Replacing a Roof in an Ann Arbor Historic District
Ann Arbor has six locally-designated historic districts. If your house is inside one, the Historic District Commission (HDC) has authority over visible exterior changes — including the roof. The mistake is treating that as a blocker. It isn't. It's a couple of extra weeks and a small amount of paperwork.
Which Districts Need HDC Approval
- Old West Side Historic District
- Old Fourth Ward
- Division Street
- State Street / Liberty Street
- East William
- Broadway
If you're outside these and the property isn't individually designated, you're under regular city permitting only.
What You Can Replace Freely
"In-kind" replacement (same material, same profile, same color family) is administratively approved by city staff and doesn't go to a full HDC hearing. That covers most asphalt-to-asphalt re-roofs. Switching from asphalt to metal, slate to asphalt, or changing the color significantly does require a hearing.
Getting Through HDC Faster
The HDC meets twice a month. To get on the docket you submit drawings, shingle samples, and exterior photos at least 10 days in advance. Bring three things and you'll usually walk out with approval:
- Shingle samples in three color options, not one. Commissioners like choice.
- A photo of the same shingle installed on a comparable home in the district.
- A statement that the existing ventilation and trim profiles are being preserved.
We've taken dozens of Ann Arbor projects through HDC. Most go straight through staff review without a hearing. The ones that go to the commission rarely take more than one meeting.