(A) Definitions. For the purposes of this chapter, the following terms shall have meanings respectively ascribed below unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ALTERATION. Any act or process other than demolition which results in changes to one or more exterior features of a building, structure, district or object designated as a landmark site pursuant to this chapter.
ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE. A quality or attribute of a building or structure which satisfies one or more of the following criteria:
(a) The building or structure is the work of or associated with a nationally or locally noted architect, builder or architectural firm;
(b) The building or structure is an example of a particular style (whether local or typical) in terms of detail, material or workmanship and possesses a high degree of integrity;
(c) The building is one of a few remaining examples of a particular style or use, or is an example which represents a recognized architectural movement or style and has undergone little or no alteration since its initial construction; and/or
(d) The building or structure is one of a contiguous grouping of such having a sense of cohesiveness expressed through a similarity of characteristics of style, period or method of construction and accenting the architectural significance of the area in which the building or structure is located.
BUILDING. A structure occupied or erected for the support, shelter or enclosure of persons, animals or property and permanently affixed to the ground.
CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS. A certificate from the Commission approving plans for demolition of a designated landmark site.
CITY. The City of O’Fallon, Illinois.
COMMISSION. The Historic Preservation Commission of the city established by and appointed in accordance with this chapter.
DEMOLITION. Any act or process which destroys or removes, in whole or in part, a building or structure within a designated landmark site.
EXTERIOR FEATURES. Elements of a building or structure which are visible from public streets and thoroughfares, including by way of illustration rather than limitation, architectural character, general composition and the general arrangement of the exterior, type, color and texture of building materials, and the type and character of windows, doors, light fixtures, signs, fences, landscaping and appurtenant elements.
INTEGRITY. Authenticity of a building or structure’s historic identity, evidenced by the survival of physical characteristics that existed during the historic period to which the building or structure belongs.
LANDMARK SITE. An area, place, building or structure so designated by the Commission to this chapter and/or rule or regulation adopted under authority of this chapter or designated as a landmark or historic district of the city under authority of Ord. 1833 or the Preservation Act. As required by the context, the term LANDMARK SITE shall also mean individual buildings or structures within such LANDMARK SITE.
PRESERVATION ACT. ILCS Ch. 65, Act 5, § 11-48.2, as amended and any predecessor statutes.
REPAIR. A change to a building or structure other than an alteration and which does not require a building permit.
STRUCTURE. Anything built, constructed or erected.
(B) Rules of interpretation. For purposes of this chapter, words in the present tense shall include the future; use of the singular number includes the plural and the plural includes the singular; the word “shall” is mandatory and not directory.
(1999 Code, § 151.01) (Ord. 1833, passed 4-15-1996; Ord. 3043, passed 2-5-2001)