Laserfiche WebLink
City of South Bend and St. Joseph County Historic Preservation Guidelines 22 <br />Residential Standards: Site Projects <br />General understandings and approach <br />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 . <br />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 . <br />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. <br />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 . <br />If you want to construct a new garage, then refer to the Standards on new construction here . <br />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 . <br />See also section on fences here . <br />What is your project? <br />Plant annuals or add mulch to existing beds <br />No review is required for the planting of annuals or short-lived landscaping such as bulk mulch. <br />Remove a tree(s) <br />• 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 . <br />• Trees approved for removal shall be done so in compliance with City ordinances governed by <br />the City Forester . More information is available here . <br />Install a new landscaping plan <br />• When developing a new landscaping plan for a site, mature trees and perennials should be preserved and incorporated into the new plan . <br />Install outdoor lighting <br />• New exterior lighting should be installed to accent architectural features, primary facades or provide necessary security . <br />• Light heads should be screened with low landscaping plantings to hide the fixtures. <br />• Side and top shields should be included to limit the light from spilling onto adjacent properties . <br />Site Projects <br />Garages, Landscaping, Parking Areas, Decks, Driveways, Sidewalks, and Paths <br />Administratively Approvable <br />Removal of a hazardous mature <br />tree, as deemed by an arborist or <br />qualified forestry professional. <br />Administratively Approvable <br />Plans that preserve the mature landscaping while adding in a new cohesive plan that <br />compliments the historic building <br />and site.