NEWARK HISTORIC DISTRICTS: A GUIDE FOR LOCAL HOMEOWNERS
Dear Neighbor,
As you probably know your home is located in a Historic District. To help keep you informed on what that means for you, the Forest Hill Community Association is providing important information regarding the laws governing construction and development in our historic neighborhood. We have prepared an easy-to-understand guide to some of the safeguards that homeowners should respect as they prepare for any repairs and changes to their homes. If you have trouble understanding this guide or would like to have a copy of the original and complete city ordinance, please feel free to call the Newark Landmarks and Historic Preservation Commission at 1-(973)-733-3917. Landmarks applications are available on line at the City’s website, http://ci.newark.nj.us. Click on “Government”, then “City Departments” then “Economic & Housing Development, and the “Landmarks Commission” or click here.
Why Preserve Homes in the City’s Historic Districts?
Newark’s Historic Districts are an important part of the history of Newark and cannot be replaced. Homes are purchased in a Historic neighborhood because of the special way the neighborhood looks.
Destroying historic properties decreases the value not only of your home but also the homes around you.
Homes in the district are protected by law. Demolitions and changes, visible from the street to historic structures, without approval of the Newark Landmarks and Historic Preservation Commission, are illegal.
Guidelines:
A permit is required for any exterior work done in a historic district if that work is visible from a public street. Work must be approved, including re-siding and re- painting, by the Newark Landmarks and Historic Preservation Commission before any permit can be issued by the City Division of Building Permits. For more information contact the Building Permits Office at 973 – 733 – 5632.
Fences are allowed on the front of properties in the historic district but must be approved by the Commission, and shall not be over the height of 4 feet in the front yard or 6 feet in the side yards. If you put up a fence without a permit you may be asked to remove it. If you are not sure your fence meets landmarks standards please call The Newark Landmarks & Historic Preservation Commission at the above number to arrange an informal review.
No demolition is to be done to any historic structure in a historic district without the approval of the Commission.
No exterior alterations which are visible from a public street, including siding, windows, doors, or covering porches can be done to any structure in a historic district without the approval of the Commission.
Preventive maintenance: homes in the historic district must be preserved from neglect and decay by law. Maintaining your home is one of the best things you can do to preserve your historic home. If you have any questions on what to do please view the section in the ordinance section 40:9-24 entitled Preventive Maintenance. There are grant programs available for lower income homeowners living in a historic district that will help you restore your home. If you would like to find out more about these programs please log on to the above website.
Architectural details such as wood panels, clapboard, slate and tile roofs, moldings, windows and doors shall be preserved and restored. If conditions do not warrant restoration, then an aesthetically comparable replacement can be used with the approval of the Commission.
When painting an historic structure the colors used should be uniform with the style and period of, not only your home but the other homes around you.
If you suspect a property owner is violating the City’s Landmarks and Historic Preservation regulations or you would like information about the status of a violation already reported, please call the Newark Division of Code Enforcement at 973 – 733 – 5378.
Penalties:
If you are found to be in violation of the historic ordinance, up to $1500 per day could be levied against you by the Newark Division of Code Enforcement at 973 -733 - 5378.The Newark Landmarks and Historic Preservation Commission are committed to preserving your historic district. Before making any changes to your home, contact the Commission for help and advice.
**What you do to your home affects not only you, but also your neighbors and community.**
