Historic Preservation Standards Update

What are Standards and Guidelines?

Preservation Standards and Guidelines are a series of guidelines and best practices about the treatment of historic properties and building materials in addition to the design of alterations to existing structures and proposed new structures. The Standards and Guidelines serve as a framework for decision-making when working on a historic property. For more information, visit the National Park Service Website.

Improving The Format of The Standards and Guidelines

The Historic Preservation Commission worked with Indiana Landmarks to create a model set of Standards and Guidelines that could be used by communities state-wide. The new format is focused on making the Standards and Guidelines easier to navigate, understand, and use. The Historic Preservation Commission is updating their Standards and Guidelines from eleven (11) individual sets of standards into one easy-to-read document that would apply to all historic districts and landmarks in South Bend as well as Historic Landmarks in unincorporated areas of St. Joseph County.

The revised Standards and Guidelines address new topics such as lead and asbestos remediation, appropriate substitute materials, alternative energy, and cultural resources such as landscapes and cemeteries. Resource links to educational material, as well as technical advice, are also included in the new Standards and Guidelines.

The new standards and guidelines have active links on the table of contents page allowing you to quickly jump to the section you need.

Engaging in the Standards Update is easy!

1. Please sign up at the top of the page to provide input on the new format of the Standards and Guidelines.

2. Review a revised Standards and Guidelines

3. Complete the Survey below to let us know how the new Standards and Guidelines work for you.

Click on "Stay Informed" button to the right to receive an news about the Standards Update.