Certificates of APPROPRIATENESS

​The City of Sioux City's Zoning and Sign Code was adopted on March 23, 2015. With this Code the Historic Preservation Commission is granted review authority for alterations on structures within Historic Area zoning districts. The Commission makes recommendations to City Staff on whether Certificates of Appropriateness applications for alterations, as well as sign permits in Historic Areas preserve the integrity of the structure and character of the district. The Historic Area zoning districts subject to review authority are Historic 4th Street and Historic Pearl.

Getting Started with Historic Preservation

Identifying Architectural Styles
This page is a collection of documents giving details on the various architectural styles in the Siouxland area which include: Colonial Revival, Craftsman, Prairie, Queen Ann, Richardsonian Romanesque, and Tudor Revival.
Styles Found in Sioux City
How to Identify Structural Forms
​The following guides will help you identify structural styles including: windows, walls, doors, porches, chimneys and roofs.
How To Research Buildings & Homes
There are a number of steps and directions one can go when researching a building or home. The three documents below will get you started on finding the information you need.
Iowa Site Inventory Form & Instructions
The Iowa Site Inventory form is for gathering information about features of a property. This data becomes part of the Statewide Inventory Program including its computerized database and can help in evaluating a property's potential eligibility to be listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The categories of information, though general and descriptive, are intended to help organize and present data about a property's location as well as the results of visual observation and documentary research.

Purchasing & Owning a Historic Home

Thinking About Buying an Older Home?​
So let's assume that you are thinking about buying an older home - what's next? The members of the Sioux City Historic Preservation Commission hope you will recapture some of the original character of your home when it was first built.
Home Owner Guide
​​An informational source for the home owner, contractor or real estate agent interested in buying an older or historic home.
Repair or Replace Old Windows
Windows are a big part of older and historic buildings, from Main Street Commercial structures to modernist mid-century residences. Original windows comprise about one quarter of the surface area of exterior walls. Windows often help identify the architectural style, design and give scale to a building.
10 Reasons to Repair Old Windows
​A great guide as to why you should repair your old windows from the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Saving Windows, Saving Money
Learn about money saving tools and tips to save your old windows.
Historic Preservation Tax Credits
The Iowa Economic Development Authority is a great resource to learn more about how to apply for the Historic Preservation Tax Credit.

Other Helpful Preservation Resources