The Hermann Historic District Guidelines help property owners, contractors, architects, and applicants plan exterior work that respects the character of Hermann’s historic buildings and streetscapes.
The guidelines are used by the Hermann Landmarks Commission when reviewing projects concerning the exterior appearance and aesthetic of properties in the Downtown Historic Overlay District. They are intended to support thoughtful maintenance, repair, rehabilitation, additions, new construction, signage, and other exterior changes.
Download the Guidelines
Property owners and applicants should review the guidelines before beginning exterior work on a property located within the Historic Overlay District.
Download the City of Hermann Historic District Guidelines
Certificate of Appropriateness
Some projects in the Historic Overlay District require a Landmarks Certificate of Appropriateness before work begins.
Ordinary maintenance or repair of exterior architectural elements generally does not require a Certificate of Appropriateness. This may include work such as painting trim, roof repair, gutters, fascia, soffit when using the same material, and repair of chimneys, windows, and doors.
Projects involving replacement of windows, chimneys, roofs, siding, and doors generally require a Certificate of Appropriateness.
Replacement of damaged or unsafe porches, balconies, railings, decks, and similar features generally does not require a Certificate of Appropriateness when the replacement uses the same style and material.
Driveways and flat work are not reviewed by the Landmarks Commission.
Common Projects Covered
The guidelines address many types of exterior work, including:
- Additions and new construction
- Windows, doors, porches, roofs, siding, chimneys, and masonry
- Storefronts, signs, awnings, commercial light fixtures, and upper-level commercial façades
- Fences, retaining walls, decks, garages, carports, and ancillary structures
- Paint colors, architectural details, and exterior ornamentation
- Solar equipment, accessibility ramps, storm windows, and temporary coverings
- Demolition, moving buildings, and historic wall murals
Preservation Principles
The guidelines are based in part on the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. These standards emphasize preserving historic character, repairing rather than replacing historic features when possible, avoiding damaging treatments such as sandblasting, and ensuring that new additions are compatible with historic buildings while remaining distinguishable from the original construction.
Before You Begin
Before starting exterior work, property owners should confirm whether the property is located within the Historic Overlay District and whether the proposed work requires review.
Questions can be directed to City Hall at 573-486-5400. City staff can help determine whether a project requires Landmarks Commission review.
Meetings
The Hermann Landmarks Commission meets monthly on the second Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall to consider applications for Certificates of Appropriateness and other preservation matters.