Standards and Guidelines 2023-0607

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City of South Bend and St. Joseph County Historic Preservation Guidelines 40 Commercial Standards: Accessibility General understanding and approach Access to historic buildings for everyone regardless of ability is an important project goal for all sites . Owners of historic properties should fully comply with the ADA and other accessibility laws, while also preserving the design of their buildings and sites . Special provisions for historic buildings exist in the law that allow some alternatives in meeting the ADA standards . When an elevator addition is required to allow for accessibility, refer to New Construction and Additions to Historic Buildings section here . What is your project? Adding a ramp • Accessibility projects should create an accessibility solution that respects character-defining features and spaces of a building and site . • Materials proposed for the ramp should be complimentary to the existing building such as using masonry ramps for masonry buildings wood ramps for wood clad buildings . • The ramp should be constructed in a manner that is reversible so that if it were removed the original building materials would still be in place and not damaged . • If access to the front door is not possible, the project should provide a respectful accessible entrance and route located as close to the principal entrance as possible . The alternate location should be designed so that it blends in and complements the historic buildings design and materials . Modifying sidewalks and other walkways • Projects should consider modification of sidewalks by elevating the grade a few inches, where possible, to eliminate steps to provide an accessible entry . Adding railings to existing stairs • New handrails and balusters should be like the historic design of the building including the same materials . For masonry buildings, materials such as aluminum or wrought iron should be used . The following is not recommended and generally not approved by the Commission: • Removing a historic porch or stoop to install a ramp . Return to the Table of Contents Commercial Standards Accessibility Administratively Approvable Adding handrails to existing steps in designs like historic railings on the building. Administratively Approvable Modifications to sidewalks and elevations to eliminate one or two steps into a building without modifying the overall entrance or storefront. Heads Up It is likely that other permits or variances are required from the City for projects in this section . For more information go here .