HISTORIC SITES

Springfield, Ill., City Code tit. IX, ch. 101

in effect

Springfield, Ill., City Code § 101.01 Definitions.

§ 101.01. - Definitions. For the purposes of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning: Alterations. Any act or process requiring a building permit, fence permit, wrecking permit, or sign permit for the reconstruction or moving of any improvement. Archaeological sites. A concentration of material remains of past human life or activities of historic or prehistoric significance, that has been surveyed by a qualified archeologist, and a report by a qualified archeologist filed with the city or other state or federal governmental authority demonstrating the significance of the site and recommendations for the treatment of it. Certificate of approval. A certificate issued by the commission to indicate its approval of a building permit, fence permit, wrecking permit, or sign permit to authorize the construction, alteration or demolition of property and improvements designated under this chapter. Commission. The Springfield Historic Sites Commission. Construction. Any act or process which requires a building permit, fence permit, wrecking permit, or sign permit for the erection of any improvement. Demolition. Any act or process which destroys, in part or in whole, any improvement. Exterior architectural feature. The architectural character, general composition, and the general arrangement of the exterior of an improvement, including the kind and texture of the building material and the type and character of windows, doors, light fixtures, signs, fences, and associated elements. Historic district. A place or area designated as an historic district by ordinance of the city council according to the procedures prescribed in this Code. Historic structure. Any structure or building designated as a landmark or located within an historic district established by ordinance of the city council according to the procedures and standards prescribed in this Code. Improvement. Any building, structure, monument, work of art, place marker, sign, parking facility, fence, light, gate, wall, steps, landscaping or other object constituting a physical addition to real property, or any part of such addition. Landmark. Any property and/or improvement designated as a landmark by ordinance of the city council according to the procedures in this Code. Owners of record. The person(s) whose name and mailing address appear on property tax records. Reconstruction. Any act or process which changes one or more of the exterior architectural features of an improvement. Springfield Historic Sites Register. As provided in section 101.05(b) of this chapter, the registry of landmarks and historic districts that have been designated for preservation by ordinance of the city council according to the procedures in this Code. Unreasonable economic hardship. The condition whereby failure to issue a requested building permit, fence permit, wrecking permit, or sign permit on a landmark, or an improvement or area within an historic district, would amount to a taking of the owner's property without just compensation or, in the case of low-income owner(s), failure to issue such a permit would place an onerous and excessive financial burden upon such owner(s). (Ord. No. 76-2-92, 2-4-92; Ord. No. 308-09-15, § 1, 9-22-15)

Springfield, Ill., City Code § 101.02 General provisions.

§ 101.02. - General provisions. (a) No provision of this chapter shall be construed as repealing any code or ordinance of the city, and any permit or license required thereunder shall be required in addition to any certificate of approval. (b) In any conflict between the provisions of this chapter or a regulation adopted thereunder and the provision of any other code or ordinance of the city, the more restrictive shall apply. However, no permit or other license shall be issued by any department of the city until the applicant has obtained a certificate from the commission.

Springfield, Ill., City Code § 101.03 Establishment and composition of the historic sites commission.

§ 101.03. - Establishment and composition of the historic sites commission. (a) There is hereby established the historic sites commission. (b) The historic sites commission should consist of 11 voting members to be appointed by the executive assistant to the mayor, with city council approval. One member shall be an active member of an historical society; one member shall be an Illinois registered architect; one member shall be an architectural historian; one member shall be a registered realtor or broker; one member shall be a staff person of the Springfield-Sangamon County Planning Commission; one member shall be an attorney; five members shall be selected at large. Member qualifications shall apply only as vacancies occur, and if they cannot be filled in the manner as written above, each vacancy shall be filled by a member selected at large. All members shall be appointed on the basis of demonstrated experience, expertise or interest in architecture, art, building construction, engineering, historic preservation, real estate or of another background related to the purposes of the commission. (c) Members shall serve staggered terms of three years. Vacancies shall be filled by appointment for the remainder of any unexpired term in the same manner as original appointments. Members shall serve without compensation. (d) The historic sites commission shall be subordinate to the executive assistant to the mayor and city council. (e) No commissioner may act on any matter before the commission where there exists a conflict of interest, an adverse or pecuniary interest in violation of 65 ILCS 5/3-14-4. (f) Commissioners may be removed during their appointed term by the executive assistant to the mayor with approval of the city council. (Ord. No. 585-10-03, § 1(Exh. 1), 10-21-03; Ord. No. 042-02-20, § 1(Exh. A), 2-4-20)

