The Historic Preservation Program Does 

• Encourage adaptive re-use of historic buildings.
• Provide forms of relief such as the granting of waivers and variances for historic properties.
• Offer financial incentives through the City’s tax abatement program.
• Require administrative or Historic Preservation Board (HPB) review of exterior alterations.
• Offer restoration and rehabilitation information to property owners through historic preservation design guidelines.
• Require HPB review of all demolitions, relocations, and new construction.
• Enhance community recognition and pride.
• Maintain the character and scale/development pattern of your neighborhood.
• Improve the local economy by promoting tourism and garnering interest in the City's architectural and cultural heritage.
• Offer staff and on-line assistance relating to historic preservation issues.
• Encourage historic research and public education concerning historic architecture and Delray’s historic neighborhoods.
• Stabilize neighborhoods and improve property values.
• Welcome contemporary infill.
• Offer an opportunity for public participation during HPB reviews.

 

The Historic Preservation Board Does NOT 

• Usurp individual property rights.
• Affect interior changes including alteration of floor plans or interior design.
• Restrict additions or improvements to historic properties.
• Mandate specific exterior paint colors.
• Require that a building be open to the public or that the property owner participate in organized tours.
• Require review for routine maintenance.
• Override zoning district regulations.
• Require restoration of a building (repairs using exact period building materials).
• Demand the purchase of a historical plaque.
• Interfere with life/safety issues.
• Require re-construction of a building if demolished by natural disaster.
• Deny the use of storm protection on a historic building.