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1. Do I live in a historic district and/or is my building a landmark structure?

To verify whether your property is located in a Historic District, use the My Place tool.  Search your property’s address and then use the information provided at the bottom of the screen.  Scroll to the right to find the Historic District box.  To verify if your property is a local landmark visit the Historic Preservation Resources & References page and search under Designated Landmarks.

2. How do I apply for a Historic Certificate of Appropriateness (HCOA)?

To apply for an HCOA you may pick up and return the application at the Building & Permits department.

3. Can I replace my original wood windows with vinyl?

No, original wood windows shall first be repaired and if that is not feasible, they shall be replaced with inkind material and inkind design. A Historic Certificate of Appropriateness (HCOA) is required.  Please apply at Building & Permits.   Include pictures of the existing windows and information pertaining to the proposed replacement windows.

4. Can I add storm windows?

Yes, storm windows may be added to windows within the historic districts if done according to the Design Guidelines. Storm windows shall be correctly sized to fit the window opening, including round arches. Frames should obscure the window behind as little as possible and should be full view or have the meeting rail match that of the window behind it. Storm windows can be wood or aluminum with a painted, baked-on, or anodized finish. The finish should match the window frame in order to blend into the surround as much as possible.

5. Can I replace my original wood door with a fiberglass or metal door?

No, original wood doors should be restored if possible and shall be replaced with inkind material and inkind design. A Historic Certificate of Appropriateness (HCOA) is required. Please apply at Building & Permits providing pictures of the existing door and information pertaining to the proposed replacement door.

6. Can I cover my wood siding with aluminum or vinyl siding?

No, original wood siding shall not be covered and shall be restored. Typically, aluminum and vinyl siding are not permitted in the historic districts. If 51% or more of the siding is beyond repair or missing, the Preservation Commission will consider the installation of cement board that matches the reveal and texture of wood siding. Please contact the staff for additional information on siding.  A Historic Certificate of Appropriateness (HCOA) is required.

7. Can I replace non-original material with similar non-original material without a Historic Certificate of Appropriateness (HCOA)?

No, replacement of non-original material still needs an HCOA.  The Historic District regulations are not just limited to keeping the current condition of a property but require new changes to be historically appropriate and adhere to the Design Guidelines.

8. Can I replace my aluminum siding with aluminum or vinyl siding without a Historic Certificate of Appropriateness (HCOA)?

No, replacement of non-original material still needs an HCOA. Typically, aluminum and vinyl siding is not permitted in the historic districts. If still existing, the original wood siding underneath the synthetic siding should be restored.  If restoration is not possible, the Preservation Commission has permitted alternative material, such as cement board that replicates wood. Please contact the staff for additional information on siding before beginning any work.

9. What do I need to know about replacing my roof?

Roofs may be re-roofed with asphalt or fiberglass shingles if the original materials are determined beyond repair. Asphalt shingles in dark shades of gray, brown, or black are appropriate for the replacement of early asphalt shingles, which were found on many of the homes in the four districts that were constructed in the early 1900s. Roofs should have ridge vents rather than pot/mushroom vents as they are less visually noticeable. If pot/mushroom vents are necessary, they should be located on the rear rooflines, or near the rear for those front-facing gable homes. The vents should match the color of the roof. Gutter straps shall be located under the shingles. A Historic Certificate of Appropriateness (HCOA) is required.

10. How do I report a property violation in my Historic District?

You may file a report using the InfoAurora Portal under General Information – Miscellaneous Customer Services.

11. What types of work require a Historic Certificate of Appropriateness (HCOA)?

An HCOA is required for:

• Any new construction or exterior remodeling which requires a building permit.
• Any construction or alteration work that affects the exterior architectural appearance of a property.  This includes, but is not limited to the following replacements or modifications: doors, exterior lighting fixtures, fences, garages, gutters, handrails, masonry (walls, chimneys or foundations), paint removal, porches (and porch components), siding, stairs, windows.

12. What types of work do not require a Historic Certificate of Appropriateness (HCOA)?

An HCOA is not required for alterations which do not affect the exterior architectural appearance of a property. This includes, but is not limited to the following: exterior paint colors, installation of landscaping and plant materials, interior remodels, minor maintenance and repair with no modifications.

13. How many local historic districts does Aurora have?

Aurora has 4 locally designated historic districts. View the map.

• Near Eastside Historic District - designated 1981
• Riddle Highlands Historic District - designated 1989
• Tanner Historic District - designated 1998
• Palace Street Historic District - designated 1999

14. How many national register historic districts does Aurora have?

Aurora has 4 National Register Districts. View the map.

• Stolp Island Historic District
• LaSalle Street Auto Row Historic District
• Westside Historic District
• Middle Avenue Historic District 

15. What is a national register historic district?

The National Register of Historic Places is the official Federal list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects significant in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, and culture. Sites can have significance on a national level as well as a local, community level. The National Register is maintained by the National Park Service but is typically managed at the state level. In Illinois, the state level organization is the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.

In addition to the honorific recognition, properties listed individually or deemed to be contributing to a National Register Historic District, may be eligible for Federal tax provisions. A 20% investment tax credit is available for income-producing certified historic structures that undertake rehabilitation work that adheres to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. This rehabilitative tax incentive is available to commercial, industrial, and rental residential buildings.  For more information visit the National Register website.

16. How do national register historic districts differ from local historic districts?

Locally designated historic districts (Aurora has 4) and landmarks are not necessarily listed on the National Register. In general, properties listed on the National Register but not designated under Aurora's Preservation Ordinance, do not require the same level of design review that is required for locally designated properties.