HPC of South Bend and St. Joseph County - Standards Update Draft

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City of South Bend and St. Joseph County Historic Preservation Guidelines 125 District Addendums: West North Shore Local Historic District New Construction Consider the size, scale, roof lines, etc ., in the design of a new structure, so that it will be compatible with its adjacent buildings in particular and will blend with the neighborhood in general . New additions to existing structures must be compatible in scale, building materials and texture to the building to which the addition is made . Retain as much of the original structure as possible, so that the addition could be removed without damage to the basic structure and appearance of the building . The following is prohibited and generally not approved by the Commission: • Do not use asbestos or asphalt siding. Do not use artificial brick or cast stone siding. Do not use glass brick. Structural concrete block may be used only on foundations for new construction or additions . Site Projects Garages, Landscaping, Parking Areas, Decks, Driveways, Sidewalks, and Paths. New site work should be based upon actual knowledge of the past appearance of the property found in photographs, drawings and newspapers . New site work should be appropriate to existing surrounding site elements in scale, type and appearance . Plant materials and trees in close proximity to the building that are causing deterioration to the building’s historic fabric should be removed . However, trees and plant materials that must be removed should be immediately replaced by suitable flora. All high-intensity security lights should be approved by the Historic Preservation Commission . Sheds and accessory structures (gazebos, decks, doghouses, playhouses, fountains and small reflecting pools, outdoor sculpture, children’s play equipment, etc.) shall be located at the rear of the property and as unobtru-sively as possible while preserving historical relationships between the buildings, landscape features, and open spaces . Proportions and materials shall conform to those required for new construction . The following is prohibited and generally not approved by the Commission: • Removing old plants, trees, fencing, walkways, outbuildings and other site elements before evaluating their importance to the property’s history and development . • Front yard areas shall not be transformed into parking lots nor paved nor blacktopped . • Front yard areas shall not be fenced, and fences shall not extend forward beyond the setback line of the house . • The installation of unsightly devices such as television reception dishes and solar collectors shall not be permitted in areas where they can be viewed from the public thoroughfare . • Telephone or utility poles with high-intensity overhead lights should be installed so that they cannot be seen from the thoroughfare. • Prefabricated metal sheds shall not be used . Prefabricated wood composition sheds should not be used unless they conform to all other standards . Mechanical Services New approaches to energy conservation such as solar panels and wind generators may well become a practical and necessary part of our future . If you are considering the installation of such an innovation . consult the Historic Preservation Commission so they may recommend how this could be done without interfering with the visual integrity of your house . Place television antenna and other mechanical equipment such as air conditioning units in inconspicuous, preferably hidden, locations . Window air conditioners and exhaust fans may be installed in rear or in inconspicuous side windows . The following is prohibited and generally not approved by the Commission: • Do not cut holes through walls in areas that can be seen from the street, to accommodate an air conditioner or other mechanical equipment . Return to the Table of ContentsDRAFT