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Board discusses drafting design guidelines, plaque program updates and museum reopening plans
Summary
Board member Chandler proposed developing historic-property design standards for inclusion in Municode and offered to compile sample codes; staff updated the plaque program and Board member Swan reported a deed transfer to the Dade City History Center to allow roof repairs and a planned depot reopening May 1.
Board member Chandler proposed the board begin drafting design guidelines or standards for historic properties and recommended folding those guidelines into the municipal code rather than as a separate publication.
Chandler said she reviewed smaller municipalities’ codes and found many keep standards in their Municode entries, which she described as "streamlined" and easier to follow for property owners and developers; she offered to bring sample publications and work with staff to adapt language from comparable cities.
Staff also gave a brief update on the historic plaque program, saying plaques for three properties (Eldard Home, Hamilton Slow House, and McCutcheon House) are currently in production and will be distributed and installed when ready.
Separately, Board member Swan reported that the Spencer Dayton House’s deed transfer to the Dade City History Center (a 501(c)(3)) is expected this week, which will allow roof repairs to begin once the nonprofit assumes ownership and insurance coverage. Swan said volunteers are preparing for the depot’s planned reopening on May 1, and the Dade City Cultural & Heritage Museum will hold volunteer clean-ups in April.
Why it matters: codified design guidelines can streamline review and reduce project delays, while the plaque program and property transfers help preserve and interpret local history. Chandler and other members suggested comparing codes from Oldsmar, Tampa, St. Petersburg and Orlando as models.
Next steps: Chandler will share example codes and publications with staff and board members; staff will keep the board informed about plaque delivery and depot reopening plans.
