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

Home Browse Search

City of South Bend and St. Joseph County Historic Preservation Guidelines 22 Residential Standards: Site Projects General understandings and approach Landscaping is an evolving part of a historic district with the focus for preservation on mature and long-lived landscaping that gives the district its primary character . Remove mature trees and plantings only if they are diseased, dead, or pose a risk to people or buildings . New landscaping and construction projects should be planned and executed to protect mature landscaping during construction . The area surrounding a historic building and contained within an individual parcel of land is considered the building site . The site, including all associated historic features, contributes to the overall integrity of the property, and should be preserved . The relationship between the building and contributing features within the site’s boundaries should be considered when designing improvements . Traditional plans that include front yard grass with defined planting beds is encouraged. Rear and alley access drives and parking areas are recommended . The insertion of new curb cuts and parking—both garages and driveways—should be kept to a minimum . Preservation and replication of any of the historic materials used in sidewalks, walkways, steps, and curbs is preferred . Substitute materials may be considered when other alternatives are not feasible . If you want to construct a new garage, then refer to the Standards on new construction here . Read more about traditional plants, history of landscaping (including driveways and sidewalks) in the district and recommendations for plantings, and landscape design and maintenance here . See also section on fences here . What is your project? Plant annuals or add mulch to existing beds No review is required for the planting of annuals or short-lived landscaping such as bulk mulch. Remove a tree(s) • Mature or long-lived trees like oak, maple, pine, walnut, ash, should be retained and removed only when diseased, dead, or causing potential harm to people or buildings . • Trees approved for removal shall be done so in compliance with City ordinances governed by the City Forester . More information is available here . Install a new landscaping plan • When developing a new landscaping plan for a site, mature trees and perennials should be preserved and incorporated into the new plan . Install outdoor lighting • New exterior lighting should be installed to accent architectural features, primary facades or provide necessary security . • Light heads should be screened with low landscaping plantings to hide the fixtures. • Side and top shields should be included to limit the light from spilling onto adjacent properties . Site Projects Garages, Landscaping, Parking Areas, Decks, Driveways, Sidewalks, and Paths Administratively Approvable Removal of a hazardous mature tree, as deemed by an arborist or qualified forestry professional. Administratively Approvable Plans that preserve the mature landscaping while adding in a new cohesive plan that compliments the historic building and site.DRAFT