What is a Conservation District?

A Conservation District is another way for a property to be designated a local historic district through a two-phased process over a 3-year window of time.  During the first phase, a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) is required only for the demolition of any building; the moving of any building; and any new construction of a principle building or accessory building, or structure subject to view from the public way. At the end of the first phase (end of the 3-year period), the Conservation District shall automatically become a Local Historic District unless a majority of the property owners within the conservation district object to elevating the district to a Local Historic District. The objection must be received by the Commission, in writing, no earlier than 180 days or later than 60 days before the adoption of the Conservation District by the Common Council (which is the 3-year anniversary of the day the Conservation District was approved by the Lafayette Common Council).  

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1. What is the Lafayette Historic Preservation Commission?
2. Is there a difference between a National Register Historic District and a Local Historic District?
3. What is a Conservation District?
4. What is a Certificate of Appropriateness?
5. If I want to make a change to my property, what is the procedure?
6. Are there any districts already in Lafayette?
7. Does the Historic Preservation Commission deny many COAs?
8. What about repair and maintenance - Do I have to apply to the Commission for every fix?
9. Can the Lafayette Historic Preservation Commission tell me what color I have to paint my house?
10. Does the Lafayette Historic Preservation Commission have the authority to tell me what landscaping I can install?
11. Does designation as a Local Historic District prevent me from constructing an addition to my house?
12. Does designation as a Local Historic District prevent me from demolishing a building?
13. Does designation as a Local Historic District prevent me from building on a vacant lot?
14. Does designation as a Local Historic District prevent me from installing new windows or doors?
15. What are the benefits of designating my property as part of a Local Historic District?
16. Does designation as a Local Historic District affect my property values?
17. Are there resources for those properties listed within a Local Historic District?
18. If I have questions, who can I contact?