Soulard Star Directory 2025

✯ SOULARD STAR DIRECTORY | 2025 30 • LOCAL HISTORIC DISTRICTS City of St. Louis local historic districts are created by local ordinance and are regulated by the historic district design standards in that ordinance.These standards vary from district to district and are developed by the neighborhood.“Certified” local historic districts have been determined to qualify for the National Register.These districts enjoy the same tax credit benefits as National Register districts. There are 14 historic districts in the city of St. Louis. In local districts, all changes to the exterior of a building must be reviewed by the staff of the city of St. Louis Preservation Commission for compliance with the district’s design standards. HOW IS A HISTORIC DISTRICT CREATED? An area is designated as a National Register Historic District after an application has been submitted to and approved by the State Historic Preservation Officer and then by the National Park Service, acting on behalf of the Secretary of the Interior. For information about nominations, contact the staff of the Cultural Resources Office at 213-622-3400. The process for local historic districts is somewhat different.A petition must be filed by the staff of the city of St. Louis Preservation Commission, the alderman for that ward, or by the owners of 10 percent or more of the land within the proposed district.After numerous public hearings, the Commission, the Community Development Commission, the Board of Public Service and the Board of Aldermen must approve the petition. WHAT IS A PERMIT? A permit is an agreement between the city and the applicant whereby the applicant agrees to follow the city codes and the city agrees to inspect the construction to ensure that codes are followed. WHEN DO I NEED A PERMIT? If your property is located in a city historic district, you need a permit for any exterior work, except painting of wood trim, even if the work would ordinarily not require a permit from the Building Division.Tuckpointing, replacement of roof shingles, new windows or doors, and painting or cleaning of stone or brick all require a Cultural Resources Office (CRO) permit. Generally speaking, a building permit is required when any structural change or major alteration is made to a building or when any new construction is undertaken. Normal maintenance does not require a permit in most instances. Separate permits for plumbing, electrical and mechanical work are required when applicable. WHY DO I NEED A PERMIT? The easiest answer to this question is simply “for your own protection.”A permit guarantees the work will be inspected by the city.The inspector may discover poor work, faulty materials, deviations from plans, and violations of the code that may result in unsafe or hazardous conditions for you and your family. Lack of a required permit is a violation of city ordinance and may result in prosecution in Housing Court with a maximum possible fine of $500, plus court costs. THESE PERMITS ARE REQUIRED BECAUSE: • The citizens of the historic district have sponsored a local ordinance with design standards.The St. Louis Preservation Commission reviews the applications for these permits to ensure that the work complies with the design standards of the historic district. • The design standards are written and enforced to protect the architectural integrity of the buildings in the district.This enforcement has proven to stabilize, and even enhance, property values. • Many owners do not know how to properly maintain historic property.The Commission staff are experts in historic building maintenance.They are happy to provide information to help building owners maintain their property in ways that will ensure their future value. For further information about historic district design standards contact the Cultural Resources Office at 314-622-3400. continued from page 28 continued on page 32