Historic Building Code
The building regulations listed below are preserved for future reference to LaSalle Park residents, in the interest of continuing to promote the neighborhood's historic preservation. These regulations originally were used by the LaSalle Park Redevelopment Corporation. They were last in effect with the Homeowner's Association active in 2001.
Area (Street and Neighborhood)
Permitted
Retaining distinctive historic features such as the rooflines, size, scale, color and materials of buildings, porches, stairways, and street accessories (period streetlamps, benches, planters, wrought-iron fences) that give LaSalle park its distinctive historic character.
Retaining parks, gardens, walkways, streets, treelawns (property between street and sidewalk), alleys, malls (10th Street), and building setbacks which link properties to their environment.
Not Permitted
Introducing new buildings or materials into the area which are incompatible with the character of the historic LaSalle Park neighborhood.
Destroying the relationship of properties and their environment; which adversely affects traffic flow, security and safety by:
1) widening or altering existing streets and walkways;
2) adding new streets and parking lots or other construction that is incompatible with the historic nature of the neighborhood.
Replacing and Bradford Pear tree with a tree of significant difference on treelawns and malls (10th Street).
Environment (Site and Landscape)
Permitted
Retaining and maintaining and introducing plants, plant materials, trees, fencing, walkways, paving materials, and street accessories which reflect and are compatible in scale, size, material and color of the property's historic character.
Basing decision for new work on actual knowledge of the past appearance of the property found in photographs, drawings, newspapers, tax records, etc., if available. If changes are made they should be thoughtfully considered in light of the past appearance of the site.
Using plant materials, paving materials, fencing, walkways, street furniture, and street lighting that are compatible with the character of the site and the neighborhood in size, scale, material, and color.
Using wrought iron or wood fencing with use, location, and height to be approved by the St. Louis Redevelopment Authority.
To promote the historic character of the neighborhood, wrought iron is preferred.
Yard areas that are landscaped to create an appropriate setting for the site and property.
Not Permitted
Modifying the appearance of the property by removing or adding plants, trees, fencing, walkways, and street accessories before evaluating their importance to the property's historic character.
Over-restoring the site to an appearance it never had.
Introducing new plant materials, fencing, walkways, and street accessories which are incompatible with the character of the site and the neighborhood.
Replacing existing brick walkways with any material other than brick.
Chain-link fencing that is visible from any public access (i.e. street, alley, walkways, and common grounds) and wood fencing in front yard areas, and street frontages.
Landscaping that is inconsistent with the character of the property and neighborhood.
Exterior Features (Masonry/Frame Buildings)
Permitted
Retaining original masonry and mortar whenever possible. Waterproofing with transparent (i.e. clear) coating that will protect without changing the original
appearance.
Duplicating the appearance of the original mortar in composition, color, and joint profile. The materials should be of equal or better quality.
Cleaning masonry only when necessary to halt deterioration and always with the gentlest method possible. Sample tests should be carried out on the buildings to assure that no damage will result from the cleaning method selected.
Cleaning with nonacid cleaners and soft, natural bristle brushes.
Repairing stucco with a stucco mixture duplicating the original as much as possible in appearance and texture.
Repairing or replacing where necessary, deteriorated material with new material that duplicates the old as much as possible.
Replacing missing architectural features, cornices, brackets, railings, and shutters with similar items. Such items should be made of identical material or have the appearance of original material.
Retaining the original or early color and texture of masonry and frame surfaces wherever possible. The color of repainted masonry and frame surfaces should fall in a range of acceptable colors as approved by the St. Louis Redevelopment Authority. The use of conservative and neutral colors, when not applying more traditional colors, is permitted.
Owners and managers of attached buildings are encouraged to cooperate with each other to coordinate painting and construction to ensure the compatibility of connected design features.
Masonry exterior is required for street-side and front-door side of buildings for new construction. Siding on rear and private sides of buildings is permitted.
Not Permitted
Applying waterproofing that will change the original appearance of the materials.
Repointing with mortar whose quality differs greatly from the original structural properties, texture, color, or joint profile.
Sandblasting walls of soft brick or stone. This method of cleaning erodes the surface of the material and accelerates deterioration.