Springfield, Ill., City Code § 101.04 Organization and meetings.

§ 101.04. - Organization and meetings. (a) The commission shall hold an annual meeting at which its officers shall be elected. A chairman, vice-chairman, and any other officers required to discharge commission responsibilities shall be elected from its members. (b) The commission shall adopt rules for the conduct of its business. Regular quarterly meetings shall be scheduled by the chairman, and special meetings may be requested by not fewer than three members. Meetings shall be chaired by the chairman or the vice-chairman. A quorum shall consist of six members. The transaction of business shall be accomplished by a majority of those members in attendance; however, the adoption, modification, or rescission of any rule shall require the affirmative vote of six members. (c) On recommendation by the commission, the mayor may appoint a secretary to provide staff services to the commission. The commission shall maintain a record of its proceedings and actions which shall be available for inspection by the public. (Ord. No. 042-02-20, § 1(Exh. A), 2-4-20)

Springfield, Ill., City Code § 101.05 Powers, duties, responsibilities.

§ 101.05. - Powers, duties, responsibilities. Without limiting those powers and duties prescribed by law and ordinance, the commission shall: (a) Conduct surveys and maintain an inventory of Springfield buildings, archaeological sites, places, or areas for the purpose of identifying those sites of historical significance; (b) Maintain a registry of landmarks and historic districts which have been designated for preservation under this chapter: this registry shall include the information required for each designation and appropriate maps; (c) Recommend that the city council designate by ordinance landmarks and historic districts lying within the corporate limits of the city; (d) Establish specific design standards for proposed construction involving a designated landmark or a property within an historic district; (e) Perform functions which will foster the marking and maintenance of designated property and improvements in order to enable the public to view such site and areas with convenience and in appropriate surroundings; (1) The commission may provide markers for all designated landmarks. (2) Markers shall be permanent property of the City of Springfield, which shall maintain and replace markers as required. Should a landmark be removed from official designation for whatever cause, the marker shall be removed and returned to the commission. (3) The City of Springfield may receive existing historic markers on designated sites and on other locations if these markers are deeded to the city by the owner(s) of the site. In such cases, the city shall retain the ownership of and maintain said markers. (f) Prepare maps, brochures, and other descriptive material about landmarks and historic districts; (g) Review and make decisions to issue, modify or deny application for a certificate of approval and to require such plans, drawings, and other information as may be necessary to make such decisions; (h) Amend its rules to further the purposes and objectives of this chapter; (i) Recommend the city's acquisition by donation, purchase, or eminent domain of a fee or lesser interest in designated property and improvements including, but not limited, to easements, covenants, restrictions, conservation rights, and leasehold interests; (j) Recommend that the mayor certify this chapter with the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, and with the Secretary of the United States Department of the Interior, in order to qualify historic structures under the federal Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981, Sections 212 and 214 and under the Illinois Revenue Act of 1939, as amended. (k) Exercise any powers and perform duties set forth in the zoning ordinance of the city that pertains to the commission; (l) Advise and assist property owners of landmarks or structures within historic districts on matters pertaining to their properties; (m) Cooperate with and enlist the assistance of persons, corporations, foundations, and public agencies in matters involving historic preservation, and to cooperate with other city departments and commission on matters affecting the property and improvements which have been designated for preservation. (Ord. No. 76-2-92, 2-4-92; Ord. No. 244-07-15, § 1, 7-21-15)

Springfield, Ill., City Code § 101.06 Acceptance of gifts.

