Historic Preservation Commission of Sanford

As a result of its National Register Historic District status and public sentiment, the Downtown Historic District was designated a local historic district in March 1999. The main purpose for the district was to establish an explicit, formal city policy to monitor any exterior changes to buildings in the district, in order to ensure that those changes are sensitive to the architectural heritage and integrity of downtown Sanford.

Downtown Sanford is an important symbol to its residents, representing the geographical, cultural, governmental, and financial center of the Sanford community. Construction projects are on-going in downtown, many of which involve the rehabilitation of historic buildings. The Sanford Historic Preservation Commission reviews an owner’s compliance with a set of historic design standards, which helps the commission determine the compatibility of changes within the existing character of the Downtown Historic District. This commission serves the public both as an administrator for the districts and as a facilitator to people whom own properties in these areas.

Local designation also affords property owners, wishing to renovate their buildings, consultations and technical assistance on their projects. This not only enhances the projects, but also makes them more economically beneficial to property owners in the long run. The guidelines are based on a common sense approach to the enhancement of historic structures, and districts, which stress the importance of protecting and maintaining historic structures and advocate repair over replacement. Applications are reviewed by the commission or city staff dependent on whether a proposed change is a major or minor work.