What is a Waxahachie Historic Property?
A Waxahachie Historic Property is generally a fifty (50) year old structure characterized by its architectural design. It may be monumental or simple, residential or commercial. Historic properties provide links with the heritage of the community for present and future generations and illustrates a diversity in lifestyle, present and past.
The Waxahachie Heritage Preservation Commission (WHPC) serves the public both as a steward for these properties and as a facilitator to those people fortunate enough to own these properties. It provides assistance to owners and tenants, helps them plan the alterations they are considering for their properties, and guides the owners through the application process necessary to implement those changes
.
Is participation in this program mandatory if you own a historic
property?
No, participation is strictly voluntary.
What are the benefits to me as a historic property owner? Are there
any tax benefits?
Being a historic property owner participating in this program, you are
ensured that your property will be protected from unmanaged change. The
review process is based upon established guidelines, giving you greater
security in the evolution of your structure.
Additionally, the City of Waxahachie offers tax incentives for residential and non-residential structures. To be eligible for the historical appraised tax value exemption and the historic reinvestment tax incentive, application must be made annually prior to the 15th day of March. To understand the procedures and requirements for receiving these tax credits/incentives, please see the Heritage Preservation Ordinance, sections 1-13 and 1-14.
If your property is commercial or income producing, you may be eligible for significant state and federal tax credits for rehabilitation work done on eligible historic properties. Contact the WHPC for more information on these programs.
As a historic property owner, can I still make changes to my property?
Yes, you may still make changes to your property. The purpose of the WHPC
is to assist homeowners in shaping those changes to meet the requirements
of the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation and to
assist in following the WHPC's procedures. The WHPC provides for a process,
which ensures that property changes are appropriate to the historical
integrity of the structure. This special design review process examines
the plans before the work is begun. Any exterior alterations, new construction,
demolition, significant landscape changes, or moving of buildings is considered.
Will I be required to restore my property?
No, you will not be required to make changes to your property.
Is interior work or routine maintenance reviewed?
No, interior alterations and routine maintenance that does not affect
exterior appearance is not reviewed.
How can I find out if my project requires other permits?
The City Permit Office at 972-937-7330, ext. 161 will be glad to answer
your questions concerning additional required permits for your project.
What can I use as guidelines for the changes I am planning?
One of the purposes of the WHPC is to assist and consult with you about
the proposed changes for your property. Call us in your early planning
stages with any questions or concerns you might have. We will provide
you with design guidelines based upon a common sense approach for the
enhancement of your historic structure.
The WHPC will also assist you in interpreting the guidelines for complex projects such as major additions and new construction. We will meet with you informally before you fill out your application prior to its review.
After I've taken the necessary steps, consulted the guidelines
and WHPC, and I'm ready to have the project reviewed, what is the procedure?
Obtain an application form from Anita Kornegay, Heritage Preservation Officer,
City Hall, 972-937-7330, ext. 198. Drawing and/or photographs depicting
the proposed changes are encouraged for the review.
Many applications will fall into the minor work category and can be approved quickly. Major work (new construction, additions, demolition) requires a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) and is reviewed monthly at the regular meeting of the WHPC. Decisions are usually reached during the meeting in which the application is heard.
Can I call WHPC with my questions? Can they provide any technical
help in maintaining my property?
Yes, the WHPC will be happy to help you. We can interpret code, suggest
solutions to problems, explain your part in the review process, and assist
you in filling out your application. We can also make on-site consultations
concerning your project and provide technical assistance in solving problems
common to older buildings. In addition, WHPC has a number of resources
you may consult.
Waxahachie Historic Preservation Commission