Historic Resources Review Board

Preserving the City of Auburn's historic buildings located within the South Street Area National Historic Register District and several other “Local Landmark Structures.”

The Historic Resources Review Board (HRRB) is responsible for preserving the City of Auburn's historic buildings located within the South Street Area National Historic Register District and several “Local Landmark Structures.” Created initially in 1990, the review area was expanded in 1992. The specially zoned district encompasses areas of South Street and the side streets of Elizabeth Street, Fitch Avenue, Grover Street, Hamilton Avenue, MacDougall Street, Swift Street, and William Street. If you would like specific information on the legislation, please refer to the City of Auburn Municipal Code Chapter 178, Historic Preservation.

The regulations require that the Board utilize the “U.S. Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for rehabilitation of historic buildings” as the guidelines for reviewing applications. Internet access to these regulations is available from the National Park Service. All projects within the District that stand to change the appearance of any buildings require approval by the HRRB, in the form of "Certificates of Appropriateness." Applications for Certificates of Appropriateness must be submitted at least one week prior to the HRRB meeting at which they are to be considered. HRRB typically meets on the second Tuesday of every month at 7:00pm, in the 1st Floor Caucus room next to Council Chambers in City Hall, 24 South Street. Applications can be picked up at the Office of Planning and Economic Development, the Code Enforcement Office or electronically.

Applications are evaluated on the following criteria:

• The scale of the change in relation to its surroundings.
• The materials and colors used in the change, in relation to the surroundings as well as the history of the structure.
• The compatibility of the proposed changes in relation to the history of the structure, as well as other historic buildings in the neighborhood.

If the board issues a Certificate of Appropriateness, then a building permit can be issued, and work can proceed as described in the certificate. If the board denies your Certificate of Appropriateness, or approves, but attaches conditions on their approval that the owner finds unacceptable, an Economic Hardship certificate can be applied for through the HRRB.  

Board Members:

• Michael Deming, Chair; term expires 3/9/2026
• Jackie Gumtow; term expires 3/9/2026
• James Hutchinson; term expires 3/9/2026
• Mitch Maniccia; term expires 6/30/2025
• Edward Onori; term expires 3/9/2026
• Richard Stankus; term expires 3/9/2026 
• Tracy Verrier; term expires 6/1/2025