Cleaning with chemical cleaners (e.g. acid cleaners) that cause adverse chemical reactions with the masonry materials.
Applying new material which is inconsistent with the original design of the building or conflicts with its present appearance in either masonry or frame construction. Examples include artificial cast stone and brick surfaces, brick exterior siding, aluminum, plastic, vinyl and plastic siding over masonry surfaces.
Removing architectural features, cornices, brackets, railings, shutters, window architraves, doorway pediments, etc. They are, in most cases, an essential part of a
building's character an appearance and illustrate the continuity of growth and change which affected it.
Repainting of masonry or frame construction with vibrant colors that cannot be documented to be appropriate to the building and neighborhood through research and investigation. Trim colors are addressed under "Window and Door Color."
Painting of brick or stone surfaces nor previously painted. Indiscriminate removal of paint from masonry surfaces. This may be incorrect and may also subject the building to harmful damage.
Siding on the front and major visible exterior sides of the building.
Exterior Features (Roofs)
Permitted
Preserving the original roof shape.
Retaining the original visible roof covering wherever possible.
Replacing deteriorated roof coverings with new material that is similar to the old in size, shape, color, and texture.
Preserving or replacing where necessary all architectural features which give the roof its essential character, such as dormer windows, cupolas, cornices, brackets, chimneys, cresting, weather vanes, etc.
Antennas of 24 inches or less dimensions (i.e. length, width, height or diameter), in locations not visible from public streets.
Not Permitted
Changing the original roof shape with features inappropriate to the essential character of the roof, such as oversized dormer windows, picture windows, etc.
Applying new roof covering (if visible) that is inappropriate to style and period of the building an neighborhood (rolled roofing to sloping roofs).
Replacing deteriorated roof coverings with new materials that are not similar to the old in size, shape, color, and texture.
Stripping the roof of architectural features essential to its character, such as dormer windows, cupolas, cornices, brackets, chimneys, weather vanes, etc.
Placing antennas greater than 24 inches (i.e. length, width, height, or diameter), pertaining to local television, radio, ham radio, citizen's band radio, satellite or microwave, in locations visible from any public access (i.e. streets, alleys, walkways, and common grounds).
Exterior Features (Windows, Doors, Trim)
Permitted
Retaining existing window openings and windows including window sash, lintels, sills, architraves, shutters, and all other window decoration and hardware.
Replacement windows are to be consistent with previous windows in appearance.
Retaining existing doorways and doors including pediments, hoods, architraves, steps and hardware.
Replacing original doors with identical doors or doors identical in appearance.
If replacement of doors is necessary, the replacement should duplicate the material, design, and the hardware of the door. If replacement of window sash is necessary, the replacement should duplicate the size and design of the older window sash. Replacement windows may be color-finished aluminum, matching
basic profiles and visual weight of original sash.
If replacement of storm doors is necessary, or new storm doors are added to the structure, the replacement storm door is to duplicate the original historic storm door. New storm doors are to incorporate maximum view of the door itself.
Atrium and garden windows on the rear or private area of the building.
Discovering and retaining original paint color for window, door, and all trim work. Repainting with colors including in a range of acceptable colors as approved by the St. Louis Redevelopment Authority.
Not Permitted
Introducing new window and door openings into principal elevations of the building.
Enlarging or reducing windows and door openings to fit new stock window sash and new stock door sizes.
Altering the size of window panes or sash which are part of the structure's fabric. Changing this can destroy the scale and proportion of the building.
Discarding original doors and door hardware when they can be repaired and reused in place, unless such replacement retains the appearance of the original door.
New window or door features, such as non-color finished aluminum storm and window screen combinations that require the removal of original windows and doors, or storm doors that do not permit full view of building doors (i.e. half storm doors). The use of plastic, metal strip or canvas awning and fake shutters.
Repainting with vibrant colors that cannot be documented to be appropriate to the building and neighborhood through research and investigation.
Exterior Features (Porches, Steps, Roof Decks)
Permitted
Retaining porches and steps which are appropriate to the building and its development.
The replacement of porches and steps, different from the original are permitted provided that the replacements are more appropriate to the building and its development.
