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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 />Treatment shall be defined as any change of surface materials that will not alter the style or original form. Such improve- <br />ments include re-roofing, glazing, or landscaping lawns and may involve a change that can potentially enhance or detract <br />from the character of the landmark. A treatment change of any surface whether on the landmark or in its environment may <br />require a Certificate of Appropriateness if it significantly alters the appearance of the landmark. Although these kinds of <br />changes may not require a Building Permit, a Certificate of Appropriateness may be necessary. The commission should re- <br />view the proposed treatment for character and style consistency 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 a change in mass. <br />A modification, which involves the removal of a part of the landmark, should be considered under demolition (see demoli- <br />tion). <br />Additions to landmarks should not detract from the original form and unity of the landmark and should not cover singular <br />examples of architectural detail. Additions to landmarks should be added in a manner that does not disrupt the visible unity <br />of overall appearance of the site. The proportions, materials and ratios of the existing structures should be carried through <br />in the additions. Care should be taken not to change or alter the following: <br /> 1. Structure—–Necessary structural improvements, where safety demands should be accomplished in such a way as <br />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 the same mate- <br />rial as the original. It should be the same size and texture. An alternative material may be allowed if it duplicates the origi- <br />nal. <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 with additional siding. <br />Structures already sided with incompatible materials should be returned to a siding similar to the original when renovation <br />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 the only alterna- <br />tive, documentation by way of photographs, measured drawings, or other descriptive methods should be made of both the exterior <br />and interior of the landmark. The person or agency responsible for demolition of the landmark shall be responsible for this docu- <br />mentation. <br />E. Moving <br />The moving of landmarks is discouraged, however, moving is preferred to demolition. When moving is necessary, the owner <br />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 will also be disal- <br />lowed. 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 which reflect the proper- <br />ty’s history and development shall be retained. Dominant land contours shall be retained. Structures such as: gazebos, patio decks, <br />fixed barbecue pits, swimming pools, tennis courts, green houses, new walls, fountains, fixed garden furniture, trellises, and other <br />similar structures shall be compatible to the historic character of the site and neighborhood and inconspicuous when viewed from a <br />public way. <br />2. Recommended <br />New site work should be based upon actual knowledge of the past appearance of the property found in photographs, drawings, and <br />newspapers. Plant materials and trees in close proximity to the building that are causing deterioration to the buildings historic fabric <br />should be removed. However, trees and plant materials that must be removed should be immediately replaced by suitable flora. <br />Front yard areas should not be fenced except in cases where historic documentation would indicate such fencing appropriate.