How was the Palm Heights Historic District identified?

The proposed district was identified by a consultant who completed a historic resources survey of the neighborhood using a grant from the State Office of Historic Preservation.

What are the boundaries of the district?

The district is bounded by Merrill Avenue to the north, the north side of Central Avenue to the south, the west side of Brockton Avenue to the east, and the east side of Arch Way to the west.

Why is the district called Palm Heights?

An application to nominate a historic district may be submitted by the Cultural Heritage Board, by City Council, by petition of property owners in the proposed district, or by any person, organization, or entity.

Who nominates a historic district for designation?

An application to nominate a historic district may be submitted by the Cultural Heritage Board, by City Council, by petition of property owners in the proposed district, or by any person, organization, or entity.

Who designates a historic district?

Historic Districts are designated by the City Council upon recommendation by the Cultural Heritage Board.

How do residents participate in the designation process?

Public participation in the designation process is required by City Council Resolution No. 18842. In accordance with the resolution, the City Council establishes a Neighborhood Advisory Committee (NAC) which will meet to discuss boundaries and the district name. The resolution also requires that the City hold at least one public workshop in advance of starting the designation process to inform property owners and residents of the process and receive input.

How will the district be designated?

The nomination will be considered in a public hearing by the Cultural Heritage Board, which will be scheduled following public input in the designation process in accordance with Resolution No. 18842. This hearing will be the opportunity for owners and residents of properties within the district to comment on the nomination. The district may then be designated by City Council upon the recommendation of the Cultural Heritage Board.

What are the responsibilities of owners and residents of properties in a historic district?

If your property is located within the Palm Heights Historic District, all exterior alterations, additions, repairs, and the like require a Certificate of Appropriateness application that must be reviewed by the Cultural Heritage Board and/or staff of the Planning Department. This includes alterations that do not require building permits. This does not mean you cannot make changes to a building. It does mean that proposed changes must be compatible with the existing architectural character and meet the Citywide Residential Historic District Design Guidelines and design review criteria of the Cultural Resources Ordinance.

How can I find out more about the district and incentives for owning a home in a historic district?

Resolution # 21669, adopted on July 9, 2008, declared that the area be known as the Palm Heights Historic District.

You can find more information about the district and incentives by using the text links to the Planning Division web site provided on this page.