Historic Design Guidelines Historic Preservation


The City of Miami's Historic and Environmental Preservation Board (HEPB) has adopted the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation as the foundation for decisions regarding modifications to historic buildings. The "Standards" encourage the retention and preservation of historic buildings by respecting architectural design, materials, and workmanship.

The HEPB has also adopted special standards and guidelines to provide more specific information to property owners about particular items and issues. The design guidelines include both general information applicable to all designated historic buildings, and supplemental information developed for specific historic districts, such as Morningside and MiMo/Biscayne Boulevard.

City of Miami Historic Design Guidelines

  1. Introduction and General Information
  2. Architectural Styles
  3. Exterior Maintenance and Alterations
    1. Windows and Doors
    2. Roofing
    3. Exterior Walls, Foundations, and Painting
    4. Canopies and Awnings
    5. Porches, and Balconies
    6. Garages, Carports, and Porte Cochѐres
  4. Site Improvements
    1.  Driveways and Walkways
    2. Fences, Gates, Walls, and Hedges
    3. Landscaping and Other Site Improvements
  5. Sign Design Standards
  6. New Construction and Additions (In Progress)
  7. Sustainability (In Progress)
  8. Climate Change (In Progress)
  9. Code Compliance (In Progress)
  10. Incentives (In Progress)
  11.  Commercial Historic Districts
    MiMo Design Guidelines
  12. Residential Historic Districts (In Progress)
    Bayside Parking Guidelines
    Morningside Design Guidelines
  13. Glossary

    Click to download the full Historic Design Guidelines document.

Rehabilitation of Historic Buildings Resources


If you would like to learn more about the rehabilitation of historic buildings, please use the links below. The National Parks Service has put together several electronic guides with helpful information and resources.

Guidance on Preserving, Rehabilitating, and Restoring Historic Buildings
Online Preservation Training
Illustrated Guidelines on Sustainability for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings