Q What is Eureka’s “Local Register of Historic Places”? A The register is a list of houses or locations that have been identified as having historic significance AND were voluntarily added to the list by the owner of the property at the time. Q How do I know if my house is on the register? A First go to Eureka’s Local Register of Historic Places [http://www.ci.eureka.ca.gov/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?BlobID=12653]. If your house is listed, you’re done! If your house is not on this list, call the Community Development Office, 707-441-4160, and ask them to check their updated list. Q So if my house is not on the register it still might be “historic”? A Yes! If it is historic, you can add it to the register. Apply at the Community Development Office. There is no charge to have a property added to the register! Q My house is on the register! How does this affect me and my home? A Lots of ways! First, you have a historically significant property. Congratulations! If you do work on your house you might be able to use the Historic Building Code rather than the regular building code.You might qualify for tax breaks. If you make changes to the exterior of your house you’ll need approval from the Eureka Historic Preservation Commission. Q Hold on. That’s a lot of things. I want to remodel my kitchen. Will I have to get approval from the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC)? What a pain. A No! You only need approval from the HPC for any changes to the exterior that are visible from a public way, like a street or alley. You might need a regular building permit though, depending on what work you’re doing inside. The HPC can’t tell you what to do inside your house. Q What about windows and gutters? Do I need approval from the Historic Preservation Commission if I change windows and gutters? A Yes, windows and gutters are treasured historic resources, often made of irreplaceable old growth redwood. Q Cool. I want to add an indoor squash court to the back of my house. No problem, right? A Bring your project proposal to the HPC. For new additions to historic properties, the HPC looks for 3 main criteria: 1The massing (shape and size) of the addition should be compatible with the existing building. 2The addition should not give a false sense of history. It should be complementary but not look like it was there originally. 3It should be reversible. If, in 20 years, someone wants to remove your squash court, they should be able to do so and return the house to its current appearance. Q Who would want to remove a squash court? A You got me. I don’t even know what a squash court is. Q I want to paint big orange polka dots all over the exterior of my Queen Anne, ok?A That’s a tricky one. The HPC might allow it since paint is transitory. It can be easily changed back to the original color. Q Ha! I was kidding about the polka dots. Now tell me about the Historic Building Code and the tax breaks. A Another day, my friend. Another day.