Penn Yan’s story is one of pride, craftsmanship, and community. In 1989, our Village created the Historic Preservation District to help protect the character that makes Penn Yan such a special place to live, work, and gather. By caring for our historic homes, storefronts, and public spaces, we keep the spirit of Penn Yan alive—celebrating our past while welcoming thoughtful growth for the future. Together, we’re preserving more than buildings; we’re strengthening our sense of place, supporting local businesses, and passing on a vibrant Village for generations to come.
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Commissioners
Andrew Baus, Chair & Village Historian Jennifer Randol Kelly Saner Eileen Wunder Vacant Benjamin Lerman, Alternate Vacant, Alternate Kevin McLoud, Village Board Liaison Secretary, Katie Tomlinson 315-536-6397
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Historic Preservation District Guidelines
If your property is located within the Village of Penn Yan’s Historic Preservation District, as shown on the Village Zoning Map and Inventory List, you are required to obtain approval before making any exterior changes to your building or site. This ensures that modifications are consistent with the historic character and architectural significance of the district. Approval is granted through a Certificate of Appropriateness, in accordance with Village Code § 110.
Historic Preservation Commission Meetings
The Historic Preservation Commission meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 5:30 PM at Village Hall, 111 Elm Street, Penn Yan. If a meeting date falls on a holiday, it will be rescheduled accordingly.
How to Apply
An Application for Certificate of Appropriateness may be submitted either in person, mail or by email. Applications must be received by the last Thursday of the month to be reviewed at the next Historic Preservation Commission meeting.
If your property is located within the Village of Penn Yan’s Historic Preservation District, as shown on the Village Zoning Map and Inventory List, you are required to obtain approval before making any exterior changes to your building or site. This ensures that modifications are consistent with the historic character and architectural significance of the district. Approval is granted through a Certificate of Appropriateness, in accordance with Village Code § 110.
Historic Preservation Commission Meetings
The Historic Preservation Commission meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 5:30 PM at Village Hall, 111 Elm Street, Penn Yan. If a meeting date falls on a holiday, it will be rescheduled accordingly.
How to Apply
An Application for Certificate of Appropriateness may be submitted either in person, mail or by email. Applications must be received by the last Thursday of the month to be reviewed at the next Historic Preservation Commission meeting.
Design and Preservation Publications
An Inheritance of Time
Downtown Design Guide
Historic Preservation District Brochure
An Inheritance of Time
Downtown Design Guide
Historic Preservation District Brochure
Informational Resources for Historic Preservation Projects
National Park Service Preservation Briefs
These publications help historic building owners recognize and resolve common problems prior to work by providing methods and approaches consistent with the historic character of the structure.
These publications help historic building owners recognize and resolve common problems prior to work by providing methods and approaches consistent with the historic character of the structure.
National Park Service Standards for Rehabilitation
The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation pertain to historic buildings of all materials, construction types, sizes and occupancy and encompass the exterior and the interior of historic buildings.
The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation pertain to historic buildings of all materials, construction types, sizes and occupancy and encompass the exterior and the interior of historic buildings.
National Park Service Guidelines on Flood Adaptation for Rehabilitation of Historic Buildings
Provides information about how to adapt historic buildings to be more resilient to flooding risk in a manner that will meet The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation.
Provides information about how to adapt historic buildings to be more resilient to flooding risk in a manner that will meet The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation.
New York State Tax Credit Programs
New York State offers tax incentives for the rehabilitation of historic commercial and residential properties and historic barns. FAQ bulletin on incentives for owners of Historic Homes.
New York State offers tax incentives for the rehabilitation of historic commercial and residential properties and historic barns. FAQ bulletin on incentives for owners of Historic Homes.
Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives
The Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives program encourages private sector investment in the rehabilitation and re-use of historic buildings
The Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives program encourages private sector investment in the rehabilitation and re-use of historic buildings
Landmark Society of Western New York
As one of the nation's oldest and most active historic preservation organizations, the Landmark Society of Western New York is dedicated to helping a nine county region preserve and capitalize on the rich architectural, historical and cultural heritage. The book Rehab Rochester: A Sensible Guide for Old-house Maintenance, Repair and Rehabilitation provides useful information on common and sometimes misunderstood older home projects.
As one of the nation's oldest and most active historic preservation organizations, the Landmark Society of Western New York is dedicated to helping a nine county region preserve and capitalize on the rich architectural, historical and cultural heritage. The book Rehab Rochester: A Sensible Guide for Old-house Maintenance, Repair and Rehabilitation provides useful information on common and sometimes misunderstood older home projects.
Historic Preservation Interest
Advisory Council on Historic Preservation
The ACHP promotes the preservation, enhancement and sustainable use of the nation's diverse historic resources, and advises the President and Congress on national historic preservation policy.
The ACHP promotes the preservation, enhancement and sustainable use of the nation's diverse historic resources, and advises the President and Congress on national historic preservation policy.
National Park Service Certified Local Governments
The goal of the Certified Local Government (CLG) Program is to facilitate State and local government ot cooperate with Federal partners to promote nationwide preservation initiatives.
The goal of the Certified Local Government (CLG) Program is to facilitate State and local government ot cooperate with Federal partners to promote nationwide preservation initiatives.
National Park Service Save America's Treasures Grants
Save America's Treasures grants help to preserve nationally significant historic properties and collections that convey our nation's rich heritage to future generations.
Save America's Treasures grants help to preserve nationally significant historic properties and collections that convey our nation's rich heritage to future generations.
National Trust for Historic Preservation
The Preservation Leadership Forum of the National Trust for Historic Preservation is a network of preservation leaders - professionals, students, volunteers, activists, experts - who share the latest ideas, information and advice and have access to in-depth preservation resources and training.
The Preservation Leadership Forum of the National Trust for Historic Preservation is a network of preservation leaders - professionals, students, volunteers, activists, experts - who share the latest ideas, information and advice and have access to in-depth preservation resources and training.
New York State Council on the Arts
The New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) is dedicated to preserving and expanding the rich and diverse cultural resources that are and will become the heritage of New York's citizens.
The New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) is dedicated to preserving and expanding the rich and diverse cultural resources that are and will become the heritage of New York's citizens.
New York State Historic Preservation Office
SHPO works with governments, the public and educational and not-for-profit organizations to raise historic preservation awareness, to instill in New Yorkers a sense of pride in the state's unique history and to encourage heritage tourism and community revitalization.
SHPO works with governments, the public and educational and not-for-profit organizations to raise historic preservation awareness, to instill in New Yorkers a sense of pride in the state's unique history and to encourage heritage tourism and community revitalization.
Preservation League of NYS
New York's statewide nonprofit focused on investing in people and projects that champion the essential role of preservation in community revitalization, sustainable economic growth and the protection of our historic buildings and landscapes.
New York's statewide nonprofit focused on investing in people and projects that champion the essential role of preservation in community revitalization, sustainable economic growth and the protection of our historic buildings and landscapes.
Village of Penn Yan Historic Property Tax Exemption
The purpose is to allow the Village of Penn Yan to offer a property tax incentive to encourage investment in historic properties within the Village.
The purpose is to allow the Village of Penn Yan to offer a property tax incentive to encourage investment in historic properties within the Village.
"Penn Yan from its foundation was a lively trading town, a crossroads community open to change and new ideas. The village has always been proud of itself, of its prosperity, of its drive and innovative outlook. This pride is evident in its beautiful buildings. The past is present and provides a stable foundation for the future . . . Penn Yan created its Historic Preservation District in 1989 in order to keep its commercial and residential heart intact." ~ An Inheritance of Time
