Frequently asked questions
1. What is historic preservation and why is it important?
Preserving our historical heritage is vital. While preservation itself relates to many subjects, it goes without saying that preserving this country's landscapes, historic buildings, various traditional and/or ethnic customs, tangible artifacts, important documents, and so forth all make up a rich tapestry of our history as a people. By respecting and preserving this legacy we demonstrate a sensitivity to that history. It is a monument, in mind, body, and spirit by which will be judged by future generations. It also serves as a lesson to those that will come after us...that our "roots", our sense of place and belonging and community are all the things worth looking after...the things worth saving.
Consider also what California's State Historical Safety Code contends...
Historic preservation is not "frosting", "fluff" or "fad". It is tested and sound social, economic and environmental policy. Communities fight for the tourist dollar; and tourism centered around our historic legacy is the fastest growing segment of that industry.
Historic preservation affirms environmental sensitivity: Just think of the many railroad tank-cars full of fuel required to bake—for a full week—the countless bricks that make up a vintage building. How much more respectful of our earth and its resources to conserve that huge investment in non-renewable fuel, rather than to consign it, along with all that labor and all those materials, to a non-biodegradable heap of landfill.
2. What is the National Register of Historic Places?
The National Register of Historic Places is the nation's official list of cultural resources worthy of preservation. Additional information can be found at the National Register of Historic Places web page.
3. What color can I paint my house in Old Towne Orange, California?
Any color you choose with the exception of "metallic" and "day glow" colors. But you should paint your house with colors that are sympathetic to the style and period of your home. The major paint manufacturers have historic paint palettes available.
4. What are the Secretary of the Interior's Standards?
The federal government provides incentives to citizens so that in return, owners of the nation's historic buildings will rehabilitate the structures in a sensitive manner that respects their historic and architectural character. The Department of Interior defined what is considered sensitive and respectful rehabilitation and organized those ideas in the Secretary of the Interior's Standards. Only rehabilitation which meets these standards is acceptable. Those portions of rehabilitation work which do not meet standards will not be accepted for the tax credit. Advice is available to assist property owners in determining what work is acceptable. There is no charge for this service.
Do you have questions related to Old Towne preservation issues or the OTPA? If so, please send us an email and we'll get back to you.
Preserving our historical heritage is vital. While preservation itself relates to many subjects, it goes without saying that preserving this country's landscapes, historic buildings, various traditional and/or ethnic customs, tangible artifacts, important documents, and so forth all make up a rich tapestry of our history as a people. By respecting and preserving this legacy we demonstrate a sensitivity to that history. It is a monument, in mind, body, and spirit by which will be judged by future generations. It also serves as a lesson to those that will come after us...that our "roots", our sense of place and belonging and community are all the things worth looking after...the things worth saving.
Consider also what California's State Historical Safety Code contends...
Historic preservation is not "frosting", "fluff" or "fad". It is tested and sound social, economic and environmental policy. Communities fight for the tourist dollar; and tourism centered around our historic legacy is the fastest growing segment of that industry.
Historic preservation affirms environmental sensitivity: Just think of the many railroad tank-cars full of fuel required to bake—for a full week—the countless bricks that make up a vintage building. How much more respectful of our earth and its resources to conserve that huge investment in non-renewable fuel, rather than to consign it, along with all that labor and all those materials, to a non-biodegradable heap of landfill.
2. What is the National Register of Historic Places?
The National Register of Historic Places is the nation's official list of cultural resources worthy of preservation. Additional information can be found at the National Register of Historic Places web page.
3. What color can I paint my house in Old Towne Orange, California?
Any color you choose with the exception of "metallic" and "day glow" colors. But you should paint your house with colors that are sympathetic to the style and period of your home. The major paint manufacturers have historic paint palettes available.
4. What are the Secretary of the Interior's Standards?
The federal government provides incentives to citizens so that in return, owners of the nation's historic buildings will rehabilitate the structures in a sensitive manner that respects their historic and architectural character. The Department of Interior defined what is considered sensitive and respectful rehabilitation and organized those ideas in the Secretary of the Interior's Standards. Only rehabilitation which meets these standards is acceptable. Those portions of rehabilitation work which do not meet standards will not be accepted for the tax credit. Advice is available to assist property owners in determining what work is acceptable. There is no charge for this service.
Do you have questions related to Old Towne preservation issues or the OTPA? If so, please send us an email and we'll get back to you.
