Canton Township
Historic District Commission

Overview

The Canton Township Historic District Commission was formed by Township Ordinance, Chapter 90, Sections 90-1 through 90-97. Its purpose is to preserve historically significant areas of the Township which are designated by the Township Board of Trustees as Historic Districts.

The Commission is responsible for ensuring that changes proposed in historic districts preserve important historic characteristics and that all work conforms with “The Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings”.

This is done through the Township building permit process. When a proposed change to the exterior of a property is submitted to the Township’s Building and Inspection Division it is referred to the Commission for a Certificate of Appropriateness. The Commission’s approval of the Certificate of Appropriateness allows the Building and Inspection Division to proceed with a review of the permit.

Frequently Asked Questions

List the historic homes in Canton.

Homes on the local historic register include:

• Jersey Bell – 7917 N. Canton Center
• Museum – 1022 S. Canton Center
• Truesdell House – 1224 S. Haggerty
• Phelps House – 50135 Hanford
• Penney House – 44675 Joy
• Philander Burd House – 46801 Joy
• Sheldon School – 44649 Michigan
• Gilmore House – 6205 N. Ridge
• Smith-Hoops House – 3704 S. Sheldon
• Hough School – 41423 Warren
• And all houses in the Cherry Hill Village Historic District

What specific role does the Commission play in the Cherry Hill Village?

The Canton Township Historic District Commission was formed by Township Ordinance, Chapter 90, Sections 90-1 through 90-97. Its purpose is to preserve historically significant areas of the Township which are designated by the Township Board of Trustees as Historic Districts. The Commission is responsible for ensuring that changes proposed in historic districts preserve important historic characteristics and that all work conforms with “The Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings”. This is done through the Township building permit process. When a proposed change to the exterior of a property is submitted to the Township’s Building and Inspection Division it is referred to the Commission for a Certificate of Appropriateness. The Commission’s approval of the Certificate of Appropriateness allows the Building and Inspection Division to proceed with a review of the permit.

How many members are on the Historic District Commission, how are they selected?

There are seven members who are all appointed by the Township Supervisor with approval by the Canton Board of Trustees for three year terms.

How is the Historic District Commission different from the Historical Society?

The Historic District Commission was formed under Township Ordinance. The Historical Society is made up entirely of volunteers and operates the Canton Historical Museum and owns and displays a collection of historical artifacts and documents which trace the history of Canton. The Museum is open to the public on Tuesday and Saturday from 1-4 p.m. Special tours of the Museum can be arranged by calling 734-397-0088.

The Commission is made up of seven Canton residents who are appointed by the Township Supervisor subject to the approval of the Board. The Commission staff is located within the Township’s Community Services Division and can be reached at 734/394-5190.