Scenic and Historic Preservation District

Download Scenic & Historic Brochure

Portraits of the Past, Visions for the Future
What are the Districts and Why are They Important?
Map of the Districts
Design Guidelines
Application for Modifying Properties within the Districts

Utica's remarkable past as one of the nation's most progressive and rapidly growing cities in the 19th and early 20th centuries, is evident in the extraordinary buildings that still line many of her streets.

Through the work of Utica's Scenic and Historic Preservation Commission, and the Scenic and Historic Districts the group has designated, those structures are more than portraits of a bygone era. An increasing number are being recognized and utilized as sources of community pride and catalysts for revitalization.

The Commission was established in January 1994 by Utica's Common Council following passage of the Scenic and Historic Preservation Act. The Commission's role is to protect and enhance landmarks and historic districts that represent distinctive elements of the City's historic, architectural and cultural heritage — in the process, fostering civic pride, enhancing the City's attractiveness to visitors and promoting future growth and development.

Appointed by the mayor, members of the Commission include at least one architect, one nominee each of the Landmarks Society and Oneida County Historical Society, and at least one other individual who has demonstrated significant interest in and commitment to historic preservation.
Scenic and Historic Districts

One of the Commission's original orders of business was to designate Scenic and Historic Districts within the City. They follow the path of some of Utica's earliest and most noteworthy development, encompassing more than 1,500 parcels of land and properties.

Roughly, the Districts follow Genesee Street north from the New Hartford town line to Water Street at the railroad tracks; an eastern extension off Genesee encompassing areas around South and Rutger streets, Park Avenue and Steuben Park; Pleasant Street east from Genesee Street to Tilden Avenue; Herkimer Road in north Utica from Leland Avenue to the Schuyler Town line; and in west Utica, in a multiblock area bordered approximately by Varick, Schuyler and Columbia streets.
Partners in Preservation

As guardian of the historic character of the Districts, the Commission works with property owners planning new construction, restoration, alterations or renovations to ensure compliance with the prescribed standards. Its goal is to partner with the owner in a way that brings about uniformity, stimulates cohesiveness and ultimately increases property values.

About 60 percent of the Commission's work involves commercial properties — often signage or facade issues. However, projects are also as basic as painting or fencing homes.

The Commission has the authority to approve or reject the owner's plan – including proposed demolitions – and monitors approved projects for compliance. It also offers guidance on how compliance can be achieved.

Click here to view a map of Utica's Scenic & Historic Districts.

 CITY OF UTICA

SCENIC & HISTORIC PRESERVATION 2026

4:00 PM

FILING DATE	MEETING DATE	AGENDA
January 16, 2026	January 26, 2026	VIEW
February 13, 2026	February 23, 2026	VIEW
March 13, 2026	March 23, 2026	VIEW
April 17, 2026	April 27, 2026	VIEW
May 8, 2026	May 18, 2026	VIEW
June 12, 2026	June 22, 2026	VIEW
July 17, 2026	July 27, 2026	VIEW
August 14, 2026	August 24, 2026	VIEW
September 18, 2026	September 28, 2026	VIEW
October 16, 2026	October 26, 2026	VIEW
November 13, 2026	November 23, 2026	VIEW
December 18, 2026	December 28, 2026	VIEW

Scenic & Historic meetings are scheduled at 4:00 p.m.

All meetings will be held in the Common Council Chambers

SCENIC & HISTORIC PRESERVATION MEMBERS:

Kim Domenico
Phil Sbarra
Julie Miller
Tracey Mills
Karen Phillips

Download the Scenic and Historic Preservation Commissions
Certificate of Appropriateness Application

Download the Scenic and Historic Preservation Commissions
Design Guidelines

For further information, contact the Department of Urban & Economic Development at 315-792-0181.

Please also visit the The Landmarks Society of Greater Utica.