|
This material is presented for informational
purposes only. Herron-Morton Place holds no liability for inaccuracies
that may be contained herein. Individuals are urged to contact the
Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission for complete guidelines
as may apply to your project.
Design review is simply the procedure of obtaining
a Certificate of Appropriateness. The IHPC has three types of approval
procedures:
- Staff approval
- Hearing officer
- IHPC hearing
The procedure that applies to an application will
depend on the type of work proposed. In all cases, an applicant
will fill out an application, provide any necessary documentation,
and pay the application filing fees (if applicable). Detailed information
about this process is available in Policies and Procedures,
which can be purchased in the IHPC office.
The purpose of design review is to protect and
preserve the existing historic character of both the individual
properties within a district and the district as a whole. Some examples
of what design review may include are: changes to existing exterior
facades, roofing, fencing, exterior light fixtures, windows and
doors, porches, sidewalks, driveways, trees and landscaping, siding,
masonry, paint colors, exterior mechanical equipment, swimming pools,
and new construction. (Note that certain types of work are not subject
to review in some historic districts.)
It is imperative that all exterior changes or
additions to individual properties be reviewed prior to commencement
of construction to ensure compatibility with the district's historic
character. A Certificate of Appropriateness is required by law.
Work done prior to obtaining a Certificate of Appropriateness is
in violation and may result in late filing fees, delays, and the
possible need to make expensive changes.
A preservation plan, which includes design guidelines,
exists for each historic district and provides the framework for
making design and development decisions. Project review by IHPC
staff and the issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness are critical
to guiding the preservation of existing structures and the redevelopment
of vacant land.
The criteria used by the IHPC in its design review
process are the Design and Development Standards found in all of
the Commission's preservation plans. Copies of these plans are available
for purchase or review in the IHPC office.
The IHPC, in determining the appropriateness of
any proposed new construction, reconstruction, alteration, or relocation
will consider a number of factors. Most importantly, the proposed
work should be appropriate in relation to the standards prescribed
by the preservation plan or any applicable zoning regulations. This
can be determined by color, scale, materials, details, texture,
visual compatibility, and general design arrangement.
In determining the appropriateness of any proposed
demolition, the Commission considers, in addition to any other pertinent
factors, the character and significance of the subject structure
in relation to other structures and the historic area as a whole.
|
