Architectural and Demolition Guidelines Updates, 2021-2022 

Changes to the Architectural Guidelines for Historic Preservation may affect older and historic buildings throughout the city and all buildings in the local Historic Preservation Zoning districts

Guiding this process is The City of St. Augustine Historic Preservation Element of the Comprehensive Plan which includes the following goals:

  • Preserve and protect the historic and authentic character of St. Augustine to minimize the demolition of historic buildings and structures
  • Preserve and enhance the authentic features of St. Augustine's heritage and scale of the built environment in the distinctive neighborhoods, districts, structures, buildings, and vistas to strengthen St. Augustine's ability to convey the heritage of the city's diversity and development patterns

Specific objectives provide direction to revise the Historic Architectural Review Board ordinance with respect to definitions and demolition review thresholds and to revise the Architectural Guidelines for Historic Preservation (AGHP) to include changes in materials, technologies, staff approval guidelines, and provide property owners an expectation of what will and will not be approved by using more illustrations and descriptions that can be easily applied.  The 2018 Historic Preservation Master Plan inspired the adopted Comprehensive Plan and is also a resource for considering potential changes to the architectural and demolition review process.

Will your property be affected by these changes?

The answer is YES if you own a building that meets one or more of the following criteria:

  • Local Landmark
  • National Register of Historic Places individual listing
  • National Register of Historic Places contributing building to a National Register district
  • Located in a local HP zoning district

If you own a building that is 50 years old or older that DOES NOT MEET the above criteria, the current proposal will reduce regulations on construction work related to partial demolition.  The current proposed ordinance will remove the existing requirement that mandates HARB approval of partial demolition for those types of buildings.


There are no changes proposed for the review process required for FULL demolition of buildings 50 years old or older that are located throughout the city regardless of zoning district.  These will still require review for demolition approval by the HARB.

Map your property

Map of National Register Historic Districts
This map shows the location of the seven National Register Historic Districts in the city limits.  The significant buildings within those districts represents about 25% of the city's building stock and is limited to 7% of the city's land mass.

Click here to access an interactive site that will allow you to search for your address and view properties that meet the criteria listed that would be affected by updates to the AGHP and demolition/design review ordinance proposal.

Public Workshops and Meetings

Participate and follow any of these opportunities to contribute to this effort.  Property owners and businesses in a local historic preservation zoning district  and those who own or manage any older and historic buildings throughout the city are especially encouraged.

DATE LOCATION TITLE DETAILS
9/11/21 (10a-12p) Galimore Center Preservation Forum,      Part One Video
9/28/21 (5:30p) Zoom/Digital Media Preservation Forum, Part Two Video
TBD TBD TBD Future meetings can be posted here

Public Surveys:

Take Public Survey 1 here:  St. Augustine Design Guidelines Part I

Take Public Survey 2 here: St. Augustine Design Guidelines Part II

Waterworks Opens in new windowVisit an interactive ArcGIS StoryMap to learn more about proposed changes that include more definitions of partial demolition throughout the city and associated design review by HARB:


Preserving the Historic Building Envelope

 *Meetings Related to HARB Design Review Associated with Partial Demolition Only*

Previous meetings held for discussion regarding HARB design review tied to partial demolition approvals for areas outside HP zoning districts for approximately 1,600 historic buildings in the city limits.
Date Entity Link Video Stream
September 30, 2021 Historic Preservation Officer Webinar Link (expired) No one attended, see link below for content
August 25, 2021 Neighborhood Council Webinar Link (expired) Video link (opens YouTube)
June 16, 2021 PZB Workshop Meeting Packet Video
June 1, 2021 PZB  Meeting Packet Video
February 18, 2021 HARB Meeting Packet Video
November 19, 2020 HARB Meeting Packet Video
October 15, 2020 HARB Meeting Packet Video
February 20, 2020 HARB Meeting Packet Video
January 16, 2020 HARB Meeting Packet Video

References for more information:

  1. 2018 Historic Preservation Master Plan (PDF)
  2. Architectural Guidelines for Historic Preservation (PDF)
  3. Architectural Guidelines for Historic Preservation 1984
  4. Comprehensive Plan HP Element
  5. Law: Florida's Local Historic Preservation Ordinances, 1998
  6. Law: Summary of Florida Historic Preservation Law June 2008
  7. NAPC Publication: The Alliance Review: Alternative Materials
  8. National Park Service: The Secretary of the Interior's Standards, 2017
  9. Preservation Forum: NAPC Trainer Bios 2021
  10. Model Guidelines Florida (ca. 1995)
  11. Sample Design Guidelines: Delray Beach
  12. Sample Design Guidelines: Fernandina Beach
  13. Sample Design Guidelines: St. Petersburg Beach