Historic District Commission

In 2002 Durham created a historic district as part of its Comprehensive Plan and developed ordinances in accordance with that plan. In 2007 the Town appointed a Historic District Commission to support the ordinances. It is the mission of the HDC to identify, preserve and educate the town about its unique historical heritage. As outlined in the Historic District Ordinance, the purpose of the Historic District and Historic Preservation Commission is “preserving, protecting and enhancing buildings and places or areas within the town which possess historical or cultural attributes and for the economic welfare of the residents and visitors to the town.”

Durham's Historic District is located in the Southwest Bend area of town near the bandstand, where Route 136 (Royalsborough Road), Route 9 (Newell Brook Road) and Ferry Road meet. The Historic District includes properties on Ferry Road, properties on the river side of Route 9 for a short distance south from Southwest Bend, as well as properties on both sides of Route 136 for a short distance north from Southwest Bend.

The Historic Preservation Commission is responsible for reviewing all applications for a Certificate of Appropriateness for properties in the Historic District.  The HPC reviews these applications for conformance to the local ordinances. The Durham Historic District Ordinance can be viewed here.

What projects need a permit (Certificate of Appropriateness)?

  • Any change in the exterior appearance of any building or structure in the Historic District by construction, addition, reconstruction, alteration or demolition
  • New construction of a principal or accessory building or structure visible from a public street where such building or structure will be located in the Historic District
  • Removal of any building in the Historic District

Applications for a Certificate of Appropriateness may be obtained from the Code Enforcement Officer. There is no fee for a Certificate of Appropriateness. Applications are submitted to the Code Enforcement Officer, who reviews the application and sends it on for review by the HDC.  The applicant should be present at the meeting where that application is reviewed.

For more information contact the Durham Town Offices at 353-2561.

By-Laws of the Historic District

Historic District Commission

Lois Kilby-Chesley, Chair (Term expires 2025)

Candace deCsipkes, Vice Chair (Term expires 2025)

Emily Alexander, Secretary (Term expires 2025)

Paula Erdmann Purdy (Term expires 2025)

Anita Sellars (Term expires 2024)

David McClellan (Term expires 2026)

Sandra Hilton, Alternate (Term expires 2026)

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