The Holland Historic District recognizes and promotes historic preservation because it vitalizes the architectural and human heritage of our city.

The Holland Historic District is "home-grown" - a local historic-property designation created by a local ordinance.  It was initiated by a special citizens committee and approved by property owners, Holland City Council, the Michigan Historical Commission and the State Historical Advisory Council.  The designation helps stabilize and improve property values by requiring pre-approval of all exterior alterations of structures within the District.

District House Rules

Neighborly pride and esprit de corps thrive in the Holland Historic District, as residents share the charm and challenges of old-house living.  There's really only one requirement: any construction, alteration, repair, moving or demolition affecting the exterior appearance of a structure within the District must have the approval of the Holland Historic District Commission before a building permit is issued.  The Commission uses the US Secretary of the Interior's Standards to evaluate all applications.

Applying for a Historic District permit is easy.  Forms are available for off-the-counter pickup at the Department of Environmental Health in City Hall.  The application form is a single page that can be easily completed.

Completed applications - along with work plans, a street-view photograph of the structure in its present condition, and photographs of each side of the house that with be affected by the alteration - must be presented to the seven-member Commission for review during its monthly meeting.  Those making application for the alterations are strongly urged to attend this meeting, although their presence is not required.   Complete procedural details appear on the application forms.

Landscaping and painting do not require approval, but the Commission is willing to provide advice and/or point you to library resources or professional consultants who can help develop historically appropriate plans for these property improvements.

Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission generally meets the first Thursday of each month.   On occasion the meeting date will be changed.  Please contact the Office of Community Services and development or Karen Padnos for confirmation of the date, 355-1360 (Ext.1362).

An application must be filled out and returned to the Office of Community Development and Services 10 days prior to a scheduled meeting date of the commission.  This application  must be filled out  and reviewed by the commission in order to obtain a building permit for any construction, alteration, repair, moving or demolition affecting the exterior appearance of a structure within the District.

Commissioners

Complete list to be updated

Karen Padnos - Planner, City of Holland