How do I? close menu

Historic Preservation Commission

Reviews and acts upon all applications for certificates of appropriateness; reviews and makes recommendations to the City Council on proposals for designation of historic districts, amendments to boundaries of existing historic districts, and repeal of existing historic districts; cooperates with property owners and City agencies and departments to develop preservation solutions and plans; furthers the historic preservation efforts in the city; makes recommendations for the listing of a historical district or site in the National Register of Historic Places.

Meetings/Members

Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Schedule
Historic Preservation Commission Member Information

Additional Links

Online Board Application Form
Request for Certificate of Appropriateness (Application)
Architectural Guidelines for Local Historic Districts - Building Rehab
Architectural Guidelines for Local Historic Districts - New Construction
Fence Guidelines for Local Historic Districts

General Requirements

GENDER BALANCE REQUIRED - Six at-large members and two residents from each designated historic district. At the time of their appointment, each member shall have a demonstrated interest in historic preservation. Within one year of their initial appointment, each person shall attend at least one training seminar providing training on the duties of a local historic preservation review commission. Each member of the City Council may recommend a candidate to fill one of the at-large positions on the commission. The mayor may recommend candidates to fill each of the positions to be held by a resident of a designated historic district.

Professional Requirements

Each of the at-large members shall have at least one of the following professional qualifications: architect, urban planner, structural or civil engineer, historian, sociologist, real estate broker, or builder.

Membership Term Information

Three years

Term Limits

Term limits apply

Term Expiration

Sherman Hill - October 18th; Owl's Head - March 28th

Meeting Information

N/A

Meeting Frequency

Third Wednesday of each month

Meeting Time

5:30 PM

Meeting Location

Municipal Services Center - Second Floor, Board Room
1551 E. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parkway
Des Moines, Iowa 50317

City Staff

Jason VanEssen - 283-4147, Michael Ludwig - 283-4810