Over the past several weeks we’ve covered several aspects of
creating local historic districts, including deciding to
establish a local historic district, considering where its
boundaries should be, and getting community buy-in. This week,
we’re looking at keeping the local in your historic district,
because districts are not a one-size-fits-all solution. 1. Think
beyond your buildings. The most successful historic districts
take the streetscape and surrounding landscape into account.
Aiken, SC, for example, uses its historic district to not only
manage the built environment, but also to maintain the
community’s pastoral quality -- with even certain trees
designated as landmarks. 2. Consider your local zoning
regulations. Historic districts work best when they are hand-in-
hand with supportive land use and zoning laws. To achieve this
balance -- and avoid an incompatible big-box store in your
historic downtown -- it may be necessary to amend local zoning.
3. Look for signs. That is, consider the signage in and