Living or owning a business in a historic district asks a little bit more of its occupants because of the need to be sensitive about the older buildings and neighborhoods that make up that district. Many of the buildings in our district have stood the test of time very well, and is in a great part due to the care owners have shown in maintaining and carefully amending these places over the many years.

When the time comes that some sort of structural addition or other alteration is desired, the Geneva Historic Preservation Commission is available to help steer a project in the appropriate direction. The Commission reviews all permit applications in the historic district. It is felt that the best time to pay the Commission a visit is in the early stages of design development. Whether you are working with an architect, contractor or on your own, the Commission can provide assistance in addressing the historically pertinent issues that relate to your project. The benefit to you is a design that more readily conforms to preservation guidelines in its final state when it is reviewed for approval.

The following list includes the type of activity that would require a review by the Historic Preservation Commission before a building permit is approved. (This list is used to provide general activity types only and should not be construed to be all-inclusive.)

• Additions
• Fences
• Garages
• New windows/doors
• Porches, decks
• Façade alterations
• Demolition
• New Construction
• Signs