§ 101.06. - Acceptance of gifts. The commission may recommend that the city council accept any gift, grant, or devise of real property, personal property, or money, the principal and income of which is to be applied to the establishment, marking, maintenance, promotion and preservation of a landmark, historic district, or an historic site. Unless otherwise provided by the terms of the gift or grant, any money received by the commission shall be deposited with the city treasurer.

Springfield, Ill., City Code § 101.10 Criteria for landmark designation.

§ 101.10. - Criteria for landmark designation. The commission shall consider the following criteria in determining whether to recommend an improvement for landmark designation: (a) Significant value as part of the historical, archaeological, cultural, artistic, social, or other heritage of the nation, state, or city; (b) Association with an important person or event in national, state or local history; (c) Representative of the distinguishing characteristics of architectural type, period, or method of construction, or the notable work of a master builder, designer, architect, or artist, or a work that possesses high artistic value or that represents a significant and distinguishable entity although its components may lack individual distinction; (d) Any additional criteria established by the rules promulgated by the commission. (Ord. No. 76-2-92, 2-4-92)

Springfield, Ill., City Code § 101.11 Notice; owner consent; landmark designation and historic district designation.

§ 101.11. - Notice; owner consent; landmark designation and historic district designation. Upon receipt of an application for landmark designation or historic district designation pursuant to section 101.13, the commission shall send written notification to the owner or owners of record of such property via certified mail at least 30 days before a meeting of the commission to consider landmark or historic district designation. The commission shall only consider for landmark designation properties whose owner or owners of record have responded to the application by submitting to the commission a letter of consent approving the designation of the property as an historic landmark. If such owner or owners do not consent to designation, the commission shall take no further action with respect to such property (and shall not recommend landmark designation to the city council). The commission shall only consider designation of a historic district if the owner or 2/3 of the owners of property in the area to be designated have responded to the application by submitting to the commission a letter of consent approving the designation of their property as part of a historic district. If 2/3 of the owners of record consent to the proposed designation, the commission may proceed with designation pursuant to section 101.14. (Ord. No. 439-6-96, § 1, 6-18-96; Ord. No. 470-09-02, § 1, 9-3-02)

Springfield, Ill., City Code § 101.12 Criteria for historic district designation.

§ 101.12. - Criteria for historic district designation. The commission shall consider the following criteria in determining whether to recommend an area for historic district designation: (a) Any of the criteria listed in section 101.10; (b) Definable geographic boundaries, containing therein one or more landmarks along with other buildings, places, or areas which, although not of such significance to be designated as individual landmarks contribute to the overall visual characteristics of the landmark or landmarks, or containing therein no landmarks but nevertheless as an aggregate possesses historic significance for the City of Springfield in: (1) Exemplifying an historical period and place unique to the city; or (2) Reflecting the cultural, social, economic, political, or architectural history of the nation, state or city; or (3) Representing distinguishing characteristics of an architectural type which is inherently valuable for studying a period, style, method of construction, indigenous material or unique craftsmanship. (c) Homogeneity of architectural design, dates of construction, or land use characteristics throughout the area.

Springfield, Ill., City Code § 101.13 Designation procedures, application.

