Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions
We are here to help. Members of the HDC live in the village. We understand the joys and challenges of living in a historic home. We strive to make the process as painless as possible while taking seriously our commitment and duty to preserving the historic character of the Village.

Q. What is a Historic District?
A. An area designated by State and/or National governments recognizing a group of buildings, properties, or sites by one of several entities on different levels as historically or architecturally significance. Romeo was designated a Historic District in 1970.

Q. What is included in the Romeo Historic District?
A. All commercial and residential buildings within the original square mile of the village.

Q. Does Romeo have a Historic District Ordinance?
A. Yes, the commission meets the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month to review plans for the construction, alteration, moving, or demolition of all buildings in the Historic District.

Q. What is the HDC?
A. HDC is the Historic District Commission of Historic Romeo Village. Its goal to maintain Romeo’s registration in the National Register of Historic Places and to keep Romeo’s attraction to its residents (current and new).

Q. Why do I have to go through the HDC to obtain a permit?
A. Romeo Village is registered in the National Register of Historic Places. In order to keep it registered (and maintain the Romeo charm), the Village has established the HDC to review all architecture changes/additions to all structures within the district. Reference the HDC ordinance

Q. Can they tell me what color to paint my house?
A. The HDC reviews changes/additions to the architecture of the Villages structures. If asked they can and will assist the owner in color selection but won’t tell the owner what color to paint their house.

Q. What authority do they have?
A. The HDC is an advisory board to help property owners preserve their historic structures. They will not impose hardship or unrealistic standards.

Q. Can they tell me what to do with the interior of my home?
A. The HDC reviews changes/additions to the architecture of the Villages structures. If asked they can and will assist the owner in any interior changes but won’t tell the owner what to do with the interior of their house. Please speak to the building department as to what permits may be required to change the interior of your structure.

Q. Can I tear down my house/barn/garage?
A. The Village ordinances requires a permit before demolition of any buildings within the district. In order to obtain the permit, the owner must complete an application and that application will be reviewed by the HDC. The HDC will scrutinized the application to determine the validity of the request. Normally, the demolition of any structure is discouraged.

Q. What if I disagree with the Historic Commission (HDC)?
A. The HDC only advises on changes/additions for all the districts structures. For all requests other than demolition, the property owner can still obtain a permit. For demolition denials, the property owner can appeal to the Village Council.

Q. My house is not historic, do I still have to go before the HDC?
A. Yes, since Historic Romeo Village is registered in the National Register of Historic Places. In order to keep it registered (and maintain the Romeo charm), the Village has established the HDC to review all architecture changes/additions to all structures within the district