About Historic Preservation
The City of East Lansing was founded in 1907, following settlement in the area that began around 1847. Since then, a number of historic homes and neighborhoods have been built, largely near Michigan State University. In 1989, the City adopted a Historic Preservation Code to protect these historic assets and promote their rehabilitation. The Code was intended to support these historic neighborhoods that contain architecturally significant structures often not found elsewhere in the City. The City also established a Landmark Historic District, which encompasses the most significant structures, regardless of location, throughout the City. These 27 structures are integral to the history of East Lansing as a community and their preservation is of the utmost importance to continue telling our story into the future. Construction in a Historic District New construction or alterations of existing structures are not prohibited in historic districts. The construction or alteration is expected to be done in a historically sensitive manner, enhancing the historic nature of the structure rather than overpowering it. Applicants are encouraged to direct any construction to the rear of a structure, not visible from a public street. Additionally, materials used for new construction should be compatible with existing, historic materials. Generally, any work on the exterior of a structure requires approval from either the Historic Preservation Officer or the Historic District Commission through the submittal of a Certificate of Appropriateness Application. Historic District Commission Most work on a historic structure that is visible from a public street requires the approval of the Historic District Commission. The Commission meets once a month and the law requires that an official public hearing is held. This means that any submittal to the Commission must be made one month in advance. The Commission will work with property owners to balance the guidelines for historic preservation with the desires of the owner and try to find a solution that enhances both the property and the overall district.