Providence Historic District Commission (PHDC)
The Providence Historic District Commission was created by in 1960 to protect the unique physical character, historic fabric and visual identity of the city. Providence's local historic districts are established as overlay zoning districts after extensive neighborhood consultation and education, and a public hearing and adoption by the City Council.
There are eight Local Historic Districts in Providence, containing a total of approximately 2,500 properties. Click here to learn more about the districts.
The PHDC regulates development in designated Local Historic Districts by acting as a design review body. Section 501 of the City's zoning ordinance established the authority of the PHDC to approve or deny proposed exterior work to any property located within the local historic districts. Click here for frequently asked questions.
Membership
The PHDC is a citizen volunteer board consisting of no more than 12 members, 10 appointed by the Mayor and two City Council members. For a list of current members click here.
Meetings & Agendas
The PHDC typically meets on the fourth Monday of every month at 4:45 p.m at 444 Westminster Street, 1st floor conference room. Click here for the 2012 meeting schedule & agendas.
Applications and Forms
Application package for the Armory, Broadway, College Hill, Jewelry, North Elmwood, South Elmwood and Stimson Avenue Districts click here (4MB).
Standards & Guidelines for Jewelry Historic District click here.
Application package for the Industrial & Commercial Buildings District (ICBD) click here.
Standards & Guidelines for Industrial & Commercial Buildings District (ICBD) click here.
For the PHDC's Rules & Regulation click here.
For individual maps click on the district name:
Armory
Broadway
College Hill
Industrial & Commercial Buildings District
Jewelry
North Elmwood
South Elmwood
Stimson Avenue
Contact Information
Jason Martin, Principal Planner
401.680.8517
jmartin@providenceri.com
Providence Historic District Commission
Department of Planning & Development
444 Westminster Street, Suite 3A
Providence, RI 02903-3215
Fax 401.680.8492
Office Hours
January-June and September-December
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
July-August
8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday