Congratulation on Buying in Benton Park


Its a great feeling to own a piece of history that's over 120 years old! Now it's all about keeping it up. And owning a home that is over a century old demands a little TLC.

But, before you start in with the power tools, there are couple of things that you should know about where you building is located.

Benton Park has achieved both a National and Local Historical District status. These designations offer both financial incentive benefits and a few facade restrictions. Either of them require that you complete a few extra steps before you start construction.

We hope to help guide you through these regulations without causing you too much confusion.

The Basic City Stuff

Zoning: Zoning was created in order to regulate land and buildings intended for commercial, industries, and residences use and to regulate the intensity of the use of lots and the density of population. There are a number of zoning categories but, we are only concentrating on the top three.

To live in a building in Benton Park, you need to unsure that it is zone Residential.

Building Codes: The City of St. Louis Building Division enforces a variety of national standard building codes. These are codes designed to ensure public safety and basic building maintenance.

Don't be surprised if you get a notice if you have ripped screens, chipping paint or rotted fence.

Conservation District: The City of St. Louis uses its Conservation Districts to place limits on the number of people that can occupy a dwelling within those districts. Benton Park is in Conservation District #85. The number of people who can reside in a dwelling depends on the size of the home and how many bedrooms it has.

If you want to Utilize

National Historic District: The National Register is a nation-wide list of buildings or areas certified by the Secretary of Interior as important architecturally, historically or culturally. Individual buildings and those in a district are eligible for Federal and Missouri State tax credits for rehabilitation and tax deductions for easement donation. Listing a building on the National Register does not trigger local review of changes to the building unless the project is Federally funded.

There are no restriction place upon you by the National Historic District, only benefits; if you choose to pursue them. It was by utilizing these benefits that Benton Park has been able to make the 'come back' that it has achieved today.

You have to Abide by

Local Historic District: City of St. Louis local historic districts are created by local ordinance, and are regulated by the historic district design standards in that ordinance. These standards vary from district to district and are developed by the neighborhood. "Certified" local historic districts have been determined to qualify for the National Register.

These districts enjoy the same tax credit benefits as National Register districts.

In local districts, all changes to the exterior of a building must be reviewed by the staff of the City of St. Louis Preservation Commission for compliance with the district's design standards.

Resources for 'Getting it Done'

Rehabbing: If you are going to do it yourself, need advice on what needs to be done, references on who does the best job, trying to find that replacement piece, or want to offer your services....this is the place for you!

 

Last updated: Sunday, August 24, 2008