Repairing, or replacing where necessary, deteriorated architectural features of wood, iron, cast iron, terra-cotta, tile, brick, etc.
Repairing, or replacing where necessary, deteriorated material with new material that duplicates the old as much as possible.
Development of flat roof areas of buildings for outdoor living, provided that plans for roof deck areas of this natures are approved by the St. Louis Redevelopment Authority and comply with the St. Louis Building Code.
Discovering and retaining original paint colors, or repainting with colors included in a range of acceptable colors as approved by the St. Louis Redevelopment Authority.
Not Permitted
Removing or altering porches an steps which are appropriate to the building and its development.
Stripping porches and steps of original material and architectural features such as hand rails, balusters, columns, brackets, and roof decorations of wood, iron,
cast iron, terra-cotta, tile, brick, etc.
Adding porches and steps which are inappropriate with the building and its development.
Applying new materials which were unavailable or inappropriate when the building was constructed, such as artificial stone, brick veneer, (fiberglass) plastic or aluminum siding, and asbestos shingles.
Repainting with vibrant colors that cannot be documented through research and investigation to be appropriate to the building and neighborhood.
Interior Features (Minimum Requirements)
Permitted
Residential structures with interiors that comply with the Minimum Residential Property Rehabilitation Standards of the Revised Code of the City of St. Louis.
All other structures with interiors that comply with the Minimum Non-Residential Property Rehabilitation Standards of the Revised Code of the City of St. Louis.
Suggested
The checklist relative to Suggested Interior Features recommends special actions to be considered or avoided to insure the ongoing preservation and/or rehabilitation of the interior of the structure. Although items indicated in the considered column are not required to be undertaken, individuals or groups undertaking such work are encouraged to comply with these architectural standards original to the home.
Considered
Retaining original material, architectural features, and hardware whenever possible, such as stairs, handrails, balusters, mantle pieces, cornices, chair rail, baseboard, paneling, doors and doorways, wallpaper, lighting fixtures, locks, door knobs, etc.
Repairing, or replacing where necessary, deteriorated material with new material that duplicates the old as much as possible.
Retaining original plaster whenever possible.
Discovering and retaining original paint colors, wallpapers, and other decorative motifs, or where necessary replacing them with colors, wallpapers, or decorative motifs based on the original.
Avoid
Removing original material, architectural features, and hardware except where necessary for safety or efficiency.
Installing new decorative materials which were unavailable or inappropriate when the building was constructed such as vinyl, fiberglass, plastic or imitation wood wall and floor coverings, except in utility areas such as kitchens and bathrooms.
Destroying original plaster except where necessary for safety and efficiency.
Plan and Function
Permitted
Using a building for its intended purpose and use, which complies with zoning ordinances of the City of St. Louis.
Finding an adaptive use, when necessary, which is compatible with the plan, structure, and appearance of the building. (Any adaptive use of a residential structure must be approved by the City Development Authority.)
Not Permitted
Altering a building to accommodate an incompatible use requiring extensive alterations to the plan, materials, and appearance of the building.
New Additions and Garage
Permitted
Keeping new additions to a building to a minimum.
Designing new additions to be compatible in materials, size, scale, color and texture with the earlier building in neighborhood and approved by the St. Louis
Redevelopment Authority and compliant with the St. Louis Building Code.
Designing off-street parking structures (garages) to be compatible in materials, size, scale, color and texture with the structures adjacent and consistent with the historic neighborhood, and approved by the St. Louis Redevelopment Authority and compliant with the St. Louis Building Code.
Not Permitted
Making unnecessary new additions to building.
Designing new additions which are incompatible with the earlier buildings and neighborhood in materials, size, scale, and texture.
Using such material inconsistent with neighborhood structures, (i.e. fiberglass or similar materials for roofs or doors).
Missing or mismatched doors and windows or doors and windows in disrepair.
Designing new additions (e.g. garages, sheds, etc.) with an inappropriate style or period of architecture except where a contemporary design would subtract from LaSalle Park's distinctive historical character. For example,
carports and sheds inconsistent with neighborhood structures.
Mechanical Services (Heating/Cooling/Electric)
Permitted
Installing necessary exterior building services in areas and spaces that will require the least possible alteration to the materials, and appearance of the building.
