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1. How do I find out if my house is a local historic landmark?

To verify if your home is a local historic landmark, contact the Community Development Department at 708-447-1241 or check the Appendix of the Preservation Ordinance in the Municipal Code.

2. I purchased a local historic landmark. Do I need any special approvals to do work on my home?

The Preservation Ordinance requires a Certificate of Appropriateness to be approved by the Preservation Commission for any work on the exterior of the home that requires a building permit such as a roof repair or replacement, tuck pointing, window repair or replacement, additions. No additional approvals are required for painting or interior work. Although the Commission does not review painting proposals, they do caution any owner of a historic landmark against pressure washing wood prior to painting.

3. What are the standards for a certificate of appropriateness?

The Preservation Commission follows the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. The commission also considers the following criteria in determining whether or not the proposed work is compatible and appropriate:
- Whether such work will be compatible with and will positively enhance the architectural and/or historical integrity of the property upon which landmark status is based.
- Whether such work will have a positive effect and harmonize with the external appearance of neighboring properties and the essential character of the area where the property is located.
- Whether such work is visible from any public right of way during all seasons of the year.
- Whether the current physical condition, state of repair and structural stability of the property under consideration poses a dangerous and unsafe threat to the health and safety of the community.

4. How do I apply for a Certificate of Appropriateness?

The application should be submitted to the Community Development Department no less than 2 weeks prior to the Regular Preservation Commission meeting. If you are proposing in-kind repairs or replacements, a Special Subcommittee can be called to review the application within 10 days.

5. I am interested in having my home designated as a local landmark.

If you are interested in having your home or building designated as a local landmark, please reference the criteria in the Preservation Ordinance and contact the Community Development Department at 708-447-1241 to schedule a meeting with the Preservation Chairperson and the Community Development Director.

6. Does the Preservation Commission have to approve the color of my home?

The Preservation Commission does not regulate what color homes are painted.