§ 101.13. - Designation procedures, application. The commission, by an affirmative vote or at least six members, or the property owner may apply for landmark or historic district designation for property and improvements located within the corporate limits of the city. Applications shall be filed with the secretary on a form provided by the commission. The application shall include or be accompanied by the following: (a) Name(s) and address(es), as shown on the tax assessor's rolls, of the owner(s) of record of the property(ies) proposed for designation; (b) Legal description and common street address of the property proposed for designation; (c) A map delineating the boundaries and location of the property(ies) proposed for designation; (d) At least two photographs representing two views of the subject property; (e) A written description of the property(ies) setting forth reasons in support of the proposed designation; (f) Evidence indicating that the owner(s) of the property(ies) have been notified by certified mail and that the owner(s)/is/are in favor of the proposed designation; (g) Other information as may be required in the rules promulgated by the commission. (Ord. No. 76-2-92, 2-4-92; Ord. No. 439-6-96, § 1, 6-18-96; Ord. No. 042-02-20, § 1(Exh. A), 2-4-20)

Springfield, Ill., City Code § 101.14 Designation of landmarks and historic districts.

§ 101.14. - Designation of landmarks and historic districts. (a) Designation of landmarks and historic districts. (1) Notification and preliminary review. a. Upon receipt of an application for designation of property or properties as a landmark or historic district, the secretary shall schedule a meeting of a committee as established by the rules of the commission. If the committee finds that the application does not merit a public hearing, the commission shall enter and record a formal approval or denial of the application and shall so inform the applicant within 30 days of the receipt of the application. The formal denial shall contain the factual basis for the denial. b. If the designated committee finds that the application does merit a public hearing, or if the application was denied under the provisions of subsection a above and the applicant desires a formal hearing and indicates that desire in writing to the secretary, then the commission shall schedule such a hearing as provided for in (2) below. (2) Public hearing and decision. a. The commission shall conduct the public hearing provided for in (1) above to be held at its next regular scheduled meeting. The secretary shall notify, in writing, the owner(s) of the subject property as to the date, time, place and purpose of the hearing. The notice shall be sent by certified mail not less than 15 days in advance of such hearing, which may be filed as part of a regular meeting of the commission. The secretary shall also cause notice to be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Springfield, describing the property proposed for designation, and setting forth the date, time, place and purpose of the hearing, or post such notice prominently on the property. The hearing may be continued from time to time as necessary. b. The applicant shall submit to the commission ten days prior to the hearing, as well as presenting at the hearing, such information as the commission requires, including but not limited to the following: 1. All information required with the application; 2. A visual presentation of the significant improvements on the subject property, together with information as to the age, condition and use of each structure; 3. Proposals for preservation and enhancement of the property proposes for designation. c. The applicant of the property as well as other interested persons shall have an opportunity to speak regarding the proposed designation. The commission shall evaluate all available information according to the applicable criteria set forth in sections 101.10, 101.11, and 101.12, and shall decide the question at the conclusion of the public deliberation and submit to the applicant a written report containing its findings and conclusions if requested by the applicant. The written report shall be submitted to the applicant no later than 15 days following the hearing. d. If the commission recommends designation, the secretary shall send a letter accompanied by an appropriate proposed ordinance from the commission to the city council. The secretary shall send copies of the letter to the applicant and to the owner of the property. Upon designation by ordinance of the city council, such improvement or area shall be a landmark or historic district afforded the protection of this chapter. A copy of the ordinance designating the landmark or historic district shall be recorded with the court recorder. e. If the commission does not recommend designation, the commission shall cause to be entered and recorded formal denial of the application. f. Any aggrieved party may appeal the decision to the city council, by a filing with the city clerk within 15 days of the denial. The appeal shall be considered by the city council no later than the second regularly scheduled meeting after the appeal has been filed.

Springfield, Ill., City Code § 101.15 Designation procedures; withdrawal; landmarks and historic districts.

