Historic Districts and Landmarks

Designated City Historic Districts

Oakland Conservation District
1. National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Oakland Residential District
  1. Anticipated Entered Date of March 31, 2023
South Main Street Historic District
1. National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: South Main Street Historic District & South Main Street Additional Document
  1. Entered on March 21, 1978
Central Avenue Historic District
1. National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Central Avenue Historic District
  1. Entered on August 8, 2014
Main Street Commercial Historic District
1. National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Main Street Commercial District
  1. Entered on February 22, 2014
Highland Historic District
1. Locally Designated Historic District

*All Identified on Zoning map

Historic Preservation Plan

In 1980, the City adopted the Historic Preservation Plan, a framework under which any variety of needs and interests involving historic preservation can fit into some course of action. This plan provides guidance and direction to the interest of preserving the heritage of Middletown. The City has begun the process of updating the Historic Preservation Plan. Information regarding the update will be on this page as it becomes available. For any questions or comments regarding the update, please contact James Metz, City Planner, at jamesme@cityofmiddletown.org or 513-425-7947.

City of Middletown Historic Preservation Plan - 1980 (Download)

Historic Properties and Landmarks within the City of Middletown

Any changes beyond ordinary repair and maintenance to properties in the historic districts that owners, agents or other persons or entities anticipate making, should first contact the City Planner to determine whether the work may, or may not require approval by the Historic Commission. The structures which are designated by the City Historic Commission or National Register, as well as those located in the Highlands Historic District, the South Main Historic District, the Main Street Commercial District, Central Avenue Historic District, and the Oakland Historic District, are considered properties which require review and approval by the Historic Commission or City Planner.

To preserve the character of those areas, the City has established reasonable development standards and design guidelines for buildings and structures within the districts, as well as the procedure which allows for a comprehensive review of the activities against the adopted standards and guidelines.

Any owner or person with an interest in property in an historic district shall not permit the property to fall into a state of disrepair or allow deterioration of any exterior which could produce a detrimental effect upon the character of the historic landmark or district, or the life or character of the property.

Routine maintenance and repair to a property in an historic district does not require additional permits. Beyond that, the Historic Property Specialist shall approve, modify, or disapprove items considered minor modifications in the Middletown Development Code Section 1212.03.

Certificate of Appropriateness

An owner or occupant wishing to make changes to a property that is designated or located in a historic district must submit a Certificate of Appropriateness application to the City Planner, in the Planning and Zoning Division, along with payment of a $25 fee, made payable to City of Middletown. Additional required documentation includes a site plan, photos, material samples, copies and description of proposed work, and anything that could best detail the project. Supporting documentation must be submitted within seven days of the COA application.

The Historic Commission may approve or deny the application. While City of Middletown staff will strive to expedite the process, it may take up to 30 days from the date the application is complete. If the application is approved, a COA will be issued by the City Planner.

After the application is submitted to the Historic Commission, it will be reviewed during a public meeting; they will consider applicable standards and review the criteria.

The Historic Commission may approve, approve with modifications, table or deny the application within 45 calendar days of the completed application. The applicant, their representative or agent, is encouraged to be present at the meeting to converse with the commission if needed.

If the Historic Commission does not decide within 60 calendar days of the date the completed application, the COA shall be deemed approved, unless the applicant authorizes an extension of the deadline.

More detailed information, guidelines and requirements may be found in the Middletown Development Code in Section 1226.08 Review Authority and Procedures, Certificate of Appropriateness (COA).

Download the Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) Application.