Design Standards

Design standards are often employed by local historic preservation commissions, planning and development agencies, and other organizations to maintain a certain quality of building stock.  The standards are typically applied to certain areas with defined boundaries such as downtowns or historic districts.  Design standards may be formalized through local law or serve only as guidelines.

The purpose of the design standards are to protect investment in historic buildings and encourage better design and planning.  They typically assess architectural styles and characteristics of an area to provide a basis for the recommendations.  Design standards can include recommended guidelines for alterations and additions, infill (new) construction, and site development.  Design standards may include a clause for minimum maintenance provisions.