§ 101.15. - Designation procedures; withdrawal; landmarks and historic districts. The commission by affirmative vote of at least six members, may recommend withdrawal of the designation of a landmark or historic district if it originally made the application of if another party is the applicant, the following procedure must be met: (a) A petition with a written statement as to the reasons for requesting withdrawal from landmark designation shall be filed with the secretary by the owner(s) of the property. The owner(s) withdrawal of consent prior to final designation shall constitute withdrawal of the designation application. (b) A petition bearing the names of at least 51% of the owners or lessees of property within an historic district with a written statement as to the reasons for requesting withdrawal from historic district designation shall be filed with the secretary. (c) Individual properties within an historic district may not be withdrawn from that historic district. The commission shall review petitions for withdrawal based upon the criteria in sections 101.10 and 101.12, and submit the petition with the commission's recommendation to the city council not later than 45 days from receipt of the petition. The city council may approve or deny the petition for withdrawal by a majority vote of all city council members. (Ord. No. 439-6-96, § 1, 6-18-96; Ord. No. 042-02-20, § 1(Exh. A), 2-4-20)

Springfield, Ill., City Code § 101.16 Regulation of alteration, construction, demolition: Landmarks or historic district and proposed landmarks and historic districts.

§ 101.16. - Regulation of alteration, construction, demolition: Landmarks or historic district and proposed landmarks and historic districts. (a) After an application for designating a landmark or historic district has been filed in accordance with provisions of this chapter, it shall be unlawful to undertake construction, demolition, or to move or make any alteration requiring a building permit, fence permit, wrecking permit, sign permit or any other permit to the exterior of any proposed property without first having obtained specific interim approval from the historic sites commission for such action using the procedures set forth in this Code. (b) It shall be unlawful to undertake construction, demolition, or to move or make any alteration requiring a building permit, fence permit, wrecking permit, sign permit or any other permit to the exterior of any landmark, or improvement or area within an historic district without first having obtained a certificate of approval from the historic sites commission for such action. (c) Any application for a demolition/wrecking permit for a building or other structure that it listed by the historic sites commission as being potentially eligible for landmarking as described below shall be referred to the historic sites commission prior to issuance of such a permit by the department of building and zoning: (1) In keeping with the criteria for landmark designation as described in section 101.10 of this chapter, the commission shall annually review and publish in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Springfield a list of properties that the commission deems potentially eligible for landmarking. (2) In its preparation of the annual list of properties potentially eligible for landmarking, the commission shall limit itself to the following categories: (i) Any building or structure on the National Register of Historic Places; (ii) Any building or structure on the Illinois Historic Landmark Survey; (iii) Any building or structure on the Springfield Historic Sites Register; (iv) Any historically significant building or structure identified by other lists and inventories that are: a. Conducted under the auspices of the federal government, State of Illinois, and/or the City of Springfield; and b. Use a methodology approved and certified by the historic sites commission and/or the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency; and c. Specifically identifies buildings or structures eligible for landmarking under local, state or federal law. (d) Except in those instances where the city has determined that a building or other structure presents an imminent danger to the public health, safety or welfare, whenever an application is submitted to the department of building and zoning for a demolition/wrecking permit for any building or structure identified on the list of properties potentially eligible for landmarking, the department of building and zoning shall defer taking action on the application for an initial period of 60 days from the date the application was received and immediately refer the application to the historic site commission. Should the historic sites commission find that a delay in demolition is inconsistent with the intent of this section, would cause a degradation of the surrounding area, or is otherwise detrimental to the public welfare, the commission may waive the initial 60-day delay upon (i) presenting written findings of fact supportive of such a waiver and indicate the reasons for issuance, and (ii) two-thirds of the full membership of the commission voting in the affirmative. When granting a waiver of demolition delay under this paragraph the commission may prescribe any conditions or limitations that are necessary to minimize the adverse impact of the requested demolition. (e) During this initial 60-day delay, any interested person or entity may file a written petition with the secretary of the commission requesting that the commission extend the initial period of delay by an additional 60 days. The commission may grant such extension only if it finds that the request meets the following criteria: (1) The petitioner possesses the ability to acquire, develop and maintain the property; and (2) The owner of the property is willing to convey or negotiate an agreement to convey the property to the petitioner. (f) If an extension is granted by the commission, the commission shall notify the department of building and zoning that an extension has been granted, in which case the department shall take no action on the application for an additional 60 days. (g) If the application is not withdrawn during the initial 60-day delay, or within the period of extension if granted, the department of building and zoning shall proceed to take action on the application as requested. (Ord. No. 112-02-03, § 1, 2-18-03; Ord. No. 365-10-11, § 1, 10-4-11)

Springfield, Ill., City Code § 101.20 Application for certificates of approval; landmarks and historic districts.

