PLAN COMMISSION PROPOSES A PRESERVATION DISTRICT FOR THE
ST. MARY’S HILL NEIGHBORHOOD

  Why a Preservation District
  What is a Neighborhood Preservation Overlay District
  What Area is Affected
  How Will It Impact Property
  Who is the Design Review Board
  Future Meetings
  Questions

Why a Preservation District?

At the request of residents and some members of the local historical society, the Common Council asked the Plan Commission to draft regulations to protect from future incompatible development the area around St. Mary’s and the historic light station.

After more review, it was evident that the area did not qualify as a historic district, however, an overlay district, which the City has experience with, would be more applicable.

What is a Neighborhood Preservation Overlay District?

A neighborhood preservation overlay does not replace the underlying zoning district of the area (CCM, Central City Mixed), which remains as the source of minimum applicable restrictions on structures, uses, and development. The preservation district may further appropriately limit, but may not expand, the uses and development allowed in the zoning districts in which the subject parcels are mapped.

The objectives of a neighborhood preservation overlay district are:

  • to help maintain the general quality and appearance of the neighborhood;

  • to promote a more cohesive look to the neighborhood;

  • to recognize that neighborhood character is a major part of the community’s image, identity, and history;

  • to improve and stabilize property values; and

  • to reduce conflicts between new construction and existing structures.

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    What Area is Affected?

    The map below delineates the area that is proposed to be included in the new overlay district.


    Click image to enlarge

    How Will It Impact Property?

    It is not the intention of the City to force residents to make any changes or alterations to their property. The proposed regulations take effect only IF the property owner chooses to make improvements or changes to their property.

    Many changes or minor modifications that do not permanently affect the character of the neighborhood are exempted from review. These actions must however, comply with other local ordinances and requirements such as building permits. The actions include:

  • repainting;

  • reroofing;

  • planting of grass, trees and shrubs, not including landscape treatment which substantially alters the contour of a landmark site; and

  • any changes to a structure’s interior.

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    Other changes will require review by the City’s Design Review Board that is ONLY advisory. Those include:

  • exterior building materials used on, exterior lighting changes to, or replacement of windows and doors in existing structures. The Board is to encourage the owner to make alterations that reflect the character of the neighborhood; and

  • impact of either new development, or additions, or modifications to existing structures relative to the view to, of, or from specific locations, particularly from public property and right-of-ways.

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    Finally, there are changes or modifications that will impact the neighborhood. In these cases, the Design Review Board will have the authority to review and approve the following:

  • new development;

  • additions, or structural modifications to existing structures; and

  • demolition of existing structures.

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    Who is the Design Review Board?

    The Design Review Board currently has the authority to review and make recommendation to the Plan Commission of all building and site plans for multi-family, commercial, and industrial property. The Board is comprised of the city engineer, building inspector, fire chief, a registered architect, and another citizen member with design or construction experience. In addition, there is a landmarks committee that is associated with the historical society, which designates two of its members as technical advisors.

    Future Meetings?

    The Plan Commission intends to further discuss the overlay district at its next regularly scheduled meeting on October 21st. If the Commission agrees to recommend to the Common Council, it first needs to be drafted in an ordinance format by the city attorney; then it will appear as a first reading no earlier than November 3rd; and then as a second reading on November 16th. At that time, a public hearing will be held and all persons within the affected area will be so notified and may speak in favor or in opposition to the new ordinance.

    Questions?

    Anyone with questions or concerns may contact the Department of Planning & Development at 284-2600; Mayor Huebner at 284-5585; or Alderman Schwanz at 284-2375.