Building a Modular Home in a Historic District: What You Need to Know
If you’re looking to build a new home in a historic neighborhood—whether in Westchester County, Putnam County, Dutchess County, or elsewhere in the region—you might assume that modular construction is off the table. But that couldn’t be further from the truth.
At Westchester Modular Homes Construction Corp., we’ve successfully built modular homes in historic districts and areas with Historic review boards. The key? Knowing the process, respecting the history, and understanding how to meet local requirements, without sacrificing the efficiency, quality, or custom design that modular construction offers.
Modular Is Not Off Limits in Historic Neighborhoods
While it’s true that historic districts have stricter guidelines, modular homes can absolutely be approved—and often are. We’ve completed several homes in these areas, and we’re familiar with the extra steps required to make them a reality.
The important thing to understand is that historic review boards care most about the exterior look and materials—not how the home is constructed behind the scenes. That means you can still enjoy the benefits of modular construction, as long as the design aligns with the neighborhood’s aesthetic.
What to Expect When Building in a Historic District
If you’re planning to build in a historic or architecturally sensitive area, here are a few things to keep in mind:
1. Material Requirements
Boards will often restrict the use of certain materials—like vinyl siding—in favor of more historically appropriate options like wood, fiber cement, or stone. The materials must be approved before construction, so flexibility and planning ahead are key.
2. Façade and Neighborhood Fit
Historic boards and architectural review committees want new homes to blend seamlessly with neighboring properties. That means:
- Window style and placement may be scrutinized.
- Roof pitch and exterior trim can be factors.
- Symmetry and scale are often considered in context with the surrounding homes.
3. Board Approvals Take Time
The modular home itself may go up in weeks, but approvals take longer. Expect to:
- Submit plans 2–3 weeks before a board meeting.
- Attend 1–2 board meetings (or more).
- Possibly go through multiple layers of approval, including planning boards, zoning, and architectural review boards.
For example, in one home built in a historic district, we needed approvals from a historic board and zoning board—a process that took 3–4 months before we could even apply for a building permit.
What About Landscaping and Fencing?
In most historic board reviews, the focus is on the home itself—not landscaping. However, architectural review boards may weigh in on:
- Fencing
- Driveways
- Screening and plantings
In one recent project, the buyer requested a privacy fence. The town required specific materials and height standards, prompting additional approval steps. These kinds of stipulations are common, and we’re experienced in navigating them.
Modular Construction Is A Smart Choice
Despite approvals, modular construction is still a smart, efficient choice in historic neighborhoods:
- You get precision-built construction with exceptional energy efficiency.
- The home is set on a permanent foundation, just like any traditionally built home.
- You can achieve custom design that meets even the strictest review standards – we can provide the type of siding and exterior features that will meet historic board standards.
At Westchester Modular Homes Construction Corp., we work closely with clients and local boards to ensure every project is tailored to meet both local regulations and personal preferences.
Final Thoughts
If you’re building in a historic area, don’t rule out modular. With the right team, clear communication, and an understanding of the process, your modular home can be a perfect fit—even in the most traditional of neighborhoods.
Have questions about building in a historic district? We’d love to help. Contact us today for a complimentary consultation—or join one of our virtual factory tours to see how we bring beautiful, custom modular homes to life.
