It takes a village

Remodeling will be somewhat of a bureaucratic/democratic process, between me, the city, neighborhood association and the city's archaeological & historical commison. Pretty much anything I do to anything outside of the house requires approval and/or a permit from all three, each of which meet only once a month.

On top of the historic designation, the house is deed restricted. I initially had plans to build a two-car garage with a garage apartment on the second floor. These are fairly common in the area. But I quickly learned that won't be possible. The existing ones are grandfathered in, but as of this year, they are not allowing new garage apartments. To prevent creating a second dwelling within the property lines and to discourage taking on renters , the deed allows the "apartment" a bathroom or a kitchen but not both.

I also can't use glass blocks for the bathroom window for privacy. Almost every house in the area has them for the bathroom window. But when I asked, I was told it's not allowed and existing ones are either grandfathered in or bootlegged. If the latter, they may face fines.