Historic Preservation — Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

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Historic Resources

Who does the local preservation ordinance apply to and under what conditions?

The Lawrence Preservation Ordinance applies to all properties listed on the Lawrence Register of Historic Places and to those properties within 250′ of the Lawrence Registered listed Landmarks or Historic Districts.

Review by the Lawrence Historic Resources Commission of a Lawrence register listed property is required: when exterior construction, alteration or removal requires a city permit; when demolition, in whole or part, is proposed which requires a city demolition permit; and, when an exterior modification is proposed which was specifically identified as a contributing feature when the property was designated as Historic Landmark or an Historic District.

Review by the Lawrence Historic Resources Commission is also required for properties within a 250′ delineated ‘environs’ of a listed property when: When exterior construction, alteration or removal requires a city permit; or, when demolition, in whole or in part, is proposed which requires a city demolition permit. No review is required for a property owner to do ordinary maintenance or repair of a structure or building; or when interior alterations are proposed which do not require exterior alterations to the property.

What are the benefits of listing a property on the Lawrence Register of Historic Places?

The ordinance provides protection to a property owner or a neighborhood because it provides a forum for review and control of proposed development and redevelopment projects before a public body which could have an impact on the physical appearance, historic context, and value of a Register property or properties. At this time, there are no monetary benefits directly related to the listing of a property on the local register.

How does one know if they are within the environs of a Lawrence Register Property?

Properties on the Lawrence Register are listed by address in an index in the City Planning Office. There is also a map and address listing at the City planning office of properties within the environs (250′). Contact the Planning Office for the most current information.

What is the Lawrence Historic Resources Commission and what authority do they have in preservation issues?

The Historic Resources Commission (HRC) is a 7-member; city appointed advisory board to the City Commission. Three of the members on the commission are required to come from preservation-related backgrounds [architecture, architectural historian, historian, landscape architect, and planning]. Four of the members on the commission are required to come from a diversity of professions or be lay persons with demonstrated interest, knowledge and training in fields closely related to historic preservation [history, architecture, landscape architecture, architectural history, archeology, planning, real estate, law, finance, building trades, urban design, and geography.]

The Historic Resources Commission is responsible for:

  • Identifying distinctive architectural characteristics and historic resources of the city which are representative of the city and which are representative of elements of the city’s cultural, social, economic, political, and architectural history;
  • Fostering civic pride in the past accomplishments of the City; Conserving and improving the value of property in and around designated Historic Landmarks, and Historic Districts;
  • Fostering and encouraging preservation, restoration, and rehabilitation of structures, areas, and neighborhoods; and, Educating the general public in the what is historic in the community and how these resources can benefit the individual property owners and the community at large.

When does the Historical Resources Commission meet?

Generally, they meet on the third Thursday of every month in the City Commission room on the first floor of city hall, 6 E 6th St. To confirm a meeting date it is best to call 832-3154 prior to the meeting date. Meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. See schedule for dates and times.

How does a person get on the agenda for a Historic Resources Commission meeting?

An individual with a general question or concern may attend a meeting and speak under COMMUNICATIONS or PUBLIC COMMENTS, at the discretion of the chairman. Projects for review are scheduled according to the submittal date.

Why is it important to designate and protect landmarks and historic districts?

Safeguarding the city’s historic, aesthetic, and cultural heritage helps to stabilize and improve property values in historic districts, encourages civic pride in the beauty and accomplishments of the past, protects and enhances the city’s attractions for tourists, thereby benefiting business and industry and strengthening the city’s economy and promotes the use of landmarks for the education, pleasure and welfare of the people of the city.

What is an historic district?

An historic district is a special area established by City Ordinance or National Register Nomination, with defined boundaries, which contain a high concentration of historically and/or architecturally significant buildings. An historic district is a group of historic resources that are deemed significant as a collection of structures. The principal purpose of the district is to protect significant buildings within its boundaries from unnecessary or insensitive destruction, alteration or removal. The Old West Lawrence Historic District and the Oread Neighborhood Historic District are examples of historic districts.

What is a historic landmark in Lawrence?

A historic landmark is recommended for listing by the Historic Resources Commission and designated by the City Commission because of has a special character or special historic or architectural values as part of the development, heritage, or cultural characteristics of the city, state or nation. A property or object is generally considered eligible for landmark status when it is 50 years old or older. The House Building (729-731 Massachusetts Street) and the Eldrige House (945 Rhode Island Street) are examples of historic landmarks.

What are the various historic registers and what do they mean?

The Lawrence Register of Historic Places, the Register of Historic Kansas Places, and the National Register of Historic Places are the city’s, state’s and nation’s official list of cultural resources worthy of recognition and preservation. Properties listed on the Lawrence Register of Historic Places are subject to regulation by the City of Lawrence under the City’s Historic Preservation Ordinance. Properties listed on the Register of Historic Kansas Places and the National Register of Historic Places are subject to regulation by the State Historic Preservation Act.

What are the Environs of the property listed on the local register?

The City’s historic preservation ordinance and the state historic preservation statutes require projects within a certain distance of the listed property be reviewed for possible effects on the listed property. Structures or sites located within 250 feet of a property listed on the Lawrence Register of Historic Places are considered to be within the environs of the listed property and are subject to review under Chapter 22.

How do I find out if my property is listed on the Local, State or National register or is within the environs of a property listed on the Lawrence register?

The Planning Office maintains a listing of properties on the Lawrence Register of Historic Places, Register of Historic Kansas Places and the National Register of Historic Places and properties within the environs of properties listed on the Lawrence Register. Please contact the Planning Office to determine if your property is listed on the local, state or national register of within the environs of a property listed in the Lawrence Register of Historic Places.