A. Designation Standards For Landmarks: The standards for designation of landmarks shall be as follows:
1. Significant value as part of the historic, cultural, artistic, social, ethnic or other heritage of the nation, state or community;
2. Association with an important person or event in national, state or local history;
3. Representation of the distinguishing characteristics of an architectural type inherently valuable for the study of a style, period, craftsmanship, method of construction or use of indigenous materials;
4. Notable work of a master builder, designer, architect or artist whose individual genius has influenced an era;
5. Identification as an established and familiar visual feature in the community owing to its unique location or physical characteristics;
6. Owner preferences; and
7. Economic and functional potentials.
B. Designation Standards For Historic Districts: The standards for designation of historic districts shall be as follows:
1. Any of the standards listed in subsection A of this section;
2. Homogeneity of architectural design or dates of construction throughout the area;
3. Identification by clear and distinctive boundaries; and
4. Repetition of distinguishing architectural or land use characteristics throughout the area.
C. Designation Procedures:
1. Application:
a. The historic sites commission, by a three-fifths (3/5) vote of all members, or any person, group of persons or association, may apply for a landmark or historic district designation for property and improvements located within the limits of the village.
b. Applications shall be filed on forms provided by the historic sites commission. The application shall include or be accompanied by the following:
(1) The name and address, as shown on the tax assessor's rolls, of the owner of the property proposed for designation.
(2) The legal description and common street address of the property proposed for designation.
(3) A map delineating the boundaries and location of the property proposed for designation.
(4) A written statement describing the property and setting forth reasons in support of the designation proposed.
(5) An indication of whether or not the owner consents to the proposed designation.
(6) Such other information as may be required by the historic sites commission.
2. Preliminary Review: The historic sites commission shall, within thirty (30) days from receipt of a complete application for designation, cause an initial recommendation and report to be written, stating whether the nominated landmark or historic district meets or fails to meet the standards for designation as provided in subsections A and B of this section. The report shall contain the following information:
a. An explanation of the significance or lack of significance of the nominated landmark or historic district as it relates to the standards for designation;
b. A description of the integrity or lack of integrity of the nominated landmark or historic district;
c. In the case of a nominated landmark found to meet the standards for designation, a description of the significant exterior architectural features of the nominated landmark that should be protected.
3. Notification Of Nomination: The historic sites commission shall, within thirty (30) days from completion of the initial report, cause a public hearing to be scheduled to consider the nomination. Notice of the date, time, place and purpose of the public hearing and a copy of the completed nomination form shall be sent by certified mail to the owner(s) of record and to the nominators. Notice shall also be sent by regular mail to property owner(s) adjoining the nominated landmark or historic district at least fifteen (15) days prior to the date of the hearing. All notices shall state the street, address and permanent index number or legal description of a nominated landmark and the boundaries of a nominated historic district.
4. Hearing: Oral or written testimony concerning the nomination shall be taken at the public hearing from any person or organization. The historic sites commission may solicit expert testimony or present its own evidence regarding the historic, archaeological or scenic significance of a proposed landmark or of any property within a proposed historic district. The owner of the nominated landmark, or of any property within a nominated historic district, shall be provided a reasonable opportunity to present evidence regarding historic, archaeological, architectural or scenic significance, to be represented by counsel, and to cross examine expert witnesses. The hearing shall be closed upon completion of testimony.
5. Recommendation Of Historic Sites Commission: Within fifteen (15) days following the close of the public hearing, the historic sites commission shall determine whether the proposed landmark or historic district meets or fails to meet the designation standards based on the evidence. Its recommendation shall be presented to the village board together with its findings concerning the historic, archaeological, architectural or scenic significance of the proposed landmark or historic district. A copy of the commission's recommendation shall also be transmitted to the applicant and to the owner of the subject property.
6. Village Board To Approve Or Disapprove Nomination: The village board shall review the recommendation of the historic sites commission, and may schedule a further public hearing concerning the proposed designation. If such a hearing is scheduled, the village clerk shall provide notice of any public hearing in the same manner as is provided in subsection C3 of this section. Within sixty (60) days from its receipt of the commission's recommendation, the village board shall either designate the landmark or historic district by ordinance, or deny the nomination, stating its reasons for such action.
7. Notice Of Designation: Notice of the action of the village board, including a copy of the ordinance designating the landmark or historic district, if any, shall be sent by regular mail to all persons of record, including, but not limited to, each owner of record of a landmark or property within an historic district and all owners of adjacent properties.
8. Appeals: Adoption of an ordinance designating a landmark or historic district by the village board shall be final action reviewable under section 3-101 of the Illinois administrative review law.
9. Regulation During Consideration Period: From the date an application for designation is filed until the date of the final decision concerning designation, the nominated property shall be regarded as if it was designated as requested; provided that such interim status shall not apply for more than two hundred ten (210) days from the date of the application.
10. Power Of Village Board: Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the powers of the village board of trustees pursuant to 65 Illinois Compiled Statutes 5/11-48-2. (Ord. 01-18, 12-4-2001)