§ 101.20. - Application for certificates of approval; landmarks and historic districts. (a) An application for a certificate of approval shall be filed with the secretary of the commission by the property owner. The commission may prescribe forms and require additional information needed to consider the application including plans, photographs, drawings, elevations, and specifications. Procedures and requirements established by this chapter and the commission shall be in addition to other requirements for a building permit, fence permit, demolition permit, or sign permit under the city code. (b) A preliminary review of the application for the permits listed in 20(a) above, except for demolition permits, shall be made by a committee of commission members. The committee shall grant a certification of approval within 15 days if it finds that the proposed work is clearly appropriate and in accordance with the applicable criteria described in section 101.21 and the purposes of this chapter. (c) For permits, except for demolition permits, if the committee does not find the proposed work to be appropriate, and for all demolition permits for landmarks, the secretary of the commission shall schedule the application for consideration of the commission at its next meeting. The applicant and all owners of property within the subject designation shall be given notice of the meeting, and may appear at the meeting, and shall be afforded an opportunity to explain their views regarding the application. The commission may accept comments from other interested persons. Should the commission fail to determine the appropriateness of the work proposed in the permit application, the permit will be considered approved. (d) At that same meeting the commission shall review all applications for building permits, fence permits, wrecking permits or sign permits presented to it, and shall grant a certificate of approval for the permit(s) if it finds that the proposed work is appropriate and in accordance with the applicable criteria described in section 101.21 and the purposes of this chapter. If the commission does not find the proposed work to be appropriate and in accordance with the criteria described in section 101.21 and with the purposes of this chapter, it shall deny the application and provide to the applicant a written statement within 15 days indicating the reasons for the denial. (e) Following a denial, the application shall not be resubmitted within the next 12 months except on the written request of an applicant indicating the incorporation of changes in plans and specifications as may have been recommended by the commission or indicating drastic change in the circumstances surrounding the original application. (f) After the issuance of a certificate of approval, no substantial change may be made in the proposed work without resubmittal of an application. (g) The secretary shall notify in writing the appropriate city office of each certificate of approval for a building permit, fence permit, wrecking permit or sign permit granted by the commission. (h) In case a certificate of approval is denied for either a landmark or an improvement or an area within an historic district, the applicant, within 15 days following the issuance of notification of decision, may file an appeal of the commission's decision with the city clerk, who shall place the appeal in its agenda. (i) The city council shall consider the appeal no later than the second regularly scheduled meeting after the appeal was filed. The city council may affirm, modify or reject the decision, after due consideration of the facts contained in the record submitted to the city council by the commission. (j) If the council decides that a certificate of approval should be issued, the secretary shall notify the applicant and the appropriate city office, and then issue the certificate of approval within five working days. If the council concurs with the commission's decision not to issue a certificate of approval, the secretary shall notify the applicant and the appropriate city office within five working days. (Ord. No. 262-07-16, § 1(Exh. A), 7-5-16)

Springfield, Ill., City Code § 101.21 Criteria for certificates of approval; landmarks, and historic districts.

§ 101.21. - Criteria for certificates of approval; landmarks, and historic districts. (a) In reviewing an application for a certificate of approval, the commission shall consider the appropriateness to the landmark or to the historic district of the proposed construction, alteration, or demolition and whether the proposed construction, alteration, or demolition will further the purposes of this chapter. The commission shall consider, where applicable, the following criteria in determining whether proposed work is appropriate: (1) Whether the proposed work is consistent with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation, Section 36, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 67 as amended; (2) Whether the proposed work is consistent with specific design standards as the commission may require for the designation of landmarks or historic districts, such standards relating to historic significance; the architectural value; the unique design, arrangement, texture, material, or color of the building's place or area; and the improvements in the immediate surroundings; (3) Whether any changes in the essential historical, cultural, or aesthetic character of the area would occur as a result of the proposed work; (4) A report or information from the building services department on the state of repair and structural stability of the property affected by the proposed demolition. (b) Prerequisite to the issuance of any permit to allow for the demolition of a landmark, or improvement or area within an historic district, the applicant shall submit for permanent record of the City of Springfield, photographs which significantly depict the architectural features of the building. (c) Prerequisite to the issuance of any permit to allow for exterior alteration of a landmark, or improvement or area within an historic district, the applicant must submit for permanent record of the City of Springfield illustrative material, specified in section 101.20(a).

Springfield, Ill., City Code § 101.22 Unreasonable economic hardship; landmarks and historic districts.

§ 101.22. - Unreasonable economic hardship; landmarks and historic districts. (a) If, notwithstanding that a proposed construction, alteration or demolition may be inconsistent with the criteria in section 101.21, failure to grant a certificate of approval will involve an unreasonable economic hardship to the applicant, the commission may grant the certificate of approval to allow the performance of work which otherwise would be denied upon its findings that there will not be a substantial detriment to the public welfare nor substantial derogation from the purposes of this chapter. (b) In order to enable the commission to determine unreasonable economic hardship the applicant shall at the time of the public hearing or meeting at which the application for certificate of approval is considered, produce all relevant information in affidavit form, including: (1) Amount paid for property and date of purchase; (2) Recent assessed value, real estate taxes, annual debt service, appraisals obtained in previous two years; (3) Listing or offers to sell or rent the property; and any offers received to purchase or rent the property; (4) Financial information related to income from the expenses on the property over a period of at least five years preceding the year of application; (5) Any additional information which fully explains the economic hardship which would result from denial of the certificate of approval for the permit. (c) If the commission finds that a proposed construction, alteration, or demolition is inconsistent with the criteria in section 101.21 and issuance of a certificate of approval would cause substantial detriment to the public welfare or substantial derogation from the purposes of this chapter, but that denial of the permit would cause an economic hardship for the applicant, the commission may order a postponement of any action on the application for a period not to exceed six months. During this period, the commission shall investigate alternatives to provide for a reasonable beneficial use or a reasonable economic return, or to otherwise preserve the subject property and improvements. If, by the end of the six-month period, the commission has found that without approval of the proposed work, the property and improvements cannot be put to a reasonable beneficial use or the owner cannot obtain any reasonable economic return, the commission shall grant the certificate of approval for the proposed work. In case a certificate of approval is denied, the applicant may, within 15 working days, appeal the commission's decision to the city council. The city council may affirm, modify or reject the decision, after due consideration of the facts contained in the record submitted to the council by the commission. (d) When granting a certificate of approval under this paragraph the commission shall indicate the reasons for issuance, and may prescribe any conditions or limitations that are necessary to minimize the adverse impact of the requested construction, alteration, or demolition.

Springfield, Ill., City Code § 101.30 Zoning, landmarks and historic districts.

§ 101.30. - Zoning, landmarks and historic districts. Whenever an application or petition for a zoning map amendment, variation, conditional use permit or other change is submitted to the city zoning administrator for property which is a landmark or is within an historic district, a notice of any public hearing to be held on the application by the city plan commission shall be sent to the historic sites commission. Such notice shall be the same form as that sent to owners of property adjacent to that for which the application was filed. The commission may submit comments, requests, and recommendations to the city plan commission for its consideration at the hearing.

Springfield, Ill., City Code § 101.40 Emergency procedure.

