HISTORIC PRESERVATION AND YOUR BUILDING PROJECT

Geneva's Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) was created to protect buildings and neighborhoods in the City which have special historical, architectural, and cultural character. An approval by the HPC must occur before a permit may be issued by the City of Geneva's Building Division.

If your project needs HPC review, please fill out the HPC Review Application form at the same time you apply for a building permit.

DOES YOUR PROJECT NEED HPC REVIEW?

HPC reviews building permit applications for exterior improvements on historic properties.

Projects that Need HPC Approval

Any project affecting the exterior appearance of a historic property, that requires a building permit, needs approval by the HPC prior to the issuance of the permit. Examples of projects include (but are not limited to): window replacement, re-siding, addition to an existing building, demolition, new construction, new garages, outbuildings, porches, decks, fences, enclosure or removal of porches, adding dormers, removal of exterior trim and chimneys, installation of new driveways or sidewalks, etc. Before starting a project be sure to determine if the project requires a permit and/or review by contacting city staff.

Interior work and routine outdoor maintenance such as exterior painting, replacing faulty gutters, and landscaping (except removal of mature trees) does not require review by the HPC. If considering an application for financial assistance, interior work will be reviewed by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency/National Park Service.

Historic Properties

Your property is considered historic if it is located in Geneva's Historic District or has been designated as a landmark. The Geneva Historic District, containing about 550 properties, was designated by the City of Geneva in 1987. The boundary of the Geneva Historic District is made up of two historic districts listed in the National Register of Historic Places (Central Geneva Historic District, 1979; North Geneva Historic District, 1982).

The City of Geneva has also designated the following properties as landmarks:

• Riverbank Laboratories, 1512 Batavia Avenue (1999)
• Henry Bond Fargo Residence, 316 Elizabeth Place (2006)
• Davis Residence, 1101 Batavia Avenue (2008)
• 512 Fargo Boulevard (2008)
• Queen Anne Cottage, 716 Shady Avenue (2010)

Landmarks listed in the National Register of Historic Places include:

• Geneva Country Day School, 1250 South Street
• Fabyan Windmill, 1500 Crissey
• Henry Bond Fargo Residence, 316 Elizabeth Place (2007)
• Fabyan Villa, 1511 Batavia Avenue (1974)

HOW TO APPLY FOR HPC APPROVAL

An application for HPC review requires the completion and submittal of the following:

• A building permit application
• An HPC Review application
• And submittal of information that describes the proposed improvement(s), this may include elevation drawings, site plans, floor plans, material cut sheets, etc.

The HPC meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall (unless otherwise noted). Applications for HPC review are due no later than twelve (12) days prior to the HPC meeting. Some applications may be administratively approved by city staff. At the HPC meeting, the Commission will review the proposal and approve, approve with conditions, or deny the application. Contact staff if there are questions as to the required information for an application.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Additional information about Historic Preservation in Geneva can be found at the City of Geneva's Historic Preservation webpage.

If you have any questions about Historic Preservation, please contact the City's Preservation Planner:

Preservation Planner
City of Geneva
22 S. First Street
Geneva, IL 60134
(630) 938-4541
kkaulfuss@geneva.il.us