The Historic District was created in order to recognize and preserve the neighborhood's architectural heritage. Historic Districts are areas of exceptional architectural strength where historic buildings and their surroundings are protected by a design review process. When properties have been designated by the City of Cleveland as part of a historic district, exterior changes must be reviewed and approved by the Cleveland Landmarks Commission in order to ensure the historic integrity of that property and the district as a whole are maintained.

In Ohio City, as well as in several other Cleveland neighborhoods, changes are also reviewed by a local design review committee, which helps to lend a neighborhood perspective to the review process, as well as give expertise on architectural styles prevalent in individual Cleveland neighborhoods. The Local Historic Design Review Committee fulfils this function in Ohio City. If a property owner wishes to make exterior alterations to their home or building, or a business owner is looking to add permanent signage for their business, those proposed changes must be reviewed by the Ohio City Design Review Committee and potentially the City of Cleveland Landmarks Commission. Application is required to get on the agenda.