Historic District and Commission
Topsham's Historic District was created in 1988 by the residents of the town to preserve the community's historic sense of place and ensure that the features that make Topsham unique are here for future generations. Take a virtual tour of Topsham's historic district here! Or, view the HDC's "Topsham, Maine Historical Walking Tour” brochure to learn more about 35 of Topsham’s historic buildings, mills and sites.
The Historic District Commission (HDC) protects Topsham's historic resources, which reflect the town's cultural, social, economic, industrial, political, archaeological and architectural history. The HDC is responsible for reviewing all permit applications (known as a "Certificate of Appropriateness") for properties in the Historic Districts. The Commission reviews for conformance to the local regulations and the Topsham Design Guidelines, which describes historic buildings in the town and recommends ways in which to renovate them. Topsham and the HDC are flexible in allowing different ways to restore, rehabilitate, or renovate historic structures, and the town will assist property owners with the necessary paperwork.
The HDC also makes recommendations to the Planning Board with respect to amendments to Topsham's Historic District zoning ordinance.
Historic Preservation and Economic Development
State and Federal Historic Preservation Tax Credits support the improvement and redevelopment of income-producing properties in the historic district and/or listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Tax credits are available for large and small projects, and there is an additional Affordable Rehabilitation Credit Increase for projects that meet affordable housing requirements.
Permit Application
If you're working on the outside of your house and it can be seen from the street, you will need to file a Certificate of Appropriateness application, available here. Please contact the Planning Office with questions.
Members
The Historic District Commission is a 5 member body. Members of the Historic District Commission are appointed by the Board of Selectmen and serve a term of three years. The members of the Commission elect officers who shall serve one-year terms as Chair and Vice Chair.
The following residents are the members of the Historic District Commission:
Peter Davison, Chair
John Graham, Vice Chair
Andrew Munsey
Wayne Davis
Dominic Cardella
Staff Liaison: Skye Siladi, Planning Director
ssiladi@topshammaine.com
(207) 725-1724 x 2113