Standards and Guidelines 2023-0607

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City of South Bend and St. Joseph County Historic Preservation Guidelines 67 Commercial Standards: Additions General Understanding and Approach Developing additional space for historic commercial buildings happens either by an addition to the rear of a building or its rooftop . A ground-level addition to the rear or side is the preferred method approved by the Commission that has the least impact to a historic building. A roof top addition is an option so long as it is set back from the main facade by at least 10 feet. A visual rendering and often a field test will be required for roof top addition consideration. Read more about how to approach an addition to a historic commercial building here . What is Your Project? Add an Addition to a Building Including Elevators and Fire Stairs • Additions should be added to the rear or side of a building . • An addition should be compatible in scale, materials, and character with the main building . • It should be designed to remain subordinate to the main structure . • An addition should be designed and constructed to avoid the removal of architecturally important or character defining features. • The addition should be distinguishable upon close inspection as different from the original building. • No rear addition shall exceed in height more than ⅓rd of the total overall height of the completed building. Add an Addition to the Roof of a Building • Rooftop additions should not exceed one story (or 15’) in height and should be set back from the main façade of the building so they are minimally visible from the street. Rooftop railings should set back from each street facing wall by 8’. Railings should not be used to support additional elements such as speakers, lighting, plants or signage . In locations where railings are visible from the street, the materials should minimize the impact of the railing. Materials such as butt-joint glass or horizontal steel cable, may be appropriate. • Only one-story additions are best on a building 3-stories or more tall. Its design should be modest in character, so it will not detract attention from the historic façade . • Railing, umbrellas, tables, and other patio furniture should be setback to minimize visibility . Add an Open Fire Escape • If allowed by code, a new metal exterior fire escape can be added to side or rear elevations. • New fire escapes shall not be added to the front or primary façade of the building. The following is not recommended and generally not approved by the Commission: • An addition that covers the entire primary facade of a building . • A roof top addition that is not set back from the front facade . • A roof top addition that is significantly taller than buildings on either side or the height of the District overall. • Pitched roof additions . Return to the Table of Contents Additions 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 .