Orange County’s Historic Districts: Navigating Color Restrictions and Preservation Requirements for Exterior Painting

Preserving History While Protecting Your Investment: Understanding Orange County’s Historic District Painting Requirements

Owning property in one of Orange County’s historic districts comes with unique responsibilities and opportunities. Whether you’re in the charming Old Towne Orange or one of the distinctive Eichler neighborhoods, understanding the color restrictions and preservation requirements for exterior painting is essential for maintaining both your property’s value and the community’s historic character.

Orange County’s Historic Districts: A Living Heritage

Old Towne Orange was soon awarded National Register status, making it the largest National Historic Register District in California. This distinction brings both prestige and responsibility. Most exterior changes to properties located within the Historic District will require review for conformance with the Historic Preservation Design Standards, including painting projects.

In 2018, the Orange Eichler tracts (Fairhaven, Fairhills, and Fairmeadow) were designated as local historic districts. Any projects that affect the exterior of an Eichler home must comply with the Orange Eichler Design Standards (OEDS).

Color Restrictions: What You Need to Know

One of the most common questions property owners ask is about acceptable paint colors. Any color you choose with the exception of “metallic” and “day glow” colors. However, the guidelines emphasize that 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. This makes it easier for homeowners to select appropriate colors that complement their property’s architectural style while meeting preservation standards.

For commercial properties in the Plaza Historic District, painting of Plaza commercial buildings shall be in accordance with the color palette approved in the Plaza Facade Study (available at the Planning counter).

The Review Process: What to Expect

Understanding the approval process is crucial for planning your exterior painting project. Many projects can be reviewed and approved by staff through a Minor Design Review (MDR) process. Projects that propose a substantial change are reviewed by the Design Review Committee (DRC).

Fortunately, routine maintenance includes painting of structures, and duplicating damaged or deteriorated exterior architectural features. Routine maintenance does not require formal review, although staff consultation is recommended.

Professional Requirements and Standards

For more complex projects, this report must be prepared by a historic preservation professional meeting the Secretary of Interior’s Professional Qualifications Standards. The work must comply with both the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Historic Preservation, particularly the Rehabilitation Standards and local design standards.

The City worked with community groups to develop and adopt the Historic Preservation Design Standards (HPDS) for Old Towne in 1995. The HPDS are developed based on the rehabilitation principles of the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards to help the community and professionals understand the character-defining features of the district.

Choosing the Right Contractor

When selecting an exterior painting contractor orange county, it’s essential to work with professionals who understand historic preservation requirements. Look for contractors with experience in historic districts who can navigate the review process and ensure compliance with all applicable standards.

The right contractor should be familiar with:

  • Historic paint removal techniques that preserve original materials
  • Appropriate primer and paint products for historic surfaces
  • Documentation requirements for the review process
  • Timeline considerations for permit approvals

Planning Your Project

Contact Historic Preservation Planning staff in the early stages of planning your project for guidance. Early consultation can save time and prevent costly mistakes. The City’s Historic Preservation staff can be reached at (714) 744-7220.

Consider these factors when planning your exterior painting project:

  • Research your home’s architectural style and appropriate color schemes
  • Consult historic paint palettes from major manufacturers
  • Schedule a pre-application meeting with planning staff
  • Allow extra time for the review process in your project timeline
  • Budget for any required historic preservation assessments

The Value of Compliance

While navigating historic district requirements may seem complex, compliance offers significant benefits. Properties in historic districts often maintain higher values, and the Mills Act Program is a voluntary financial incentive program that allows municipalities to enter into a Historic Property Preservation Agreement with the owners of qualified historic properties.

By working within the established guidelines and choosing appropriate colors and materials, property owners contribute to preserving Orange County’s architectural heritage while protecting their investment. The key to success lies in early planning, professional consultation, and selecting experienced contractors who understand the unique requirements of historic district work.

Remember, these requirements exist to maintain the character and value that make Orange County’s historic districts special places to live and work. With proper planning and the right professional team, your exterior painting project can enhance both your property and the broader historic community.