Statement of Staff and State Review Board Position on the Eligibility of Artificially Sided Buildings for Listing on the National Register of Historic Places

Artificial Siding Policy

Artificial siding is not a recommended treatment for historic buildings of any period or type of construction. To the greatest extent possible, the maintenance and preservation of original historic exterior materials should be encouraged in all cases. To this end, AHPP staff is committed to providing the most current technical advice and assistance on such preservation technologies as "historically appropriate" paints, wood protectants and preservatives. The application of artificial siding frequently compromises the aesthetic integrity of a building through the removal of original architectural details and the alteration of both original sheathing dimensions and overall proportional relationships that are essential to preserving the building's historic character and visual identification with a particular period of the past. In addition, the application of artificial siding can hasten the deterioration of the original, historic sheathing. Therefore, no buildings sheathed in non-historic artificial siding - applied less than the historic period of 50 years - will be eligible individually for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.

Artificially sided properties located within a historic district being nominated to the National Register under Criterion A may be considered contributing resources if they meet all of the following conditions.

1. The siding does not conceal architectural details that are definitive of a particular architectural style.
2. The siding does not alter the massing, scale, and proportions of the resource.
3. The property contributes to the significance of the historic plan or streetscape of the neighborhood, which may take on greater importance than the design of the individual house.

If the artificial siding is a historic covering applied within the period of significance designated in the nomination, it may be considered a contributing resource to the historic district. If the artificial siding is non-historic, it must meet the above-referenced criteria and it must be removable.

Properties located within a historic district that are being submitted only under Criterion C must continue to meet our existing policy that is defined below.

1. The artificial siding must duplicate the form and dimensions of the historic siding, including original corner and window trim, entrance trim, etc.
2. There must have been no loss, structurally or visually, of the significant form, features and detailing of the original structure.

Both of the above conditions must be confirmed to the AHPP staff's satisfaction through historic photographs.