Resident urges fixes to Lebanon ordinances, recommends using SHPO guidance for historic district rules

Sharon Dial, speaking during public comment at the Aug. 11 council meeting, urged Lebanon to correct local ordinances that conflate the small "historic shopping district" with the broader federally listed historic district and to use guidance from the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) when enforcing certificates of appropriateness.

Dial distributed a one‑page SHPO summary and a diagram showing the federally listed district (outlined in blue) and the much smaller locally defined shopping district (outlined in black), and said the two have been treated as if they were the same in the municipal code. "The two very different entities are conflated throughout the ordinances, and many people don't even realize that they aren't synonymous," she said.

She recommended the Plan Commission and city staff ensure that certificates of appropriateness and local review reference what SHPO considers significant for buildings and views. Dial argued that protecting the town's historic character supports tourism and economic development and said aligning local rules with state and federal preservation priorities would help maintain that character.

Councilors acknowledged the distinction Dial described and noted her materials would be received for consideration; several council members suggested staff and the Plan Commission could work to revise ordinance language and make technical corrections.