Lafayette Walk On Preservation Board Agenda, Again!
In February the Preservation Board meeting was a long one, lasting until 10:30pm after starting at 4pm. This month the agenda is much shorter but a the most controversial issue from last month is back once again: Lafayette Walk. More discussion of utilities and transoms over doors.
Also of interest is a new cultural center to be built at 6166 Delmar in the ever expanding East Loop. This is on the site where a building collapsed a few years back during renovations as well as the renovation of the adjacent church as part of the project.
Like last month the Preservation Board will review a case where an owner replaced windows (prohibited vinyl) in a house without a permit. People, if you do work please check to see if you need a building permit. If you live in a historic district please follow the rules or move somewhere else. The Cultural Resources staff has better things to do than chase down people installing cheap windows in historic districts without a permit!
The Preservation Board will also look at a couple of cases of inappropriate fencing in a historic district. Once again, should be a fun one. This time I’m bringing water and munchies.
– Steve
What’s the difference between a conservation district and a historical district? Who do you go to to get a permit? How are people supposed to know this information when they’re new to the city?
Buying a home anywhere is a major investment. Some basic investigation of the neighborhood is only common sense.
In the City of St. Louis, contact with government for any permit will inform you of the requirements.
Housing Conservation
Local Historic Districts
(Steve, would you make those links elegant, please?)
It is, as Steve will tell you, a matter of some debate whether your real estate person should tell you those things.
[REPLY – Yes, buying a home anywhere requires some investigation. You must check into municipal & county requirements for occupancy and what is required to do modifications. You must also determine if the subdivision/neighborhood has any special indentures and finally if you are in any sort of special district such as a taxing district or historic district.
As REALTORS® we cannot legally assume the responsibility for researching all this information because if we miss something we might be liable. However, as a buyer’s agent I will often inform my clients of potential issues and suggest the sources where they can investigate and decide if they want to proceed with the purchase or look elsewhere. I personally want my buyers well informed. – SLP]