Frequently Asked Questions

The Historic District Commission (HDC) is an eight-member commission of volunteers — consisting of 5 regular members and 3 alternate members — appointed by the Town Council. The Historic District works to promote the educational, cultural, economic and general welfare of the town through the preservation and protection of historic buildings and places of interest. It also seeks to preserve and protect Old Wethersfield's various distinct architectural styles.

The commission's most important function is to review applications for new construction, building additions, modifications and demolitions and to issue a "Certificate of Appropriateness" (COA) for such work.

If your property is located north of the Wethersfield/Rocky Hill town line, south of the Wethersfield/Hartford town line, east of the railroad tracks and west of 1-91, (with a depth of 200 feet on the east side of Middletown Avenue, south of Maple Street) you are in the Historic District.

Any physical alterations to the exterior of a structure, construction of a new structure or demolition of an existing structure that is visible from a public way (street or sidewalk) require a "Certificate of Appropriateness" from the Historic District Commission.

Replacement of windows or doors, siding, building additions, decks, garages, fences and out buildings such as tool sheds, requires a "COA" from the HDC.

• Ordinary maintenance or repair that does not involve a change of existing design, exterior materials or scale, or outward appearance.
• Installation of storm windows or storm doors, with or without screens, painted or unpainted as long as they do not have any ornamental grilles, monograms, etc.
• Any accessory building designed for small animals, as long as the maximum horizontal or vertical dimensions do not exceed four feet.
• Installation of wood roof shingles on structures built prior to 1840.
• Installation of roof shingles in conformity with color samples on file with the Building Department of the Town of Wethersfield.

The Historic District Commission strongly encourages property owners to discuss their plans with the Historic District Coordinator before submitting an application. Applicants may also ask to informally discuss their ideas at the conclusion of the Historic District Commission's regular meetings.

• The Historic District Commission meets twice a month on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month (except in December). Applications need to be submitted by deadline dates posted in the Building Department. Please contact the Historic District Coordinator or Department Secretary to receive current deadline dates.
• You may obtain an application from the Building Department or download it from the department's Permits and Forms page.
• The necessary information to be submitted depends on the nature of the application and may include the following: a plot plan, architectural drawings, samples of materials such as siding and manufacturer's cut sheets for windows, doors, fences, etc.
• After your completed application form and any of the necessary information has been submitted and reviewed by town staff, it will be placed on the agenda for the next meeting.
• The application will be advertised as a public notice in the Rare Reminder. The abutting property owners in your neighborhood will be notified by mail of your application.
• The commission meeting contains two parts, a public hearing and a public meeting.
• During the public hearing, you will have the opportunity to present your proposal. Members of the public are allowed to speak in favor or in opposition to your application. During the public meeting, Commission members will discuss your proposal and vote on it.

From start to finish the process generally takes from two weeks to two months depending on the complexity of the application. Occasionally, the commission may make a site visit. Please note a "Certificate of Appropriateness" is valid for only one year.

You will need to have your "Certificate of Appropriateness" amended. The Building Department will assist you in this process. Depending on the nature of the change, your request may or may not require an additional meeting with the commission.

Please call the Building Department at 860-721-2846 for information and an explanation of the decision. You are encouraged to attend a Historic District Commission regular meeting to informally discuss your questions and concerns with the commission.