Q&A About The Historic Preservation Ordinance

Any questions that may not be answered here, can be answered by calling (630) 377-4443.

Q. Why does St. Charles have this ordinance?  

A.    The ordinance protects significant historic and architectural resources and can delay or stop demolitions or inappropriate alterations.  Such changes can result in the loss of the community’s historic and architectural character and heritage.  Inappropriate changes can have a negative impact on the property values and architectural integrity of all the properties within the historic district.

Q. Will the Historic Preservation Commission be able to tell me what to do with my property?  

A. Zoning laws set limits on how a property can be used, and this ordinance is part of the St. Charles Zoning Ordinance.  The goal of the Historic Preservation Commission is to protect property values by encouraging contemporary uses of property while protecting exterior architectural and historic resources.      

The Commission is responsible for determining whether alterations or demolition proposed by the property owner will comply with the standards and guidelines of the ordinance.  If they do, the Commission issues a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA).  If the alterations or demolition do not meet the guidelines, the Commission will first work with the property owner to see if the project can be modified to comply with the guidelines.  If not, the Commission will recommend to the City Council that the COA be denied.  The City Council makes the final decision.

Q. Am I required to restore my building or make it look old?  

A.    No.  The Historic Preservation Ordinance does not require you to restore your building or to make improvements when you don’t have any plans to do so.  Further, making a newer building look old is not required – in fact, it is contrary to the guidelines.  If you decide to improve your property or carry out repairs, the Ordinance requires the project to be consistent with the overall architectural character of the building and the district as a whole.

Q. What changes to the building require Historic Preservation approval?  

A.    Approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness is required to obtain a building permit for any construction, alteration, repair, demolition or relocation that affects the exterior architectural appearance of any structure within an historic district, and for any structure that is designated a landmark.  A COA is not required for work that does not require a permit (such as painting).

Q. Can I add to my existing historic building? 

A.    Yes.  Additions can be made to historic buildings if they are compatible with the architectural character of the original building, and meet all zoning requirements such as lot coverage and setbacks.

Q. How do I apply for a Certificate of Appropriateness and how long does it take?  

A.    When you apply for a building permit, the Building and Zoning Department will determine if a COA is required.  Additional documentation about your proposal may be necessary, but there are no additional fees or applications.  In most cases, a COA can be obtained within the same time frame as a building permit.  This is usually two to three weeks, depending on the nature of the proposed work.

Q. Why do I need a COA for alterations to a non-historic, contemporary building?  

A.    Alterations to one building can affect nearby properties.  Therefore, proposed alterations are evaluated for compliance with the ordinance guidelines to determine if there will be any detrimental impact on adjacent properties.  Alterations should be compatible with and maintain the existing contemporary style.  The Historic Preservation Commission is required to apply the “maximum flexibility” allowed by the ordinance in its review of applications for structures that have little historic or architectural significance.

Q. What happens if I cannot afford to alter my plans so that my project conforms with the guidelines?

A.    You can apply for a Certificate of Economic Hardship, which if approved allows your project to proceed without a COA.

Q. What are the benefits that St. Charles receives for being a Certified Local Government (CLG)?  

A.    The benefits to having CLG Status include:      

  1. The City plays a direct role in the National Register of Historic Places nomination process. 

  2. The City is eligible to receive grant funds set aside specifically for CLG projects. 

  3. The City may participate in other state and federal historic preservation programs. 

 4. The City may receive direct technical assistance from the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency (IHPA). 

  5. Owners of income-producing property in the Historic District may be eligible for Federal Income Tax Credits. 

 6. Homeowners may be eligible for a property tax freeze relative to improvements made in compliance with The Historic Preservation Ordinance.