Page 47 - Reflect DSM (City of Des Moines, IA)

architectural character in identified Historic Preservation Design
Historic Districts.” Guidelines
▪ LU Policy 35: “Encourage expansion The City has developed a series of
and establishment of national Historic
Districts, local historic districts and local guidelines to assist the HPC in making
landmarks.” decisions regarding COA applications.
– Community Character and Neighborhoods These guidelines provide information about
(CCN) Goal 4: “Protect Des Moines’ historic designing compatible new development
and cultural assets that contribute to and the rehabilitation of existing structures
neighborhood and community identity.” in a local historic district. The Des Moines
▪ CCN Policy 24: “Develop an updated HPC currently utilizes three design guidelines
historic preservation plan.” documents:
▪ CCN Policy25: “Partner with the historic – Architectural Guidelines for Local Historic
preservation community to promote Des Districts - Building Rehab;
Moines’ rich history through education – Architectural Guidelines for Local Historic
and outreach on historic structures, Districts - New Construction; and
districts, and landscapes.”
– Fence Guidelines for Local Historic Districts.
▪ CCN Policy 26: “Partner with the historic
preservation community to identify
historic districts also ensuring context Development Review Codes
sensitive infill and redevelopment.” Adopted in 2019, the new Zoning and
▪ CCN Policy 27: “Develop policies that Planning and Design Codes are the first
prioritize rehabilitation over demolition of comprehensive re-write of Des Moines’
historic structures and in historic districts.” 1965 zoning code. In addition to focusing
▪ CCN Policy 28: “Enforce local historic on land use, the update called for forms
district and local landmark regulations.” and building types based on careful study
Policy CCN24, listed as an Intermediate of each street in the city. Chapters 134 and
Action, provides a clear directive supporting 135 of the update address zoning districts
the process to create this Plan. and permitted land uses, and have the goal
of preserving and enhancing the character
Community Preservation Plan of the city’s neighborhoods. The update is
not designed to infringe on the purpose of
Adopted in 1995, the Community the historic preservation program, but to
Preservation Plan was the City’s first effort reinforce the importance of local historic
to plan for the protection and stewardship buildings and districts in order to maintain
of the community’s historic, architectural the character of Des Moines.
and natural resources. It established a series
of goals and policies to guide preservation Staff
planning.
In addition to the HPC, LRB and City
Council, City staff are involved with every
aspect of the administration of the historic
preservation program. The Planning and
Urban Design Division of the Development
Services Department manages the historic
preservation program. It prepares reports

Adopted Plan (September 2023) 41