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Saint Charles commission backs recommendation to require COAs for masonry painting in historic areas
Summary
The Planning Commission recommended adopting a zoning text amendment to require Certificates of Appropriateness for painting, staining or otherwise altering masonry in city historic districts and landmarks; staff said the rule would cover materials only, not color, and would not require building permits.
Emma Fields, a city staff member, told the Planning Commission the City of Saint Charles has proposed a general amendment to the historic preservation code (Chapter 17.32.080), design-review standards (Chapter 17.06) and definitions (Chapter 17.30.03) to require Certificates of Appropriateness, or COAs, when owners paint, stain or change masonry surfaces such as brick or limestone in designated historic districts and landmarks. Fields said the change would require material review by the Historic Preservation Commission but would not require a building permit and would not regulate color or design.
The staff presentation said the amendment responds to a recent increase in masonry painting downtown and to concerns that certain paints or removal methods can trap moisture or otherwise damage century-old masonry. "We're concerned that certain types of paint might be harming the brick or masonry surfaces," Fields said during her presentation.
Commissioners asked whether the proposal would reach properties outside historic districts; Fields replied it would apply only to landmarks and properties inside historic districts. Commissioners also asked whether previously painted masonry would be grandfathered; Fields said owners who wish to repaint would still need to obtain a COA and the commission would advise on appropriate techniques for removal or maintenance.
Al Watts of Preservation Partners of the Fox Valley spoke during public comment in favor of the amendment, telling the commission that painted masonry can prevent masonry from "breathing" and can cause longer-term damage. Watts offered to provide additional documentation from masonry experts to staff.
After discussion about public notice and whether to continue the hearing to allow more neighbor input, the commission recorded a recommendation to approve the amendment as drafted. A roll-call recommendation recorded Colleen Visa, Zack Ewoldt, Jeff Funk and John Fitzgerald as voting yes; two commissioners voted no. The commission closed the public hearing and transmitted its recommendation to the next steps in the city's legislative process.
Next steps: if the applicant (the city) pursues the amendment, further public notices and formal ordinance steps will follow through the Planning & Development Committee and City Council. The record shows the change focuses on material safety and preservation rather than color or aesthetics.
