Page 90 - Reflect DSM (City of Des Moines, IA)
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Local Historic Districts vs. National M2. Maintain a set of Certificate of
Register Historic Districts Appropriateness informational
tools to ensure consistent
Refer to Chapter 3, pages 33-37 for more application review and inform
information on this distinction. potential applicants of the
expectations for approval.
Goal Goal Goal
Conservation Districts 1 2 3
Often considered a "preservation lite" a. Update the internal database of
tool, conservation districts offer an COA application projects. For each
application, this database should
opportunity to preserve the character include:
of a neighborhood that may not merit • Location;
historic designation. Property owner
support and design review is still required • Link to designation information;
for properties within a conservation • Key topics;
district, but the review often focuses • Relevant design guidelines;
on topics such as building form and • Staff recommendations;
setbacks rather than detailed changes • HPC discussion points; and
to existing building fabric. Like a historic • HPC decisions to use as a means
district, specific boundaries must be to maintain consistency between
determined for a conservation district. decisions of projects of a similar
These may overlap or align with the nature.*
City's zoning districts, and may be b. After updating the internal COA
supported by the standards established database, publish a simplified version
in the form-based code. Conservation with an easy-to-navigate visual
districts often include design guidelines dashboard to the Historic Preservation
to describe and support the unique webpage for potential applicants to
characteristics of the specified district, use as a resource.*
but often focus on new construction, Related
demolition, and additions rather than Actions N7
historic details of a property. • Lead Agency: City of Des Moines,
Development Services
The City of Portland, Oregon, for • Partners: City of Des Moines,
instance, distinguishes between local Neighborhood Services; City of Des
historic districts, conservation districts, Moines, Information Technology (IT); City
and National Register districts on their of Des Moines, Communications Office
website, and offers separate design
guidelines for historic districts and
conservation districts.
Goal 1: Equitable and Inclusive; Goal 2: Community-Centered; Goal 3: Strategically Integrated
* Requires ongoing work.
84 DES MOINES Citywide Historic Preservation Plan
