The Cleveland Landmarks Commission and its Design Review Advisory Committees and Staff utilize the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties: Rehabilitation, adopted Guides/Guidelines, and Neighborhood Design Guidelines (if available) when determining if an exterior building, site, or environmental change is appropriate. They consider if a proposed change will adversely affect any significant or important historical or aesthetic feature of the site or district. Each designated Landmark and Historic District is unique and important in their own right, and each project or potential change is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation
The Cleveland Landmarks Commission follows the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties: Rehabilitation as a Treatment and Standards for Rehabilitation to determine the appropriateness of projects to locally designated structures and within locally designated historic districts.
Full Secretary's Standards with Guidelines – including direction for each treatment
National Park Service Technical Preservation Services – including Preservation Briefs and Tech Notes
National Trust for Historic Preservation: Regulating New Construction in Historic Districts
Cleveland Landmarks Commission Guidelines
The Cleveland Landmarks Commission has developed Guidelines to assist residents and property owners on commonly seen changes to homes and buildings. These guides were created to supplement and support the use of the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation by the Cleveland Landmarks Commission.
The Guides also outline steps for some projects to receive administrative approval instead of requiring the design review process.
These condensed versions of our Guidelines below can be printed and provide information on the basics of our Guidelines and what to provide the Landmarks Commission when making changes to designated Landmarks and homes and buildings located in designated Historic Districts.
Roofing for Cleveland Landmarks and Districts
Siding for Cleveland Landmarks and Districts
Residential Siding and Exterior Elements Guide
The request to install new siding on a home that does not appear to meet one of the Recommended Treatments outlined in Section V provided in the guide may not be able to be approved administratively and may require review through the Landmarks Commission design review process.
When applying to remove and reinstall siding, evidence or knowledge of the siding condition and appearance underneath the existing siding on the home is recommended to have available. The additional details will help to inform the Landmarks Commission and document possible original siding on the home. It is strongly recommended to do initial exploratory work on an unobtrusive or protected part of the home to discover the condition of the original siding prior to replacement without damaging the home or leaving it open to the elements.
Residential Windows Repair and Replacement
Durable and appropriate replacement materials may include aluminum-clad wood, fiberglass, composite, and aluminum/metal replacements. Depending on the location of the windows to replace and any changes to the style, appearance, and function, a proposed window replacement project may be administratively approved by the Landmarks Commission staff, at the direction of the Landmarks Commission. Changes to decorative windows, primary facades, and function may require the Landmarks Commission design review process, as outlined in the guide.
Roof replacement with the same architectural shingles, flat roofing material, or upgraded materials in a similar color/shape/size may be reviewed administratively by Landmarks Commission staff for appropriateness. Included in the review, Landmarks Commission staff will also ask for information on new venting, flashing, gutters, downspouts, and changes to existing chimney or piping on the roof. Roof type and style changes may require the Landmarks Commission design review process, as outlined in these guidelines.
Solar Panel Installation Guide
Solar panel installation projects that adhere to the recommendations in this guide or are located on secondary structures (garages or sheds), new additions or new construction can be reviewed administratively by Landmarks Commission staff for appropriateness, at the direction of the Landmarks Commission. Otherwise, the proposed installation will need to be reviewed through the Landmarks Commission design review process.
The Cleveland Storefront Renovation Program Design Manual
This is a practical guide for exterior commercial rehabilitation and should be referenced for commercial projects in Cleveland's designated historic districts.
Neighborhood Design Guidelines
Some neighborhoods or Community Development Corporations have collaborated with the Landmarks Commission to create overall design guidelines for their specific area or for specific types of projects.
Reach out to the Landmarks Commission office for information on creating design guidelines for your neighborhood!
The guidelines archived below should be used as informational resources. Current, up-to-date information can be found with the Landmarks Commission office.
East Fourth Street District Urban Design Guidelines
Produced in 1989 as a guide for the district as it developed as a study and plan to assist in the revitalization of the district.
An Enduring Legacy: A Guide to Design Review in the East Boulevard Historic District
Produced in 2005 with the East Boulevard Design review Committee with the Cleveland Restoration Society, Cleveland Landmarks Commission, and the Famicos Foundation
Franklin Circle Historic District Design Guidelines
Produced in 1992 for the Cleveland Landmarks Commission, prior to the expansion of the district into the current Ohio City Historic District
Little Italy Design Guidelines
From the Little Italy Redevelopment Corporation: This updated document outlines how the neighborhood plans on preserving Little Italy’s historic character and ensuring its future. The plan will help guide and promote future investments in the neighborhood.
Landmarks Commission Design Review
If the home, building, or property is located in a designated Cleveland historic district or the parcel of a designated Cleveland Landmark, changes to the exterior and site are reviewed by the Landmarks Commission office.
The GIS Interactive Map can be used to find out if a property is locally designated.
The Landmarks Design Review page has resources and details about the Landmarks Commission design review process.