Providence's Local Historic Districts on College Hill, including the Benefit Street Mile of History, require Historic District Commission approval for exterior changes such as windows, siding, roofing, and demolition under Chapter 16 of the city code.
Providence designates Local Historic Districts under Chapter 16 of the Code, with the College Hill district encompassing Benefit Street, Power Street, and surrounding blocks containing one of the densest collections of colonial and Federal-period homes in the United States. The Providence Historic District Commission reviews Certificates of Appropriateness for exterior alterations visible from a public way, including window replacement, siding, paint colors on landmarks, masonry repair, fences, and demolition. Routine in-kind maintenance is exempt. The Rhode Island Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission also lists College Hill on the National Register, which adds federal review for federally funded projects.
Unapproved exterior work in a Local Historic District can require restoration to prior condition and fines per Chapter 16 enforcement provisions.
See how Providence's hpoz rules rules stack up against other locations.
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