How Can I Challenge A Historic District Ordinace In My Community?

[dannie]

I don't want the community telling me how to renovate my home. The ordinance hasn't passed yet and I want to know how to keep it from becoming law.

[Cidro]

From the Madison, WI Landmarks commission:An application for a variance shall be filed with the Landmarks Commission. After the filing of such application, a public hearing shall be held thereon. Notice of such hearing shall be published as a Class 1 notice under the Wisconsin Statutes. At least ten(10) days prior to the hearing, the Commission shall notify the owners of record, as listed in the office of the City Assessor, who are owners of property in whole or in part situated within two hundred(200) feet of the boundaries of the property affected. Notice of the time, place and purpose of the hearing shall also be sent to the alderperson of the ward in which the property affected is located.

[Ozi]

This is something you can?t fight alone. You need to have support from the other homes in the proposed district.  There will be meetings and forums about the historic district, I am sure, and you need to attend them. You might discover that there are certain monetary benefits to you and your community for the area to be designated as a historic district.  I don?t think they will be telling you how to renovate your home, by designating the historic district status.  There are some financial benefits to you to be in the historical district, also, like historic preservation grants.  You should attend the meetings with an open mind and listen well; you might find out that it's not so bad to be in a historic district.