Working with Historic District Commissions in Michigan: What Homeowners Should Know

Historic Home with LP SmartSide installed.

If you own a historic home in Michigan, exterior upgrades may not be as simple as choosing a new color and signing a contract.

Communities like Grosse Pointe, Ann Arbor, Birmingham, Northville, and Pontiac have active Historic District Commissions that review exterior changes to preserve architectural character and long-term property value.

If you're planning a roof replacement, siding upgrade, window installation, or porch restoration, here’s what you need to know.

What Is a Historic District Commission?

A Historic District Commission (HDC) is a local board responsible for protecting historically significant neighborhoods.

Their job is to:

• Preserve architectural integrity

• Maintain neighborhood character

• Ensure exterior changes are historically appropriate

• Protect long-term property value

Before certain exterior modifications, homeowners must receive approval, often in the form of a Certificate of Appropriateness.

What Projects Typically Require Approval?

Requirements vary by city, but commonly reviewed projects include:

• Roof replacement (especially material changes)

• Siding replacement or material changes

• Window replacement

• Porch modifications

• Exterior paint color changes (in some districts)

• Additions or structural alterations

Even switching from cedar shake to asphalt shingles may require review in some districts.

Roofing in Historic Districts: What to Expect

In many Southeast Michigan historic areas, roofing material matters.

Some commissions may:

• Require dimensional asphalt that mimics slate

• Restrict certain architectural shingle profiles

• Require color consistency with the home’s era

• Discourage visible metal roofing in front-facing slopes

The goal isn’t to make your life difficult. It’s to ensure the street retains its architectural cohesion.

Siding & Material Considerations

Material selection is often the most scrutinized element.

For example:

• Replacing original wood siding with vinyl is frequently denied.

• Engineered wood siding may be approved if the reveal and texture match the original.

• Fiber cement may be allowed depending on profile and detailing.

As an LP Smartside Preferred Contractor, we often work with engineered wood solutions that replicate traditional profiles while improving durability and moisture resistance. Proper detailing matters more than brand name.

The Approval Process: Step by Step

While each city varies slightly, most follow a similar structure:

1. Submit application with material specs

2. Provide product samples or cut sheets

3. Provide photos of existing conditions

4. Attend public review meeting (if required)

5. Receive Certificate of Appropriateness before work begins

Skipping steps can result in:

• Stop-work orders

• Fines

• Required removal of unapproved materials

Common Mistakes Homeowners Make

1. Signing a contract before checking district rules

2. Ordering materials before approval

3. Assuming “same color” means automatic approval

4. Hiring a contractor unfamiliar with HDC process

Historic districts reward preparation. While the approval process may be unique to historic homes, our commitment to educating homeowners about materials and project details is something we prioritize on every project.

Why This Actually Protects Your Investment

Historic district oversight often:

• Maintains higher property values

• Protects neighborhood consistency

• Prevents inappropriate exterior alterations

• Preserves long-term resale appeal

In communities like Grosse Pointe and Ann Arbor, historic designation is one of the reasons values remain strong. When done correctly, upgrades enhance the home without sacrificing its architectural story.

How We Approach Historic Projects

At Lake Effect Exteriors, we:

• Review district guidelines before estimating

• Provide documentation ready for submission

• Recommend historically appropriate materials

• Align modern performance with original design intent

• Coordinate timeline around approval schedules

Historic homes require a specialized understanding of materials and process. Our commitment to detail, preparation, and craftsmanship applies to every project we undertake. As someone who owns a 1922 home myself, I understand these homes are more than structures. They are legacy assets.

Frequently Asked Questions About Historic District Exterior Projects in Michigan

Do I need approval to replace my roof in a

historic district?

• In many Southeast Michigan communities, yes. If your home is located within a designated historic district in cities roof replacement may require a Certificate of Appropriateness, especially if the material, profile, or color is changing. Always confirm with your local Historic District Commission.

What is a Certificate of Appropriateness?

• A Certificate of Appropriateness is formal approval issued by a Historic District Commission allowing specific exterior changes to move forward. It confirms that the proposed materials and design align with district guidelines and preserve architectural character.

  
  

How long does Historic District Commission approval take in Michigan?

• Timelines vary by municipality, but most commissions meet monthly. From submission to approval, the process often takes two to six weeks depending on documentation completeness and meeting schedules. Preparing accurate material specifications and photos in advance can help avoid delays.

Can I install engineered wood siding like LP SmartSide in a historic district?

• In many cases, engineered wood siding such as LP SmartSide may be approved if the reveal, texture, and detailing closely match the original wood siding. Approval depends on the specific district guidelines and how accurately the product replicates traditional profiles

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What happens if I replace siding or roofing without approval?

• If work is completed without required approval, homeowners may face stop-work orders, fines, or be required to remove and replace unapproved materials. Verifying requirements before starting construction protects both your timeline and your investment.

Do historic district rules apply to minor repairs?

• Routine maintenance that does not alter material, design, or visible features may not require approval. However, changes to material type, profile, or visible architectural elements typically require review. When in doubt, confirm with your local commission.

Final Thoughts

Working with a Historic District Commission is not a barrier. It’s a process. With proper planning, the right materials, and the correct documentation, you can upgrade durability, improve efficiency, and protect the architectural integrity of your home.

If you’re planning an exterior project in a historic district in Southeast Michigan, start with clarity before starting with construction. Request a historic project review today. Contact Us HERE!