|
The City of Sarasota maintains a
program for historic designation of structures and sites within the City
limits.
In general, properties considered for historic
designation should be more than 50 years old, although City staff has
encouraged the designation of architecturally significant structures
associated with the Sarasota School of Architecture that are younger than
50 years old. Buildings, sites and
structures are considered eligible for local historic designation in the
City of Sarasota
if it can be demonstrated that they meet specific criteria in the Zoning
Code [see Sec. IV-806]. The ability of the resource to convey its
historical significance is one way integrity may be measured.
Historic Designation applications must be submitted by
the property owner. The City's Zoning Code does allow the City's Historic
Preservation Board to propose designation of properties, but prohibits
Historic Preservation Board action when the property owner returns a formal
statement of objection to the designation.
Local
Historic Designation Application
2011
Schedule of Meetings & Submission Deadlines
2012
Schedule of Meetings & Submission Deadlines
Benefits & Advantages of Local Historic Designation
Historically Designated buildings are eligible for a Sarasota County Tax Exemption on
the assessed value of any improvements.
There is no fee to make application for historic
designation. The City of Sarasota
underwrites the cost of the plaque and its installation that will mark the
building, structure or site as historically designated. The City and the
County hold an annual event to recognize all property owners who have
received historic designation in the past year.
Locally designated historic properties (designated by
local ordinance) may not be required to meet mandatory building Code
standards including the FEMA 50% rule and modern hurricane requirements.
The Florida Building Code contains the specific language regarding the
possible exemptions from state building code standards. Locally designated
historic properties are also eligible for relief from zoning regulations
through the variance process. Zoning Code standards for items such as lot
width, setbacks, and other typical zoning requirements may be waived
provided the variance is not injurious to the neighborhood or public
welfare.
Responsibilities Associated with Local Historic
Designation
After a structure or site has been historically
designated, applications for building permits which affect the exterior of
the structure or the site will be referred by the Building Department to
the Planning Department and/or the Historic Preservation Board for the
issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness [COA]. Please refer to the Zoning Code for a
complete description of this process. The purpose of the COA process is to
ensure responsible stewardship and preservation of the integrity of
structures on the local historic register.
Research Report for Local Historic Designation
Properties that are nominated for local historic
designation in the City of Sarasota
require a thorough research report documenting the history of the site, the
structures and important facts about the structure.
The historical section of the designation report should
include an explanation of the general historical context of the
neighborhood and City during the period of significance and a specific
description of the history of the structure during the same period of time,
including information on the occupants, owners and any significant events.
If one of the criteria submitted for historic designation concerns the
history of the structure, justification of this criterion shall also be
addressed in the report. Copies of newspaper articles, obituaries, and
historic photographs can help to document the history of a structure.
The architectural section of the report should include a
statement of the structure’s architectural style and justification for this
determination. Also, an architectural description of the structure is
required beginning with a summary paragraph that creates a rough “sketch”
of the building and its site, followed by a more detailed description.
In the detailed description portion, please provide a
complete description of the building in a logical sequence. For instance,
start from the ground up or describe each building elevation separately.
Indicate the presence of specific features, such as porches, windows, doors
and chimneys, by type, location, number, material, and condition. Include a
description of important exterior decorative elements such as door
surrounds, or architectural details, and significant interior features such
as stairways, flooring and beams.
In the summary paragraph describe the general
characteristics of the structure including its overall shape and
arrangement of interior spaces, the number of stories, the construction
materials, roof shape and structural system.
Librarians and archivists at the Sarasota County
History Center
can assist with the research necessary to create the designation research
report. You can also search for information through the Sarasota
County Public Library System.
In addition, consultants with cultural resource management
firms are available to assist with preparation of the local
historic designation forms. For a list of cultural resource
management consultants in Florida,
try the American Cultural Resources Association.
The state of Florida
maintains a list of historically significant structures called
the Florida
Master Site File. It contains some information
about the age of structures in the City of Sarasota.
City Planning Staff also has access to Florida Master Site File
Records.
|
