When selecting new siding for your home in St. Charles, there are some important considerations to keep in mind. The city has specific building codes and regulations regarding siding materials that must be followed. The city of St Charles contains several pecial districts that each have unique building codes regarding siding materials: Residential Permit Parking District (RPPD) Wellhead Protection District (WHP) South Main Preservation District (SMPD) Extended Historic Preservation District (EHP) Historic Downtown District (HDD) Frenchtown Preservation District (FPD) Commons Preservation District (CPD) Landmark Preservation District (LMPD) Fifth Street Corridor/Hospital District (FSC/HD) It's important to contact the planning and zoning department before starting any siding work to ensure compliance with codes. For example, in St Charles metal siding is prohibited in “R” residential zoning districts for accessory structures like sheds. Guidelines for the Commons Preservation District state that vinyl, masonite or metal lap siding may be used only under certain constraints to emulate older siding styles. The Streets of St. Charles guidelines state that exterior finish materials are limited to stone, brick, wood, metal panel, fiber cement siding, clapboard and/or stucco. Additionally, St. Charles’ climate and exposure to extreme weather events make material choice an important factor. The St. Charles building code prohibits combustible materials like wood siding on new construction in certain zones. The code also sets standards for wind resistance, requiring siding to withstand gusts up to 110 mph. Homeowners’ associations may impose additional material restrictions within specific neighborhoods. St. Charles experiences temperature swings from below freezing in winter to hot and humid summers. Thunderstorms and hail events are also common. To withstand this climate, look for impact-resistant siding with high tolerance for moisture. Consult our local experts to pick the right siding for your Saint Charles area home.