Show All Answers

1. What is historic designation?

Designation means that the City of Titusville and the State of Florida officially recognizes your property as being significant to the community and state due to its historical associations or its architectural features or both.

2. Does historic designation of my property have any benefits for me?

Yes, designation brings many benefits, including:

• Historic designation improves property values and protects the value of your investment. Real estate experts have found that historic designation of a property increases the salability of a building. Historic buildings tend to attract a wider market and a higher selling price than do non-historic properties.
• Historic designation of a group of properties can help protect your neighborhood against inappropriate development, preserving the character of its architecture and its quality of life.
• Historic designation may improve your environment, motivating residents to sponsor neighborhood clean-up and other beautification projects.
• If you have restored your house, historic designation will protect your work; it can provide the assurance that future owners will preserve what you have accomplished.
• As the owner of a historic property, you will be able to receive free technical assistance from the staff and board members of the Titusville Historic Preservation Board. They can save you valuable time and money by advising you on where to locate materials and contractors sensitive to the historic character of your property and how to achieve your home improvement goals.

3. Why should I be concerned about preserving the architectural details of my property?

The history of Titusville dates back to the 19th century and you can trace back and appreciate the City’s development through its architectural styles and building details. Sadly much of the original design and the overall character of the buildings have been destroyed or irretrievably altered so that present and future generations can no longer appreciate the beauty and richness of Titusville’s past.

By conserving the fine craftsmanship on one of a few remaining structures of a certain style, you are preserving an important part of the City’s heritage and contributing to the long-term aesthetic and economic value of the City, as well as to that of your own property.

4. Does it cost me anything to designate my property?

No. Historic designation honors your property. You do not have to pay for it.

5. Will historic designation raise my property taxes?

No. A historically designated property is not taxed differently from a non-historic property. Improvements to a designated property are considered the same as improvements to a non-historic building for the purposes of taxation.

6. How was my property chosen for historic designation?

Several years ago, a cultural resource firm helped the Board conduct a City-wide survey. They identified more than 100 properties that retained their original integrity of form and siting (meaning that they have not been changed greatly), reflected an important aspect of local, state or national history, and/or contributed to the overall character and "streetscape" of a historic neighborhood. They determined that your property is historically significant. This research was funded by a matching grant from the Florida Division of Historical Resources that was administered by the Titusville Historic Preservation Board.

7. I have been informed that my property is historically significant. What happens next?

Upon your approval, then your property will be included in a Preliminary Report that the Titusville Historic Preservation Officer submits to the Titusville Historic Preservation Board for review and comments. After this 30-day review period, the Board will sponsor a Public Hearing concerning all the properties that are being considered for designation. You will be notified of the date and time of this Public Hearing by certified mail to your address as recorded in the Assessor’s Office.

Based on the comments received at or before the Public Hearing, the Officer will prepare a Final Report for submission to the City Council. Based on their findings and a majority vote, they will determine which properties to designate. A resolution will be submitted to the Mayor for signature. The resolution is official upon its filing with the City Clerk and recording in the Official Records of Brevard County.

8. How does the Historic Preservation Ordinance benefit the people of Titusville?

The Ordinance symbolizes Titusville’s pride in its heritage and appearance. It protects and preserves buildings and areas with a high level of historical, cultural or architectural importance. The buildings and areas protected by the Ordinance exhibit workmanship and quality of materials that are representative of the "best" buildings remaining in the City. They are irreplaceable resources. Preservation of buildings and areas through the Ordinance enhances the quality of the environment for all residents and businesses in Titusville.

9. In addition to providing guidelines for the designations, what else does the Historic Preservation Ordinance do?

The Ordinance sets forth guidelines for building alterations and new construction on, or near, historic buildings or districts, and creates a review process to ensure that these guidelines are applied. It also establishes the membership of the Commission and the procedures by which they perform their work.

10. Who administers the Historic Preservation Ordinance?

The Titusville Historic Preservation Board administers the ordinance. The Board has developed specific guidelines to aid historic property owners in making appropriate and sensitive decisions about alterations, additions, and repairs to their properties. The Board meets regularly on the first Monday of the month to review cases related to exterior alterations. Special meetings occur throughout the year to handle subcommittee affairs and oversee grant projects and historical events.