From Jeanharpist:

Two (conflicting) thoughts come to mind here. No. 1 - when looking at the picture of this lovely little home, I see a horrific apartment building in the background - doesn't look too "historically correct" to me! Secondly, I agree that conformity needs to be 'policed' if you will, in neighborhoods - if for nothing else, to be pleasing to the eye of the general public, not to mention property values. My home has a large front window in the living room which looks across the street to a dumpy little house in disrepair - painted the gaudiest shade of blue I have ever seen!! When I bought this house in 1972, we had a lovely little neighborhood, but this one house has fallen into the hands, numerous times, of persons less and less caring, it seems. Sadly, one home not conforming to the neighborhood can reduce property values for all the neighboring homes! I do NOT mean to imply this one does, however.

From Pam:

How about a more patriotic color scheme... but one that almost features rich primary colors? I'm thinking that if you paint every surface that is now yellow, a rich federal blue... then the surfaces that are now a dark green (?), a vanilla... then paint that front door a "Hey, look at me!" red... your city officials may feel less threatened. You might even paint the porch the same vanilla, but paint the steps and a wide stripe from the steps to the door, the red color you use on the door... sort of a red carpet that invites folks in.

From Bobby:

How about a paler (much paler) yellow. I am sure it would pass muster (or mustard, haha) with the historic district.

I live in an historic district, and I hate to say it, but if you had gotten a building (painting, or whatever) permit beforehand, you would have been directed first to the historic/architectural review board, who would have cheerfully given you guidance and saved you trouble. Those who reported you have an interest in making sure that guidelines are enforced in all parts of the district, not just their own streets. Any renegade paint jobs or renovations alter the character of the district and make it harder to enforce guidelines in the future.

I am on the local review board and assure you that if you consult your review board or historic commission, they would be more than glad to give you guidance. They are a tremendous resource for the homeowner, not an adversary.

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