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Under the requirements of City of South Bend Zoning Ordinance No. 5565-73, as amended, a Certificate of Appropriateness (C of A) would be required for any activity in the district which requires a building permit or which alters the appearance of a building or site, including houses, garages, and other outbuildings, as seen from the streets around the property. The guidelines and standards are intended to preserve the way the neighborhood looks as of March 14, 2005, to provide guidance about proper rehabilitation techniques, and to encourage, where possible, a return to original historic appearance. Changes made before Local Historic District Status was adopted, as well as paint color, flowers and landscape vegetation, do not require a C of A. Planting or removal of trees in the yard or tree lawn does require a C of A, and input from the city forester is often helpful. There is some flexibility in interpretation, and while decisions of the Historic Preservation Commission are ultimately binding, they are rendered with consideration, sensitivity, and public input. Any exceptions beyond the limits of this text are considered on a case-by-case basis. The Chapin Park Local Historic District Standards Committee carefully examined the standards, layout, words, and meaning of this document. This Preface is unique among all the other books in the series, and recognizes and honors the efforts of all who worked on this committee, and attended these sessions. Please contact the Historic Preservation Commission to further discuss and explore the philosophy, rationale and methods of preservation. The Residents of Chapin Park, Page 12 of 36