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HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY <br />Phone: 574/235.9371 Fax: 574/235.9021 Email: hpcsbsjc@southbendin.gov <br />  <br />  <br />may be necessary. The commission should review the proposed treatment for character and style consistency <br />with the original surfaces. <br />C. Renovation and Additions <br />Renovation is the modification of a structure, which does not alter the general massing while an addition, is <br />a change in mass. A modification, which involves the removal of a part of the landmark, should be consid- <br />ered under demolition (see demolition). <br />Additions to landmarks should not detract from the original form and unity of the landmark and should not <br />cover singular examples of architectural detail. Additions to landmarks should be added in a manner that <br />does not disrupt the visible unity of overall appearance of the site. The proportions, materials and ratios of <br />the existing structures should be carried through in the additions. Care should be taken not to change or <br />alter the following: <br /> 1. Structure—–Necessary structural improvements, where safety demands should be accomplished <br />in such a way as to cause minimal visual change to the original style and construction. <br /> 2. Material—Additions and improvements involving any new material in the landmark should be of <br />the same material as the original. It should be the same size and texture. An alternative material may be <br />allowed if it duplicates the original. <br /> a. wood—all wood trim should conform with existing trim in shape and size. <br />b. siding materials—the Commission discourages the covering or alteration of original materials <br />with additional siding. Structures already sided with incompatible materials should be returned to a <br />siding similar to the original when renovation is considered. <br />D. Demolition <br />Historic landmarks shall not be demolished. When a landmark poses a threat to the public safety, and demolition is <br />the only alternative, documentation by way of photographs, measured drawings, or other descriptive methods <br />should be made of both the exterior and interior of the landmark. The person or agency responsible for demolition <br />of the landmark shall be responsible for this documentation. <br />E. Moving <br />The moving of landmarks is discouraged, however, moving is preferred to demolition. When moving is <br />necessary, the owner of the landmark must apply to the Commission for a Certificate of Appropriateness. <br />F. Signs <br />No neon or flashing signs will be permitted unless they are original to the structure. Billboards and super-graphics <br />will also be disallowed. Only one appropriate identifying sign will be permitted per business. <br />G. Building Site and Landscaping <br />(These standards apply to both A and B) <br />1. Required <br />Major landscaping items, trees, fencing, walkways, private yard lights, signs (house numbers) and benches <br />which reflect the property’s history and development shall be retained. Dominant land contours shall be retained. <br />Structures such as: gazebos, patio decks, fixed barbecue pits, swimming pools, tennis courts, green houses, new <br />walls, fountains, fixed garden furniture, trellises, and other similar structures shall be compatible to the historic <br />character of the site and neighborhood and inconspicuous when viewed from a public way. <br />2. Recommended <br />New site work should be based upon actual knowledge of the past appearance of the property found in photo- <br />graphs, drawings, and newspapers. Plant materials and trees in close proximity to the building that are causing de- <br />terioration to the buildings historic fabric should be removed. However, trees and plant materials that must be re- <br />moved should be immediately replaced by suitable flora. Front yard areas should not be fenced except in cases <br />where historic documentation would indicate such fencing appropriate. Fencing should be in character with the <br />buildings style, materials, and scale.