be ok. Consider storm windows as an alternative to window replacement. Pg. 15*

P) Is demolition of our house or others in the neighborhood allowed? Probably not, although it depends on many factors. Please reference the Design Guidelines on pg. 48-51*

Q) What is the difference between landmark and covenant regulation? Covenants regulate such things as house color, landscape or cars allowed around your house. The basis of design review is compatibility with the historical character of the district. Design guidelines are utilized to make decisions. Pg. iv, Preface; Landmark Preservation Ordinance, Chap. 30, Revised Municipal Code*

R) Does historical designation lower the value of the homes in the neighborhood? No. There are several excellent studies and resources that help in answering this question and others.

The reference page numbers throughout this document refer to *DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR LANDMARK STRUCTURES and DISTRICTS published March 1995 by the City and County of Denver. It can be attained in three ways:
1. DESIGN GUIDELINES can be purchased for $5.00 from the City and County of Denver Planning Department - or - from Progress & Preservation . . . Together (PPT).
2. Download from the internet at site: www.DenverGov.org
3. Review at the Eugene Field Library where this book and other materials are on reserve for neighborhood viewing.

Another excellent resource is the PPT publication: "WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HISTORIC DESIGNATION?" This is available by calling PPT at 303.733.7089 or at the Eugene Field Library. Also, please refer to our website at: www.neighborhoodlink.com/org/ppt.