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Trust Preservation Guidelines
The primary goal of an historic preservation easement is to provide a gift to the street. In its dedication to achieve this goal, the Trust for Architectural Easements places its emphasis on the historically-significant architectural features of the property's exterior. Depending on the terms of the easement, the Trust may include the protection of all historically-significant features of the property.
Maintenance
The intention of the easement is to ensure that the property survives and the exterior retains its essential historic character in perpetuity. The easement does not require Trust approval for maintenance, rehabilitation or restoration activities unless they will change the appearance or materials of the property's exterior. The Trust does not insist upon the performance of maintenance purely for cosmetic reasons. Maintenance or restoration is required only when historic building materials or the property's structural integrity is threatened. In some cases, the Trust may require that problems needing maintenance be addressed as a condition of accepting an easement donation.
Changes
Prior to making a change that could affect the property's exterior appearance or materials, a complete description of the proposed changes must be submitted to the Director of Stewardship using the Trust's Proposed Modfication Request Form and include, as necessary:
- Detailed architectural drawings that show both the work to be performed and the current condition of the property. These may include the plan, elevation and section drawings.
- Materials samples.
- Color chips.
In many cases, the same documents submitted to a local government or preservation commission, if one exists, will suffice as attachments to the Proposed Modification Request Form. The Trust's policy is to issue a response within one month of receipt of a request. If additional information is required or the changes are significant enough to warrant a longer review period, the Trust will specify when a final decision can be expected. Please note that the Trust is independent of any local government or preservation commission. Neither its decision nor the decision of the local government or preservation commission regarding the proposed modifications take precedence.
Guidelines for Changes
Ensuring that a property protected by an easement remains a place that you wish to live or work is essential for the viability of the historic building and surrounding neighborhood. As a result, the Trust is pragmatic in how it assesses its review process. The Trust uses The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.
Examples of the Trust's position on common requests follow. Unless otherwise stated, these examples require review by the Trust:
Repair vs. Replacement
Given the choice, it is better to repair historic building materials rather than replace them. Where the use of new materials is required, they should match the materials being replaced to every degree possible in composition, design, color and texture. New products that better protect property exteriors, are more affordable and increase ease in maintenance are continually being developed. The Trust will gladly work with you in reviewing these new options as they come to market.
Painting
Painting a property the same color as it was at the time the easement was donated is considered maintenance and therefore does not require Trust approval. If you plan to paint any portion of the property exterior a different color, Trust approval is required. The Trust encourages you to ensure that your proposed color change is appropriate for the time period and architectural style of the building.
Temporary Additions
Temporary additions to the property exterior, such as window air conditioners and storm windows, do not require Trust approval.
Windows
It is best to preserve and repair existing historic windows. If that is not possible, the windows should be replaced in kind using the same materials and sash and pane configuration. Compatible substitute materials are sometimes acceptable if the design of the window remains the same.
Entrances
Entrances and their component parts, including porches, fanlights, sidelights, columns, and steps should be preserved and repaired. If the elements are too deteriorated to preserve, they should be replaced in kind using the physical evidence as a model to reproduce the historic features. If using the same materials is not technically or economically feasible, the Trust will consider approving compatible substitute materials.
Storefronts
Storefronts should be retained and preserved. If replacement is necessary due to severe deterioration, physical evidence should be used as a model. If using the same materials is not technically or economically feasible, the Trust will consider approving compatible substitute materials.
Annual Monitoring
The Trust's objective during annual monitoring is to ensure that no unauthorized changes have been made to the property and to detect maintenance problems that threaten the building's historic building materials or structural stability. To complete the annual review, the Trust takes a complete set of photographs of the property's exterior. Annual inspections may require that you provide access to a rear or side yard.
The Trust uses an imaging system to store photographs including those taken in the year the donation was made. This enables the Trust to compare new photographs with those taken in previous years. If the Trust identifies a failure to properly maintain the property or changes to a protected exterior that have not been previously reviewed by the Trust, you will be contacted in order to address these issues.
Email the Director of Stewardship
Trust Preservation Guidelines
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Proposed Modification Request Form
This Proposed Modification Request Form is provided on our website for your convenience.
Proposed Modification Request Form
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