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Ardentown adopts ordinance limiting building heights to preserve historic character
Summary
At a July 14 special meeting, the Village of Ardentown approved the Preservation of Historic Character ordinance, capping house heights at 45 feet, other structures at 100 feet, and imposing enforcement fines; the measure passed 46–1 and takes effect immediately.
The Village of Ardentown adopted a Preservation of Historic Character ordinance during a special meeting on July 14, 2025, voting 46 in favor and 1 opposed. The measure sets maximum heights for buildings and other structures and takes effect immediately.
The ordinance, presented for a second reading at the meeting, states its purpose is to protect Ardentown’s Garden City–era layout, architectural modesty and tree-lined environment and to preserve sightlines and the village’s historic experience. The Ardens Historic District is noted in the text as a listed area on the National Register of Historic Places.
Key provisions limit houses and buildings to a maximum height of 45 feet and cap all other structures and objects at 100 feet. The listed prohibitions explicitly cover spires, cupolas, chimneys, flag poles, water tanks and towers, observation towers, transmission towers and poles, windmills, silos, antennae (including amateur radio towers), and manufacturing or mechanical equipment and their structural supports, including HVAC equipment and elevator enclosures. The ordinance defines height measurements as the total distance from base grade to the highest point, including attachments or extensions.
Enforcement is assigned to the Village of Ardentown with support from the Ardentown Trustees. The ordinance establishes a fine of $1,000 per day for each day a violation continues, and it ties monthly penalties to the same procedure used in Land Rent collection; the text also reserves the right to pursue further legal action to secure compliance. The ordinance contains a standard severability clause and specifies that it becomes effective immediately upon adoption.
A motion "to approve the Preservation of Historic Character Ardentown Ordinance as submitted" was made and seconded; the minutes record the final tally as 46 in favor, 1 opposed. The meeting adjourned at 8:21 p.m. Melissa Parsonson presided as Town Chair; the minutes were submitted by Jessica Riggleman, Secretary of Ardentown.
