Replacing a roof in a Providence historic district

Which houses this applies to

Providence’s local historic districts contain roughly 2,600 properties, according to the city. College Hill was the first, designated in 1960 and expanded in 1990. The Armory district followed in 1989 and was expanded in 2004. Others have included Broadway, Downtown, Northern Elmwood, Southern Elmwood and Stimson Avenue. Changes to properties in these districts need PHDC approval.

Like for like, or a change?

Replacing a roof with the same material, in a similar color and profile, is generally the simplest case. Changing material, such as slate to asphalt, wood to asphalt or asphalt to metal, or changing the roof’s shape, is the kind of work the commission considers at a meeting. Visible details count too: skylights on a street-facing slope, new dormers, or removing chimneys.

The order of steps

1. Confirm whether the property is in a local district.
2. Talk with the PHDC staff early about what the commission typically accepts for houses like yours.
3. Choose the material with the roofer, and gather product information and photos.
4. Apply for approval and attend the meeting if one is required.
5. Pull the building permit once approval is in hand.
6. Install exactly what was approved.

Other Rhode Island commissions

Newport and Bristol, among others, have their own local historic districts and commissions with similar processes. See the Newport and Bristol pages.