SALT LAKE CITY HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION

The Historic Landmark Commission (HLC) reviews all applications for landmark sites, demolition and new construction within locally-designated historic districts. They do not review interior work or exterior paint color, only exterior alterations. The majority of the projects presented to the HLC are either approved as submitted or with modifications.

Doors

Download design standards for doors (as Adobe Acrobat PDF file).

Policy: The character-defining features of a historic door and its distinct materials and placement should be preserved. In addition, a new door should be in character with the historic building. This is especially important on primary facades. Beyond their obvious functional aspects, doors are a major element in defining the architectural character of a building. They also give scale to buildings, add visual interest to the composition of individual building facades and provide the first impression of a building from the street.

In most cases it is easier and more economical to repair an existing door rather than to replace it. Often a door merely needs to be re-hung. This is preferred by the HLC because the original materials contribute to the historic character of the building. The most cost-effective energy conservation measures for a typical historic door are to install weather stripping along the door frame, to fit the door to the jamb and threshold and to caulk any window panes. These measures will dramatically reduce heat loss while preserving historic features. When replacement is necessary, new doors should match the original in design and material. A metal door, if seen from the street, is inappropriate where the original was wood. Substitute materials may be considered for doors on secondary elevations or doors that are not visible from the street. Most door projects that meet the Commission's standards receive administrative approval. Consult the Design Guidelines and Section 21A.34.020.G of the Salt Lake City Zoning Ordinance for the standards the Historic Landmark Commission uses in evaluating doors, or contact the Planning staff for further information.