Plainfield Historic Districts
The Historic Districts in Plainfield that are covered by the Historic Preservation Ordinance, which protects homes and structures within the boundaries of the historic districts against demolition or exterior changes, without the prior approval by the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC). Approval is granted after an application is reviewed by the HPC via a Certificate of Appropriateness.
These Historic districts are: Broadway, Civic Area, Crescent Avenue, Green Brook Park, Hillside Avenue, Netherwood Heights, North Avenue, Putnam Watchung, and Van Wyck Brooks Historic District.
The Plainfield Historic Preservation Commission (HPC)
Members of the Historic Preservation Commission are primarily City residents appointed to four-year terms by the Mayor of Plainfield and the City Council.
In addition to issuing Certificates of Appropriateness for work in the Historic Districts, the Commission is also charged with educating the public on the benefits of historic preservation, taking actions that promote historic preservation, and participating in the protection and preservation of historic structures in Plainfield.
Property owners unsure of how to proceed with renovation or improvements can request informational only hearings. Property owners can request an emergency hearing for repairs that that are needed to prevent imminent property damage.
For more information or any questions contact the HPC at 908-753-3580.
What you can do without Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) review?
- Change the color of your building
- Make minor repairs as long as identical materials and design are used
- Make changes to the part of the building not visible from the street (construction permit may be required)
- Make any changes, in color, or substance inside the building
The Certificate of Appropriateness
When Do You Need a Certificate of Appropriateness (CoA)?
- Whenever you need to work on the exterior of the building that requires a construction permit. Some examples of work that requires a construction permit include:
- Roof repair/replacement
- Porch repair/replacement
- Decks
- Siding
- Additions or demolitions
- Some changes need a CoA even though they might not require a building permit:
- Changing any windows, doors,
- shutters, awning, signs
- Adding , removing sidewalks, “blacktop” driveways
- Removing or any adding architectural elements like trim, balustrades, etc.
Process of Applying for a CoA:
- Plan your renovation/repair.
- Gather a detailed list of all work to be done to the building, along with renovation plans.
- Apply for a construction permit (if required)
- Fill out the CoA application, which you can get at the City Hall in the Planning office.
- Request list of neighboring property owners from the Tax Office in City Hall and send notification of your appearance to them. Note: It may take up to two weeks to get this list, so plan accordingly.
- Appear in front of the HPC with details of your renovation or construction plans. Provide as much details as you can. Bring sample materials if you can.
- Upon approval, a CoA will be issued approximately 10 working days after hearing.
- Take the CoA to the building department, if required and obtain construction permit. Begin work.
- If any changes in plans are required, contact the HPC immediately.
Historic Preservation Links and Files
Plainfield’s Historic Preservation Commission:
www.plainfieldhistoricpreservation.com
Historic Districts and property listing:
http://www.plainfieldhistoricpreservation.com/listings.php
The Secretary of Interior Standards for Rehabilitation of Historic Buildings:
http://www2.cr.nps.gov/tps/tax/rhb/index.htm
New Jersey Historic Office:
http://www.state.nj.us/dep/hpo/index.htm
National Trust for Historic Preservation:
http://www.nthp.org/
Old House Journal Online
http://www.oldhousejournal.com/index.shtml
Preservation New Jersey
http://www.preservationNJ.org
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