Historic District Commission

Do you own a property in a historic district? 

All historic district property owners must obtain permission from the Historic District Commission (HDC) in order to make external renovations prior to applying for City permits.

A map of the Under the Oaks Historic District (PDF) is available online for residents to check if their property is located within the district. Under the Oaks is located west of Downtown Jackson, bound S. West Avenue, W. Morrell Street, First Street, Steward Street, Jackson High School and other streets. 

Individual historic districts are located throughout the City of Jackson. Please reference the Jackson Historic District Listing from the Code of Ordinances to view these properties. 

If your property is listed in the Under the Oaks Historic District or as an individual district, apply to the HDC using the Application to the Historic District Commission page. 

If your property is not listed in a historic district, proceed to your application:

• Building Permit Application (PDF)
• Demo Permit Application (PDF) 
• Roofing, Siding, Deck Permit Application (PDF)

Projects that Require Historic District Commission Review

• Replacing roofing, flashing, or gutters
• Replacing or installing siding
• Installing new or replacement windows
• Reconstructing areas of masonry walls, chimneys, floors, etc.
• Reconstructing all or part of a porch
• Installing any new exterior doors (other than storm doors), such as garage doors or security doors
• Installing or replacing signage, including awnings
• Cleaning the building
• Demolishing all or part of a building, including garages

About the Historic District Commission 

Chapter 13 of the City of Jackson Code of Ordinances, authorized in 1998, creates the HDC.

The Historic District Commission is guided by 5 principles that are focused on preserving the history and beautifying the City of Jackson.

• To safeguard the heritage of the city by preserving a historic district, including areas, sites, landmarks, buildings, structures, objects, resources, and works of art which reflect elements of Jackson’s cultural, social, economic, political and/or architectural history
• To stabilize and improve property values in the historic district
• To foster civic beauty
• To strengthen the local economy
• To promote the use of the historic district for the education, pleasure, and welfare of Jackson citizens and the State of Michigan

Membership

Members of the Historic District Commission are chosen by the mayor of Jackson and are confirmed by the City Council. These citizens are appointed to 3-year terms, with 2 appointees having to represent duly organized local historical and/or preservation societies. Also, 1 member must be an architect, or graduate of an accredited school of architecture, with at least 2 years of experience if such a person is available. These 7 citizens serve on the Historic District Commission without compensation and are eligible for reappointment after their terms are complete. An application to serve on the HDC is available online.