Having exterior electrical and telephone cables installed underground.
Central air-conditioning and window units and other mechanical equipment screened from public view.
Not Permitted
Causing unnecessary damage to the materials, and appearance of the building when installing mechanical devices.
Attaching exterior electrical and telephone cables to the principal elevations of the building when underground services are available.
Safety: St. Louis Building Code and Zoning Ordinances, and LaSalle Park Urban Renewal Plan Requirements
Permitted
Bringing buildings and site conditions up to acceptable requirement levels through adaptation of site and the building materials necessary to preserve the distinctive historic character of LaSalle Park.
Adequate fire prevention precautions.
Access for the handicapped in public use buildings is required.
Not Permitted
Violation of Building Code, Zoning Ordinances, and the LaSalle Park Urban Renewal Plan Requirements.
Open Storage
Permitted
Structures, where the storage of household items, materials, equipment, etc., are kept, that are consistent with the architectural style of the house and the distinctive historic character of LaSalle Park.
Containers provided for trash, debris, and litter.
Not Permitted
Open storage of household items, materials, equipment, etc., and temporary structures inconsistent with the architectural style of the house and the distinctive historic character of LaSalle Park. (Aluminum or wooden sheds,
covered carports, etc.
Trash, debris, refuse, inoperative vehicles, etc., are not allowed to accumulate throughout the front, sides, and rear yard areas.
Off-street Parking Facilities
Permitted
Housing which provides a minimum of one off-street parking space for each dwelling unit.
Housing for the elderly which provides a minimum of 45 off-street parking spaces per 100 units.
Churches, school auditoriums and other places of public assembly which provide one off street parking space for each 15 seats.
Local retail type operations and office facilities which provide for four (4) off-street parking spaces for each 1,000 square feet of floor area.
Not Permitted
Housing and institutional uses which do not provide off-street parking facilities.
Local retail operations and office facilities which do not provide off-street parking facilities.
Signs
Permitted
Single-family structures and two (2) family structures without signs.
Installing temporary "for sale" signs in yards, windows or on single-family structures and two (2) family structures.
Housing for the elderly and institutional uses with an identification sign of less than thirty (30) square feet, and which is wall mounted, panel type, projecting not
more than eighteen (18) inches from the face of the building, and lighted from a concealed non-intermittent type source.
Local retail operations and office facilities with a sign indicating the identification of the firm or person occupying the property, and the product, not exceeding 50 square feet or 10 percent of the exterior wall surface of the ground floor facing a public street, whichever is more restrictive, and which is wall mounted, panel type, projecting nor more than eighteen (18) inches from the face of the building, and lighted from a concealed non-intermittent type source.
Signs identifying building exits and entrances necessary for the operation of parking areas and the identification of loading areas.
Not Permitted
Installing signs on single-family structures an two (2) family structures.
Housing for the elderly, institutional uses, local retail operations and office facilities with pole or pylon signs, yard signs, signs located on a building roof, signs painted on any wall of a structure, illuminated signs with an
intermittent lighting or flashing effort, or animated, rotating or moving signs or bill board of any type, neon or backlighted signs.
Review and Monitoring
Review
All exterior renovation shall be subject to the review and written approval by the St. Louis redevelopment Authority, after review by the LaSalle park Redevelopment Corp. All plans and/or work write-ups for exterior renovation shall be approved by the Authority prior to commencement of the work, and the agreed upon plans and/or work write-ups shall be included in the Covenant or Deed of Conveyance. Upon satisfactory completion of the agreed-upon exterior rehabilitation/preservation, the Authority shall issue a "Certification of Completion" to the owner.
Monitoring
It shall be the responsibility of the Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority to monitor the redevelopment activities of the prime developer, LaSalle Park Redevelopment Corp., and it shall be the responsibility of the LaSalle park Redevelopment Corporation to supervise the preservation and/or rehabilitation activities of individual designees to who it has conveyed properties. The Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority will supervise the preservation and/or rehabilitation activities of individual owners whose property is not to be acquired in the Phase II and Phase III areas of LaSalle Park, in accordance with their respective approval plans and/or work write-ups included in the Covenant.