If you own a home along Route 6A on the north side of the Cape, you own more than a house — you own a piece of one of the largest historic districts in the country, and that comes with rules. The Old King's Highway Regional Historic District protects the classic look of the Cape's north shore, and it means many exterior changes to your home need committee approval before you touch them. It's not red tape for its own sake — it's why 6A still looks like the Cape everyone pictures. Here's how to renovate within it without headaches. (Rules and processes vary by town committee and change — always confirm with your town's Historic District Committee before planning work.)
What the Old King's Highway district is
The Old King's Highway Regional Historic District covers the historic Route 6A corridor across the north side of the Cape — running through Sandwich, Barnstable, Yarmouth, Dennis, Brewster, and Orleans (the district generally follows the 6A/north-side area of these towns). Established to preserve the area's historic architectural character, it's overseen by town-level Historic District Committees (HDCs) with real authority over exterior appearances.
What needs approval
The key principle: exterior changes visible from a public way generally require a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic District Committee — on top of any building permit. That commonly includes:
| Project | Typically needs HDC review? |
|---|---|
| New structures, additions | Yes |
| Changing siding, roofing materials, or color | Often yes |
| New/replacement windows and doors (visible) | Often yes |
| Fences, sheds, decks (visible) | Often yes |
| Signs, exterior lighting | Often yes |
| Solar panels (visible) | Often yes — check |
| Interior-only work | Usually no |
| Not visible from a public way | Often no |
Because "visible from a public way" is the trigger, even modest exterior changes on a 6A property can require review. When unsure, ask the committee first.
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Claim a spotThe approval process
- Contact your town's Historic District Committee early — before you finalize plans.
- Submit an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness with details/drawings of the exterior change.
- The committee reviews (often at a public hearing) whether the design fits the district's historic character.
- Get the certificate — then pull your building permit and proceed. (You generally need HDC approval before the building permit for exterior work.)
How to work with the district, not against it
- Design in the vernacular. Traditional Cape materials and forms — shingle siding, appropriate windows, historically-sympathetic details — sail through more easily than modern departures.
- Bring the committee in early. A quick pre-application conversation saves redesigns and delays.
- Budget the timeline. HDC review adds time (hearings are scheduled); plan your project calendar around it, especially before a busy season.
- Hire a locally-experienced contractor and designer who know the district — they'll steer the design and paperwork smoothly.
Common homeowner mistakes
- Starting exterior work without HDC approval — this can mean a stop-work order and having to undo or redo work.
- Assuming "it's my house." In the district, the public-facing exterior is regulated, whatever your personal taste.
- Underestimating the timeline — the approval step is real and scheduled.
The upside
Yes, it's an extra step. But the district is also why your neighborhood looks the way it does — and why 6A homes hold their character and appeal. The rules that constrain your project also protect your property's setting and value.
Don't miss: calling your town's Historic District Committee before you design exterior changes, not after. Working with the committee early — designing in the district's traditional Cape vernacular and getting your Certificate of Appropriateness before the building permit — turns a potential headache into a smooth process, and keeps you on the right side of the rules that make the Old King's Highway one of the most beautiful stretches on the Cape.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need special approval to renovate a home on Route 6A?
Yes — exterior changes visible from a public way generally require a Certificate of Appropriateness from your town's Historic District Committee, and you need that approval before you can pull a building permit. This can include siding, roofing, windows, doors, fences, decks, and solar panels. Confirm current requirements with your town's committee before planning any exterior work.
What towns are covered by the Old King's Highway Historic District?
The district runs along the Route 6A corridor on the north side of Cape Cod, covering Sandwich, Barnstable, Yarmouth, Dennis, Brewster, and Orleans. Each town has its own Historic District Committee that administers the rules locally.
What is a Certificate of Appropriateness and how do I get one?
A Certificate of Appropriateness is the Historic District Committee's approval that your exterior project fits the district's historic character. You submit an application with details or drawings, the committee reviews it — often at a public hearing — and issues the certificate before you proceed to the building permit stage.
Does the historic district apply to interior renovations?
Interior-only work generally does not require Historic District Committee review, since the rules focus on exterior changes visible from a public way. If you're unsure whether your project triggers review, ask your town's committee before you finalize plans.
What happens if I start exterior work without historic district approval?
Starting exterior work without a Certificate of Appropriateness can result in a stop-work order and may require you to undo or redo the work. Getting HDC approval before you begin — and before pulling your building permit — is essential for any exterior project in the district.
