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Historic Preservation Commission’s FAQ

Preserving South Bend and St. Joseph County’s architectural history, the City of South Bend and St. Joseph County has designated Historic Preservation staff and a Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) that was established by Ordinance in 1973.


Is my property a designated historic structure?


What are local landmarks and local historic districts?

  • A local landmark is a building, structure, object, or site of historic significance that has been designated as a historic landmark by ordinance of the Common Council or County Council.
  • A local historic district is a geographically definable area with a significant concentration of buildings, structures, objects, or sites. The area has been designated as a historic district by ordinance of the Common Council or County Council.


What does it mean to own a local landmark or a home within a local historic district?

  • Work done to the exterior of the building and the lot itself require a permit from the Historic Preservation Commission called a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA).


When do I need a COA?

  • Owners or contractors should obtain a COA from the Historic Preservation Commission prior to beginning work and prior to obtaining a building permit, if needed.
  • Examples of things that need a COA: roofing, gutters, windows, fences, decks, porches, siding, pergolas, tree removal, concrete work, garages.


How long does it take to get a COA?

  • Smaller projects or projects that involve like-for-like replacements can usually be approved by Staff. Once Staff has a complete application, the turnaround time for a COA is around 24 to 48 hours.
  • Larger projects or projects that involve a change in material or a significant change in appearance must usually be approved by the Historic Preservation Commission, which meets once per month. Meeting dates and COA application deadlines can be found on our website.


How do I apply for a COA?

  • Homeowners or contractors may apply for a Certificate of Appropriateness using the online application form located on our website.
  • To apply on behalf of a homeowner, contractors must attach a signed Contractor Release Form to the COA application. The Contractor Release Form is located on our website.


311 Process Notes

  • Standards and Guidelines Document: here.
  • HPC webpage: here.
  • Locally designated properties map: here.
  • HPC Meeting Dates and Deadlines info: here.
  • HPC establishing Ordinance: here.