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Commission adopts Indiana Landmarks model preservation guidelines for Elkhart
Summary
The commission approved 25 HP 02 to adopt Indiana Landmarks' model preservation guidelines to update review standards and provide a public resource for homeowners; staff said guidelines will apply to new construction, additions and demolitions and supplement older single-site district rules.
The Historic and Cultural Preservation Commission voted to adopt Indiana Landmarks' model preservation guidelines as 25 HP 02, a staff-supported update the commission said will bring local standards in line with current preservation practice.
City staff told the commission the model guidelines will apply to new construction, additions and demolitions in the State Division district and will serve as a supplemental resource for single-site historic districts where local ordinances are silent or unclear. Staff said the model standards are designed to add flexibility for appropriate materials, reduce costs for homeowners and provide a downloadable resource for property owners citywide.
According to the staff presentation, the local State Division district's previous design guidelines were last updated on Nov. 19, 1998, and are out of date. The new guidelines include standards and guidance on accessibility, chimneys, doors, fences, foundations, paint, porches, roofs, gutters and downspouts, soffits, garages, landscaping and solar or wind installations, among other topics. Staff recommended approval and the commission approved the model guidelines by voice vote.
Staff and commissioners emphasized the new guidelines apply primarily to new construction, additions and demolition reviews in the State Division district. The presenter also said the guidelines will be available on the city's website as a resource for any Elkhart homeowner seeking help with maintaining or altering a historic property.
No public speaker addressed 25 HP 02 during the meeting; commissioners asked questions about flexibility and how the rules would treat repair versus new construction.
