However, from the standpoint of historic interpretation, they are inappropriate because they confuse us about the history of the life of the community. In addition, since the new versions of historic structures are often technically inaccurate, they cause confusion with the original buildings about what building styles were like in the past. Town governments often do, but equally often a local historic preservation group will start the process. It is a good idea, of course, to coordinate efforts, so that work is not duplicated. The Supreme Court has upheld the constitutionality of design review.
Proper procedures are important, however, to assure due process.
There are other materials enclosed in the packet that address procedures for review boards. Compatible design need not cost any more than a design that is inappropriate for an historic area. Even design costs should not increase if the attitudes of the review board are understood by the designer at the beginning of his work, and therefore, it is important to have guidelines that are printed and available ahead of time. Also remember that one of the purposes of establishing an area with design review is to protect the property values of everyone in the area, a higher level of cost consideration that is usually considered to be most important. Finally, review boards are charged with evaluating the appropriateness of design.