How does historic designation affect property values and property taxes?
Historic designation, as such, appears to be neutral in terms of property values and taxes. The neighborhood stability and improvement which is encouraged by historic designation makes a neighborhood more attractive to purchasers and that increased marketability may cause a rise in value. Since property tax is based on property value there is a concurrent rise in property taxes. In other historic districts, however, there has not been a rise in value and taxes, indicating that historic designation is not a factor. Designation itself appears to be neutral in that regard. • What regulations apply to properties that have historic designation? Answer: A building permit is required for any significant exterior alteration to a building or site in a designated or proposed historic district. The Historic District Commission, a body appointed by the Mayor and staffed by the City of Detroit Planning and Development Department, administers a building permit application review procedure. The Commi
