Understanding Santa Fe’s Historic District Stucco Requirements
Preserving Tradition with Terrapin Stucco
At Terrapin Stucco, we believe that enhancing your home also means respecting its history — especially in a city as rich in tradition as Santa Fe. If your home falls within one of Santa Fe’s designated historic districts, it’s important to understand the guidelines that help maintain the city's unique architectural character.
Here’s what homeowners should know before planning any stucco work in these historic areas.
Santa Fe’s Historic Districts and Oversight
Santa Fe is home to five designated historic districts:
Downtown and Eastside
Historic Review
Historic Transition
Don Gaspar Area
Westside-Guadalupe
The city’s Historic Preservation Division (HPD) oversees any changes to exteriors within these districts, including stucco repairs and reapplications (City of Santa Fe, Historic Preservation Division).
Depending on the size and scope of your project, you may either:
Obtain administrative approval for minor maintenance, or
Undergo a full review by the Historic Districts Review Board (HDRB), which meets twice a month.
Starting any work without the necessary approvals can result in fines, stop-work orders, and expensive remediation requirements.
Stucco Guidelines in Santa Fe’s Historic Areas
The city has strict guidelines to preserve the look and feel of its historic neighborhoods, and stucco finishes are no exception.
Material Requirements
Traditional cementitious stucco is preferred over synthetic products, particularly on structures visible from public rights-of-way or connected to other historic buildings (City of Santa Fe HPD Guidelines).
In many cases, especially for attached units like the ones found in areas such as the La Vereda Compound, synthetic stucco is explicitly prohibited (La Vereda Compound Maintenance Guidelines).
At Terrapin Stucco, we are fully versed in these requirements and can recommend historically appropriate materials that meet city approval while providing long-lasting performance.
Color Restrictions
Santa Fe enforces a palette of earth-toned colors designed to complement the natural environment — shades of adobe brown, sandy beige, and soft ochre are common choices.
Bright whites, vivid colors, or glossy finishes are not permitted.
We assist our clients in selecting approved color options that not only respect tradition but also enhance the home’s individual character.
Texture and Finish Consistency
New stucco must match the existing texture and finish to maintain visual continuity.
High-sheen or overly modern finishes are discouraged in favor of traditional, hand-applied looks.
Our expert applicators specialize in matching historic textures, ensuring seamless repairs and reapplications that maintain the authentic Santa Fe aesthetic.
The Process for Stucco Work Approval
If you're planning any stucco work on a home located in a historic district, here’s what you’ll need to do:
Submit an Application: Complete the City of Santa Fe’s Historic Districts Application Form.
Pay the Review Fee: There is currently a $75 application fee (City of Santa Fe, HPD).
Await Administrative or HDRB Review: Minor repairs may be administratively approved, but major re-stucco projects usually require HDRB review and approval.
Starting a project without formal approval could result in legal penalties or the requirement to undo unauthorized work, often at significant additional cost.
Why These Rules Matter
Santa Fe’s commitment to preserving its historic charm is what makes it one of the most distinctive and beloved cities in the country. As a homeowner, working within these guidelines ensures that your investment maintains its value while contributing to the shared beauty of the community.
At Terrapin Stucco, we honor these standards by offering historically accurate, high-quality stucco applications that pass city inspections and proudly reflect Santa Fe’s heritage.
Partner With a Contractor Who Knows the Rules
Terrapin Stucco’s team is experienced in working within Santa Fe’s historic preservation guidelines. We offer:
Assistance with navigating city permitting processes
Expert guidance on material and color selection
Careful texture matching for seamless repairs
Full compliance with all historic district requirements