The Stillwater Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) is charged with the task of reviewing alterations to specific sites and structures upon the submittal of a Design Permit to the City.   Design permitting is a process which provides for the review and approval of projects for their conformance to established district standards and guidelines.  The goal of this review is to promote functional, safe, innovative and attractive development which enhances and retains the historic rivertown image of Stillwater and is consistent with the natural environment of the St. Croix Valley. 

Design Permitting is required of certain activities in each of the following districts:

• Stillwater Commercial Historic District – Design Permitting is required for all exterior alterations

• Downtown Design Review Overlay District – Design Permitting is required for most exterior alterations

• Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District – Permitting is required when demolition is requested

To determine if your property is located in a historic or design review overlay district, please lookup your property on the City of Stillwater’s Property Information Lookup website. 

To understand if your specific project requires a Design Permit, please call the Stillwater Community Development Department at (651) 430-8820.

Design Permit Application

Planning applications can be submitted via mail or emailed to the Planning Department. To pay the application fee, you can submit a check payable to the City of Stillwater or pay via credit card over the phone, 651-430-8820.

Planning Department
216 4th St N
Stillwater MN 55082