Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission (HDC) was established by ordinance adopted by the Representative Town Meeting of Greenwich on December 8, 1975. That ordinance specified that the HDC have the powers and duties provided for in Sections 7-147a through 7-147o of the Connecticut General Statues, as amended from time to time.

The function of the HDC under Connecticut law is the creation (with the required owner approvals) of a historic district consisting today of one building or a district with several houses. The aim of historic districts is to promote the preservation of buildings and places associated with Greenwich history or of architectural distinction. Once such a district has been established, the HDC is authorized by the Town to review proposed changes to structures and landscapes within that district. No change in the façade of any building seeable from the street may be made without the approval of HDC. Except for ordinary maintenance and paint color, any alteration of an old or erection of a new building in an historic district requires that an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness be filed with the Commission. The HDC advises the Planning and Zoning Commission on issues related to historic properties. Historic Overlay or (HO) designation is a tool used by the Planning and Zoning to encourage retention of notable structures by providing economic incentive through the easing of zoning restrictions in return for permanent deed restrictions including mandatory review of any changes to historic assets in the HO.

The HDC promotes the concept of preserving historic structures and landscapes in the Town. The districts are administered by a Commission of five members (with a term of 5 years) and three alternates, appointed by the Board of Selectmen and approved by the Representative Town Meeting. HDC meetings are held each month. The Historic District Commission and the Greenwich Historical Society are not the same entity; they are separate organizations.