COA APPLICATION #2020-0302: NORTHERN INDIANA HISTORIC SOCIETY INC. V. SOUTH BEND HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION

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2017. The Interlocal Agreement sets forth the mission of the HPC as agreed by both the City and the County as "to identify architecturally or historically significant buildings, structures, sites, and objects in the City and the County and to promote the protection and preservation of the same in a manner that enhances both human and economic welfare and that accommodates development and redevelopment in the City and the County." This mission is also set forth in the HPC's Bylaws. B. Membership in the HPC The guidelines for membership in the HPC are set forth in the South Bend Municipal Code (the "Code") at Section 21-12.04(a). The HPC's nine (9) members are unpaid volunteers appointed by the Mayor of the City (2), the Common Council of the City (the "Common Council") (2), the County Council (2), and the County Board of Commissioners (2). The ninth (9th) member is an architectural historian appointed by the eight (8) members. Pursuant to Section 21-12.04(a)(2), the members "shall be interested and knowledgeable about historic preservation in the local area." C. Responsibilities of the HPC The HPC identifies and advises the Common Council regarding the establishment of Historic Preservation Districts and the designation of historic landmarks "on the basis of historical and cultural significance, educational value and suitability for preservation." (Section 21- 12.04(b)(4)(A)). Common Council then designates historic landmarks through the passage of an ordinance. (Section 21-12.04(b)(4)(B)). The HPC is responsible for the establishment of "reasonable and just standards for the preservation of historic landmarks .. . including architectural treatment, site development requirements, and provisions concerning construction, reconstruction, alteration, demolition, or removal of any building or structure, or parts thereof." (Section 21-12.04(b)(7)). The City maintains a website (httns:Hsouthbendin. og v/department/community-investment/historic- 2