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Designation
by the City of St. Charles Historic Preservation Commission and
City Council provides official recognition to historically
significant sites, structures and districts.
Designation promotes preservation and restoration of historic sites and
structures, and encourages the development and improvement of
neighborhoods which contribute to the historical character of
St. Charles.
Criteria for Designation
Properties eligible for designation must:
- Be located within the City of St. Charles
- Be historically or architecturally significant in that the property
is....
- associated with historic events or activities
- associated with important persons
- distinctive in design or physical
characteristics
- a potential source that may provide important information about prehistory or history
Benefits of Designation
The
benefits of landmark designation include:
- Concept
Review. The
Historic Preservation Commission is eager to help property
owners find the proper resources for information on structural
restoration and rehabilitation. In addition, the
Commission is more than willing to review and make
recommendations on proposed construction projects.
- Protection
of Historical and Architectural Resources.
The current ordinance can delay or even stop demolitions or
inappropriate alterations. Such changes can result in the
loss of the community's heritage. Inappropriate changes
can have a negative impact on the property values and
architectural integrity of all the properties within the
surrounding area.
- Possible
Economic Benefits. Local
designation may potentially make the property eligible for a tax
credit or freeze through state and federal programs.
Property owners of income-producing properties may be eligible
for the Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program available
through the Preservation Services Division of the State
Historical Preservation Office.
- Neighborhood
Stability. Local
designation provides for neighborhood stability and maintenance
by encouraging up-keep and maintenance of significant and
contributing sites and structures. This unifying force
helps to maintain property values, promote pride in the
community and encourage St. Charles residents and visitors to
view the City's Past as a valuable resource.
Application Process for Designation
- Obtain
Program Application Form
(Click
to download application in PDF format)
Applications
are also available at the St. Charles Planning Office in the
Municipal Center, 2 E. Main St.
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday
- Submittal
and Review of Application
Upon
completion of the application, return it to the St. Charles
Planning Office. It will be forwarded to the Historical
Preservation Commission for review. The Commission will
hold a public hearing, and then the Commission's recommendations
will be forwarded to the City Council.
- St.
Charles City Council Approval
The City Council makes the final decision on landmark designation.
What Designation Does Not Require
Designation
as a Historic Landmark or as part of a Historic District doe
NOT:
- require property to be accessible or open to the public;
- require owners to purchase or erect plaques;
(The
City will however, contribute 100% towards the cost of a plaque
for
the first 15 properties to be Land Marked each year.)
- force owners to make improvements
to their properties;
- control or limit use of the site;
- regulate any interior improvements.
For
additional information, please contact the St. Charles Planning
Office at
(630) 377-4443
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