Historic Mount Pleasant was the first preservation organization in the city to develop design guidelines based on the specific features of the houses in its neighborhood. These guidelines, published in 1991 with a green cover, came to be known as the Green Book. It was also translated into Spanish and remains a source of guidance for work that may generally be considered to be “compatible” with the historic district.
In addition to the Green Book, Mount Pleasant property owners considering work on their property should also consult the design guidelines and procedures on the HPO website, including:
- Permits & Design Review
- Design Guidelines
- Design and Construction Standards and Guidelines
- Standards for Window Repair and Replacement
- Sign Standards
- General Guidelines by Topic
- Historic District Guidelines
- National Park Service (NPS) Standards and Guidelines
We call your attention in particular to the guidelines on window and door replacement, front basement entrances, landscaping (including fences and retaining walls), meter placement and solar installation.
There are also Guidelines by Topic on many commonly encountered preservation issues, including building additions, new construction, commercial buildings, alteration of various building components, and site work.