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City of South Bend and St. Joseph County Historic Preservation Guidelines 4 <br />Introduction: FAQ’s <br />How are the Standards applied? <br />The Commission recognizes some buildings, individually or within a district, carry great architectural or historic importance and have been little altered over time . Others feature more commonplace design or many alterations . Taken together, this variety creates the building’s and district’s special character . <br />Consequently, the Standards provide a range of options and their application . They have been developed based on best practices promoted by the National Park Service, the state historic preservation office, and historic districts commissions nationwide. <br />How are buildings within the district rated? <br />The Commission, as required by state law, has adopted a ratings structure for the district’s buildings . These ratings guide decisions about proposed changes to those buildings over time, allowing the greatest flexibility while preserving the characteristics of those buildings and the district overall that make it the special place it is today . <br />Each property within a district falls into one of five classes, identified in greater detail here . The level of review and latitude for alternative <br />construction materials, additions, etc., is based on the building’s significance and level of change over time, called integrity. <br />The Commission considers integrity when reviewing proposed changes to a building, ranging from those rated most architecturally significant, or “outstanding” rated buildings, to the least significant, or “non-contributing”. The Commission is more conservative in allowing changes to outstanding-rated buildings, offering more latitude for non-contributing properties. <br />What is the general philosophical framework for the Standards? <br />Projects should retain and repair the parts of their building that give it its look and architectural design rather than replace them wholesale . Original materials are important, conveying the age of the building and its connection to the past . And, often, such materials are of a better quality than modern replacements . <br />If a part of a building cannot be repaired, then it should be replaced with a matching material of the same type and design, if possible . <br />Sometimes new materials can be substituted but need to imitate the original . <br />Parts of historic buildings that are completely missing can be reconstructed or restored using photographs or designs from buildings of a similar age . <br />New construction of entire buildings or additions to historic buildings should be designed to be compatible with the overall district and/or <br />the building to which it is added . Read more about new construction and additions here . <br />How do other city codes, zoning or permits relate to the Standards? <br />The Standards address only the elements of the site and building that are related to its historic design or construction . Other city building codes, zoning, and permits may also need to be followed . <br />For more information about city building codes, zoning or permits go here or contact: <br />Phone: 574-235-9371 <br />Mail: 227 West Jefferson Blvd. Suite 1400 S South Bend, Indiana 46601 <br /> <br />FAQ’s <br />Return to the Table of Contents