How are “non-contributing” properties regulated?
Often, modern apartments or condominiums built in recent decades exist in the boundaries of a historic district. As they are not targeted for preservation, they are called “non-contributing” buildings, and their design is accepted as is. They are not required to make any changes; however, if changes are requested, those changes are reviewed. The standards of architectural review for nonhistoric properties are based on avoiding increasing adverse impacts to the district. Typically, that process is handled administratively by staff.
Architectural review is a process that applies to all properties inside the boundaries of the historic district. While non-historic, “non-contributing” buildings currently are not targeted for preservation, adverse alterations could be made that would negatively affect the street and neighborhood. The standards of architectural review for non-historic properties are based on avoiding adverse impacts to the district.