§ 101.40. - Emergency procedure. (a) Whenever the city council is to consider a resolution that would declare a building or structure as unsafe and dangerous, the office of special services shall immediately give notice of the pending resolution to the chairman of the commission. In the event that a landmark or historic structure is to be considered by said resolution as unsafe or dangerous, the chairman shall convene a special meeting of the commission to review the proposed resolution and to make recommendation to the city council prior to final action on the resolution. (b) In the event that a landmark or historic structure is determined by the appropriate city department to constitute an imminent threat to the safety of life or property, immediate repairs necessary to render the building or structure safe, including demolition, may be undertaken without review by the commission.

Springfield, Ill., City Code § 101.50 Economic incentives for historic restoration; approval.

§ 101.50. - Economic incentives for historic restoration; approval. (a) An owner of a property that has been designated as an historic landmark or lies within an historic district pursuant to section 101.14 may apply for the following economic incentives for the restoration or rehabilitation of that property: (1) During the period of the building permit for substantial restoration or rehabilitation (at least 25% of fair market value prior to restoration), all city sales taxes paid for that project shall be rebated to the property owner upon submission of receipts establishing that the materials were used in the restoration or rehabilitation of the property. (2) Beginning with the calendar year that the restoration or rehabilitation is occurring, all city property taxes will be rebated. This rebate of taxes will continue for a period not to exceed two years provided that said rebate shall not exceed the actual cost of the restoration or rehabilitation. (3) Following completion of the restoration or rehabilitation, the city portion of the real property taxes shall be frozen at the assessed valuation established prior to the restoration or rehabilitation for eight years followed by a four-year graduated transition to full value. (b) All requests for economic incentives shall be filed with the secretary of the historic sites commission. The commission shall consider and make such recommendations regarding the request for economic incentives as the commission deems appropriate. Thereafter, the request for economic incentives along with the commission's recommendation shall be presented to the city council for review and approval. The city council may accept, reject or modify any such request and recommendation for economic incentives. (Ord. No. 550-7-94, § 1, 7-5-94; Ord. No. 175-3-95, § 1, 3-7-95)

Springfield, Ill., City Code § 101.999 Violation, penalties, equitable relief; landmarks and historic districts.

§ 101.999. - Violation, penalties, equitable relief; landmarks and historic districts. (a) The commission may recommend that the City of Springfield, with the approval of the city council, apply to the circuit court for a temporary or permanent injunction restraining any person from violating or continuing to violate any of the provisions of this chapter notwithstanding the existence of other remedies. Any such injunction may be issued without notice and without bond. In addition to other remedies provided by law, appropriate actions may be instituted to correct a violation of this chapter, including, but not limited to, requiring the restoration of property and improvements to their original appearance prior to the violation. If a court shall find that an act or omission was willful, then the court may, in addition to any compensation, award damages for the sake of example and by the way of punishment. An action to recover for such loss, damage or injury may be brought in the circuit court by any person or corporation. In every case of a recovery of damages by any person or corporation under the provisions of this chapter, the plaintiff shall be entitled to a reasonable attorney's fee to be fixed by the court, which fee shall be taxed and collected as part of the costs in the case. (b) Any person who causes the alteration of any landmark, or any improvement or area within an historic district, which said alteration requires a permit from the city, and who does so without obtaining a certificate of approval from the commission, upon conviction shall be punished by a fine of not greater than $750. Each day that a violation exists shall constitute a separate offense. (c) Any person who causes the demolition of any landmark, or improvement or area within an historic district, which said demolition requires a permit from the city and does so without obtaining a certificate of approval from the commission, upon conviction shall be punished by a fine of not greater than $750. (d) Any and all monies collected pursuant to the above subsection 101.999(b) and (c) shall be deposited in the city corporate fund. (Ord. No. 591-08-05, § 1, 8-16-05; Ord. No. 365-10-11, § 2, 10-4-11)

Source: City of Springfield, Illinois, Code of Ordinances (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/il/springfield/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TITIXGERE_CH101HISIFetched: 11/8/2026