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

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For More Information: SubSection City of South Bend and St. Joseph County Historic Preservation Guidelines 46 General understanding and approach Fences in commercial areas are reserved for screening parking, trash, or other service elements. Fences also include those that define an outside dining area in front or side of the building on the sidewalk . Traditional materials such as wood or wrought iron are encouraged . Fences in the rear of a site should be no taller than six feet and have the finished face installed towards the neighboring property. Historic walls and decorative piers are considered character-defining features which help to establish a sense of visual continuity and should be preserved . Where new retaining walls are installed, they should complement the traditional retaining walls in the District and building to which they are associated . What is your project? Fencing Projects Repair an existing fence • Historic fences should be repaired using the same materials and designs as the existing fence . • Damaged chain link fences that need more than 20% replacement should not be repaired but instead removed and replaced with a new fence in a style approved by the Commission . Replace an existing fence • Historic fences should be repaired rather than replaced . • If a historic fence is beyond repair, defined as more than 50% requiring replacement, the new fence should match the historic fence in design, material and installation . Install a landscaping screen • Planting windbreaks or hedgerows to function as privacy “fences” alone or in front of a true fence may be considered or where screening of less appropriate site amenities is required . Install a new fence where no fence exists • New outside seating area fences should only be installed where required and should be temporary in nature . • Outside seating area fences should be no more than 36 inches tall and be at least 50% open visually. • Rear and side fences installed for screening and security of parking lots, trash corrals, and utility and service equipment should be no taller than six foot and may be solid in design . Aluminum fences may be considered . Retaining Walls Projects Repair a historic retaining wall • Historic retaining walls should be repaired with the same materials from which they are constructed including the replication of details that give it its character . • Repointing should be done when necessary using a mortar mix that is like that used historically and applied in a joint design that matches the original . See also masonry repair guidelines here . Fences and Reatining Walls Administratively Approvable Repair of an historic fence or chain link as noted with the same materials and design. Administratively Approvable Replacement of an existing fence with one that matches the original. Administratively Approvable Installation of screening plantings. Administratively Approvable Fences that are installed in the rear yard behind the rear wall of the building when a fence fits context of building. Administratively Approvable Repair as noted in masonry repair guidelines.DRAFT