Detroit Historic District Commission FAQ
Application forms and guidelines are available online at the Detroit Historic District Commission's website.
The Detroit Historic District Commission is a city agency that was formed by Detroit Ordinance 161-H in 1976. Its purpose is to ensure the preservation of historically and culturally significant areas of the City which are designated by the City Council as Historic Districts. The Commission is made up of seven Detroit residents who are appointed by Mayor Kilpatrick.
It is the Commission's job to ensure that changes proposed in historic districts preserve important historic characteristics and are compatible with the historic buildings. This is achieved through the city's building permit process. When proposing a change to the exterior of a property such as landscaping, paint colors, windows, or doors the homeowner or contractor submits an application for building permit to the Commission for review. If the work is appropriate the Commission, or in some instances the Commission's staff will issue a certificate of appropriateness which allows the Buildings and Safety Engineering Department to issue a building permit.
What are the rules for living in a Detroit Historic District?
Detroit's Historic Districts are wonderful places to live, and you can take part in saving Detroit's history for future generations. The buildings and landscaping are all important in a historic district and the Detroit Historic District Commission ("Commission") regulates changes to be sure the historic character is preserved.
As a homeowner you do have an added responsibility. All exterior changes to your house, including painting, fencing, roof replacement, and other types of changes must be approved by the Commission. Homeowners who wish to make exterior changes to their house must obtain an "Application for Building Permit" from the Detroit Buildings and Safety Engineering Department located on the 4th floor of the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center (former City County Building). Once the application is completed it should be mailed or brought to the Commission offices on the 13th floor of Cadillac Tower. Once the application is approved it is returned to the Buildings and Safety Engineering Department. Once the applicant pays the building permit fee the building permit is issued and work can begin on the house.
What can I do to the inside of my house?
The Commission does not regulate changes to the interior of a house, unless the interior change affects the exterior experience.
How do I know what colors to paint my house?
The Commission has a publication called Detroit Historic Districts Style and Color Guide that gives the acceptable colors depending on the style of the house. Color charts and instructions are provided by the Commission staff.
Does the Commission review what I do to the back of my house?
The Commission is required to review all exterior changes, including those not visible from the street. The entire house, garage and yard contribute to the historic character of the district.
How does the Commission decide whether to approve my project?
The Commission is required to use "The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation and Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings" when deciding whether work is appropriate in a historic district.
How can I find out more?
More information on Commission guidelines and procedures is on the Historic District Commission Guidelines and Procedures page or contact HBEA with a question. Or go to the source and contact the Commission's Staff:
Susan McBride - (313) 224-6536 or SMcBride@pdd.ci.detroit.mi.us