Historic Preservation Committee

Fran Gotcsik - Chair

Don Brown

Robin Hargrave

Lima National Register Properties List (PDF)

With the goal of preserving and enhancing Lima's unique historic character and architecture, the Town and Village Zoning Codes provide for the appointment of a five-member Historic Preservation Commission (HPC). The Town and Village Zoning Codes also designate Historic Preservation Overlay Districts which are included on the Town and Village zoning maps.

The role of the HPC is to undertake an additional advisory review for projects located in Historic Preservation Overlay districts. When a property owner within an Historic Preservation Overlay District applies for a building permit, sign permit, variance, or site plan review for new construction or structural modifications to an existing property, the property owner must submit a Historical Preservation Commission Review Application to the CEO.

When fully complete, the CEO refers this application to the HPC. Within 30 days of receiving a fully complete application, the HPC must review it and make written recommendations to the CEO, or other decision-making body - the Zoning Board of Appeals or the Town/ Village Planning Board. The HPC’s recommendations are based on principles outlined in the Village and Town Codes. The HPC is eager to serve as a resource to assist applicants and may wish to meet with them and undertake a site visit during the review process.

The HPC’s recommendations are advisory only. It is the CEO, the Zoning Board of Appeals, or the Town/Village Planning Board that has final authority over a project.

If you have an interest in preserving the architectural history of Lima and joining in the work of the HPC, please contact a member of HPC or a member of the Town or Village Board. The HPC is actively seeking new commissioners

Historic Preservation Overlay Districts Defined

In the Town of Lima, the Overlay District includes any property or site listed in the National Register of Historic Places and any property located within 500 feet of the property line of any building or site listed in the National Register of Historic Places. See the Lima Town Zoning Map.

The Village of Lima Historic Preservation Historic Overlay District includes the Downtown Business District, Village properties or sites listed in the National Register of Historic Places, and any Village property located within 100 feet of the property line of any building or site listed in the National Register of Historic Places. See the Lima Village Zoning Map.

Each District carries some protections for the properties encompassed, as well as some guidelines regarding major structural/facade modifications to properties within. Maintenance and repair work that replaces existing materials with same (like and kind materials) does not require referral to the HPC.

Lima Properties listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation's historic places worthy of preservation. Fifty-eight buildings within the village and town have been recognized as architecturally and historically significant by New York State and the National Park Service and are listed in the State and National Registers of Historic Places.

How the HPC makes its recommendations

The HPC’s recommendations are based on principles outlined in the Village and Town Codes including contributions to the character of the Historic Overlay District and compatibility with the property’s historic character and the historic character of the surrounding district.

Compatibility is based upon:

• general design, character, and scale;

• texture, materials, and color;

• proportion and arrangement of windows and doors within the façade;

• roof shape;

• the rhythm of spacing of properties on streets, including setback;

• the importance of historic or architectural features to the significance of the property and its surroundings

The HPC also consults:

• Lima, NY Façade Renovation Guidelines, 2010

• Lima’s Village and Town Zoning Codes

• Lima Community Vision Plan (2015-2016)

• Livingston County Design Guidelines, 2020

End of the Year Summaries: