city of aurora historic districts and landmarks guidelines

Transcription

City of Aurora
Historic Districts and Landmarks Guidelines
for the Near Eastside, Tanner, Palace Stret and Riddle Highlands Historic Districts and for
Individual Landmarks
Prepared for Aurora Preservation Commission
by Anne McGuire and Associates, Evanston, Illinois
January, 2001
Passed and Approved by
The Aurora City Council by Resolution R01-152 on 4-10-01, Rev. 3-28-06 by R06-118
C o v e r : p h o t o s b y J o h n B o n k , S t u d i o A valon
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements
Introduction . .........................................................................................11
Intent and Purpose ............................................................................... 15
Aurora Preservation and Zoning Requirements . ................................. 27
History of Aurora ..................................................................................33
History of Preservation in Aurora ........................................................ 33
Architectural Styles/Building Types
Vernacular .............................................................................................41
Commercial Vernacular ................................................................ 42
Greek Revival ...................................................................................... 43
Italianate . ............................................................................................. 44
Octagon ................................................................................................ 45
Second Empire ..................................................................................... 46
Gothic Revival ..................................................................................... 47
Stick ..................................................................................................... 48
Queen Anne ......................................................................................... 49
Eastlake ................................................................................................ 50
Shingle ................................................................................................. 51
Romanesque Revival ........................................................................... 52
Richardsonian Romanesque . ............................................................... 53
Colonial Revival .................................................................................. 54
Italian Renaissance Revival ................................................................. 55
Neoclassical ......................................................................................... 56
Prairie . ................................................................................................. 57
American Foursquare ................................................................... 58
Mission ................................................................................................ 59
Tudor Revival ...................................................................................... 60
Bungalow ............................................................................................. 61
Modern . ............................................................................................... 62
Architect Designed ....................................................................... 62
Minimal Traditional ...................................................................... 62
Ranch ............................................................................................ 62
Rehabilitation and Restoration Guidelines
Introduction to the Guidelines ............................................................. 65
Architectural Details and Features . ..................................................... 69
Awnings ............................................................................................... 71
Chimneys ............................................................................................. 72
City of Aurora - Historic Districts and Landmarks Guidelines
Table of Contents
Doors . ...................................................................................................73
Foundations . ........................................................................................ 75
Existing Garages, Carriage Houses and Outbuildings.......................... 76
Gutters and Downspouts ...................................................................... 77
Lighting (For Porches and Exterior Walls) .......................................... 78
Masonry and Stucco ............................................................................ 79
Surface Preparation for Painting . ........................................................ 81
Paint and Paint Colors ......................................................................... 82
Porches and Porch Components .......................................................... 83
Roofs and Roof Elements .................................................................... 87
Satellite Dishes, Antennas and Solar Panels ........................................ 88
Screen, Storm, and Security Doors ...................................................... 89
Screen, Storm and Security Windows . ................................................ 90
Shutters ................................................................................................ 91
Soffits ................................................................................................... 92
Windows ...............................................................................................93
Wood Siding ........................................................................................ 95
New Construction Guidelines
Introduction . ........................................................................................ 99
Additions . ...........................................................................................101
Decks ................................................................................................. 102
New Garages and Outbuildings ......................................................... 103
Roofline Additions ............................................................................. 104
Infill Buildings ................................................................................... 105
Site and Setting Guidelines
Introduction . ...................................................................................... 109
Fences and Walls . .............................................................................. 111
Fire Escapes and Secondary Exits ..................................................... 113
Landscaping ....................................................................................... 114
Mechanical Equipment, Dumpsters and Other Equipment ............... 115
Parking ............................................................................................... 116
Ramps for Accessibility ..................................................................... 117
Sidewalks and Walkways . ................................................................. 118
Swimming Pools, Fountains, Gazebos and Pergolas ......................... 119
Signage and Graphics Guidelines
Introduction . ...................................................................................... 123
Table of Contents
Signs and Graphic Designs ................................................................ 125
Demolition and Moving Procedures
Introduction . ...................................................................................... 129
Procedures for Demolition and Moving ............................................ 131
Glossary of Terms
Glossary of Terms .............................................................................. 134
Appendices
Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation .................... 143
COA Application Form (English Version) ......................................... 145
Chapter 37 of the Aurora Municipal Code (English Version) ........... 149
Sources of Assistance ........................................................................ 161
Near Eastside Historic District............................................................163
Palace Street historic District Appendix ............................................ 165
Riddle Highlands Historic District Appendix .................................... 167
Tanner Historic District Appendix ..................................................... 169
Suggested Reading (English Version) . .............................................. 171
Index
Index .................................................................................................. 175
Acknowledgements
M
any thanks are due to the individual residents
who provided their input on the City of Aurora Historic Districts and Landmarks Guidelines by
participating in public meetings. In addition to Aurora
residents, Jan Mangers, Director, Aurora Preservation Commission, Jennie Grobe, Preservation Planner,
Stephanie Katauskas, Preservation Intern, and th Aurora Preservation Commission supplied information and
assistance in the preparation of the Guidelines. Carol
JH Yetken, Landscape Architect supplied information
regarding the Suggested Reading for landscapes. Funding was provided for this project by the City of Aurora.
Special thanks to:
Aurora Governmental Leaders
Mayor Thomas J. Weisner
Robert J. O’Connor, Alderman-At-Large
Bob Shelton, Alderman-At-Large
Abby Schuler, Alderman-First Ward
Juany Garza, Alderman-Second Ward
Stephanie Kifowit, Alderman-Third Ward
Rick Lawrence, Alderman-Fourth Ward
John S. “Whitey” Peters, Alderman-Fifth Ward
Michael Saville, Alderman-Sixth Ward
Scheketa Hart-Burns, Alderman-Seventh Ward
Chris L. Beykirch, Alderman-Eighth Ward
Leroy V. Keith, Alderman-Ninth Ward
Lynda D. Elmore, Alderman, Tenth Ward
Committee Members
Barbara Bates
Doretta Bates
Shirley Flaherty
Dorothy Gaines
Steve Griswold
Jill Jenkins
Brian McGee
Scott Pettit
Kevin Ream
Al Signorelli
Bryan Sims
Donald P. Truax
Maria Valencia
Charles Zine
These Guidelines were produced in the fall and winter
of 2000 for the City of Aurora by Anne McGuire and
Associates, Evanston, Illinois. They were revised on
March 28, 2006. Aurora Preservation Commission
Crystal Alperin
Larry Christensen
Betti Clyne
Paul J. Del Debbio
Julie DeNood
Mike Johnson
Carlo Losurdo
Jesus Ocasio
Linda Pilmer
Frank Rojas
Introduction
Introduction
A
urora established itself as one of the first communities to recognize its historic resources and
develop a strong preservation ordinance to protect these
assets. The process began by initially identifying its
historic resources in the mid-1970s and by adopting
a preservation ordinance that established the Aurora
Preservation Commission in 1979. Several historic
districts, both national and local, have been established
as a result of Aurora’s awareness and initiative. These
were established between 1981 and 1999.
Improvements are continually taking place in the
historic districts and to individual landmarks thanks to
the efforts of the property owners and residents. The
following guidelines are part of an overall Citywide
effort to further promote and improve older neighborhoods and the quality of life in Aurora. They encourage
residents to protect, strengthen and enhance Aurora
landmarks and districts through careful rehabilitation
and limited appropriate new construction. This will aid
in protecting the neighborhoods, maintaining property
values, and retaining the historic fabric that makes Aurora unique and desirable. The Guidelines benefit the
owners, the individual landmarks, the historic districts
and the City.
While the Guidelines are directed to specific
buildings and districts, it is hoped that they will be used
and found helpful to others in maintaining the architectural integrity of all of Aurora’s built features.
The Guidelines provide practical assistance and
information to ensure that the rehabilitation of existing
construction and the construction of new buildings and
additions are compatible with the goals and desires of
the property owners, districts and the City. They are
meant for owners, developers, community leaders and
local government use. The Guidelines have information
on the history of Aurora, the architectural styles of the
districts and individual landmarks, and guidelines with
specific information on restoration, rehabilitation and
new construction.
The Guidelines have been translated into Spanish. They translate in a relatively literal way the names
of architectural styles found in Aurora. In many cases
these architectural styles are found only in the United
States, and their names were given originally in English. The names of architectural styles as translated
in the Guidelines may differ from the names given to
these same architectural styles in other translations.
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Intent and Purpose
Intent and Purpose
T
he purpose of this manual is to present guidelines
to property owners, residents, contractors and others, for rehabilitation work and new construction that
may be approved by the City of Aurora for individual
landmarks as listed below and for buildings within the
locally designated historic districts as shown on the
following maps.
Aurora’s Guidelines are based on The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation
and Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings.
These federal standards are appended and provide a
framework for the more detailed guidelines presented
herein.
These guidelines apply only to the exteriors
of properties and are intended to protect the overall
character of locally designated landmark structures
and locally designated historic districts including the
architectural integrity of the districts’ individual buildings. Aurora’s Guidelines state the generally appropriate and inappropriate treatments for rehabilitation work
and for preserving the architectural styles, details and
streetscapes that collectively make up the character of
the designated districts or structures. The guidelines are
a resource for the rehabilitation of other historic structures and also provide information on the importance
of relating new buildings and landscape elements to the
existing historic streetscapes.
The City of Aurora Historic Districts and Landmarks Guidelines, as adopted by the Aurora City
Council, shall be the official document used by the City
to evaluate and approve applications for a Certificate of
Appropriateness (COA).
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Aurora Individual Historic Landmarks
The guidelines apply to these locally designated landmark properties.
• Hurd House, 429 West Downer
• Richardson House, 302 West Downer
• St. Nicholas Church, 302 High
• McMichel House, 564 Garfield
• Robinson House, 244 West Galena
• C B & Q Roundhouse, 205 N. Broadway
• Ford House, 404 S. Edgelawn
• Malmer House, 233 W. Park
• Lord House, 123 S. Highland
• Aurora City Hospital/ Old Copley Hospital,
516 S. Lincoln Avenue
• Thatcher House, 30 W 192 Montgomery
Road
• Crane Brown House, Eola Road
Randall House, 510 W. New York
Copley Mansion, 434 W. Downer
Cooper House, 729 W. Downer
Ingham House, 40W429 W. Galena
Ingham School House, 40W377 W. Galena
• Holbrook Mill, 101 W. Benton
• Fire Station No. 5, 534 Fifth
• Mitchell House, 1040 Aurora
• Gronberg House, 373 W. Park
• Hord House, 315 W. Downer
• Holmes House, 621 E. Downer
• Octagon House, 83 North Avenue
• Agnew House, 653 N. May
• Lyall House, 1131 E. New York
• Jungels House, 985 Sheffer
• Hardy House, 301 Oak
• Higgins House, 422 Grand
• Hall/Smith House, 301 West Park
16
Near Eastside Historic District
Nor th
17
Palace Str eet Historic District
Nor th
19
Riddle Highlands Historic District
21
Nor th
Tanner Historic District
Nor th
23
Aurora Preservation
and Zoning Requirements
Aurora Preservation
and Zoning Requirements
Historic Preservation and Overall Zoning
H
istoric districts and individual landmarks are
overlays to the existing zoning within the City of
Aurora. In addition to following the Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) process, described below, property owners must also follow the zoning requirements
for their property. Sections of the historic districts are
zoned for residential use under R-1, R-1(S), R-2, R-3,
R-4, R-5, and O(S) for office use. The purpose of these
districts and individual landmark designations and
guidelines is to conserve the urban residential environment of neighborhoods.
Property owners must follow the provisions of
the Aurora Zoning Ordinance as well as Certificate of
Appropriateness (COA) process and these Guidelines
for the historic districts and individual landmarks. Site
design regulations within the historic districts shall be
the same as the underlying zoning district. The city’s
zoning ordinance and regulations are within a separate
document and should be consulted on building issues
including but not limited to setbacks and lot coverage. Other zoning requirements such as any proposed
changes in the use of a property, any new construction,
the erection of signs or fences, or proposed lot subdivisions must also be followed.
The COA Application Process
Step One: Determine if the Work
Requires Approval
If and you want to make any changes to the exterior
of your property and your structure is in one of the locally designated districts or a local landmark, you must
obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) from
the Historic Preservation Commission and a building
permit, where applicable, from the Inspections Divi-
sion. A Certificate of Appropriateness is a form issued
stating that the exterior work planned for a building’s
rehabilitation or new construction meets the criteria
of the design guidelines. A sample COA application
form is appended for reference. A building permit is a
separate form and is issued to indicate that work has
been reviewed for zoning compliance and the structural
soundness and safety of the building. The COA needs
to be obtained in addition to the building permit and in
some cases when a building permit is not required. The
city does not charge a fee for the COA.
If you are planning to do work on a property that
is an individual landmark or is located within a locally
designated district, and have a question as to which
type of work requires a COA and which type requires
a building permit, call the Historic Preservation Commission. For maps showing the historic districts and for
a listing of the individual landmarks, refer to the Intent
and Purpose section of the Guidelines.
Preexisting Non-Original Conditions
Preexisting non-original conditions may continue in
place throughout the useful life of the material. Generally, if a localized small portion of the material is damaged through fire, auto collision, vandalism, etc., that
portion of the non-original material may be repaired
or replaced with a similar material. However, if the
non-original material fails due to neglect, lack of maintenance or exceeds its useful life, the repairs shall be
made according to the requirements of the Guidelines.
Many non-historic and non-original features of buildings and their sites exist on individual landmark sites
and within the city’s historic districts. Substitute siding
materials, enclosed or altered porch design, decreased
window size, and chain link fences are some of the
most common and visible of these alterations.
Those alterations of historic structures that occurred before the date of the historic district or individual landmark designation and subsequent enabling
of the preservation ordinance overlay are considered to
be preexisting non-original conditions. (Near Eastside
Historic District was designated in 1981, Riddle Highlands Historic District was designated in 1989, Tanner
Historic District was designated in 1998, and the Palace
Street Historic District was designated in 1999.)
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A COA is generally required for the following:
• Any construction, alteration, demolition, or
removal within a locally designated district or
to a landmark structure that requires a build-
proposed work. In some cases it may be necessary to
schedule a site visit with the Commission’s staff to discuss your project and answer any questions about the
COA. The staff will advise you on whether or not your
plans meet the Guidelines. If there is a conflict between your plans and the Guidelines, the staff can offer
advice on how to modify them to meet the Guidelines.
ing or demolition permit.
• Construction, alteration, demolition, or removal of structure(s) or appurtenances, any of
which affect the exterior architectural appearance of a property within a locally designated
district or to a landmark structure, but not
requiring a building permit.
• Maintenance, and repairs such as paint
• If the Commission’s staff finds the work
requires additional review, the COA shall be
presented before the Neighborhood Committee or at the next scheduled meeting of the
Preservation Commission. The applicant will
be notified of the date, time, and location of
the meeting. Applicants have the right and
are invited and encouraged to attend or be
removal, porch repair, window/door repair,
represented at the meeting, to present infor-
masonry repair to walls, chimneys or founda-
mation, and to ask questions of the commit-
tions.
tee.
COAs are generally not required for:
• Minor maintenance
• Exterior paint colors
• Installation of plant material
• Upon approval, the staff issues the COA that
includes a list of approved work and applicants will receive written notification of the
approval.
The Commission must hold a public hearing before denying a COA. A modified COA
application may be resubmitted at any time.
• Interior changes
There is no fee for re-submittal.
Step Two - Obtain a COA Prior to
Beginning The Work
COA applications are available from the City’s Historic
Preservation Commission. Required documentation for
a COA includes drawings, photographs, or descriptions
of proposed work. For new construction, architectural
plans are needed.
Upon request of the COA, the Commission’s
staff or the Commission’s Neighborhood Committee
will review the application. In most cases a COA can
be obtained in one day depending on the nature of the
Step Three - Obtain a Building Permit
( if required) and Begin Work
Building permits (if required) are available at the
Inspections and Permits Division at 65 Water Street. If
your plans change while work is in progress, contact
the Historic Preservation staff before undertaking a
change or departure from the COA. Work undertaken
that is different from the original approved COA or is
beyond its scope requires approval from the Commission or staff. If a violation of the COA is discovered
28
or reported to the staff, penalties may include fines or
restoration of the building or site’s appearance prior to
the violation.
The Guidelines are organized alphabetically
according to type of work. To use them, applicants
should list each type of work they plan to do on a building or property and check the applicable guidelines.
The Commission can make exceptions to the Guidelines if applicants demonstrate that the proposed work
will be appropriate based on historical evidence and
documentation in the context of the particular structure.
Materials and Workmanship
All work completed under the historic preservation
ordinance should be skillfully performed using appropriate materials approved by the Historic Preservation
staff, and be fabricated, installed and completed in a
workmanlike manner so as to secure the results intended by this document.
The City’s Historic Preservation staff has the
authority to reject work not completed using the acceptable materials and standards of workmanship. The
staff can also provide information on how to construct
various kinds of repairs and where to find appropriate
materials.
Upon verbal or written notice from the owner that
the work is entirely complete, the Historic Preservation
staff will make an inspection and notify the owner of
any incomplete or defective work. The property owner
should then take immediate measures to remedy such
deficiencies.
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History of Aurora
History of Aurora
T
he land along the Fox River known as Aurora was
first inhabited by the Potawatomie Indians. In
the early 1830s, the McCarty brothers built a mill on
the river, and the Village of McCarty Mills was soon
established. The original village plat by Samuel and
Joseph McCarty was sited on the east bank of the Fox
River and included portions of today’s Near Eastside
Historic District. McCarty Park was the first town
square. Primary streets during the initial development
included: Lincoln (originally named Seneca), Fourth
and LaSalle. As people settled close to the river and
the mill, the area became more densely populated. By
1837, McCarty Mills was re-named Aurora. A booming town, incorporated in 1843, Aurora continued to
grow and thrive. The result over a period of years was
homes built in a wide range of architectural styles.
Across the Fox River to the west, Theodore and
Zaphna Lake initially settled the Village of West Aurora. The area was platted in 1842 and organized under
general law in 1854. Factories on both sides of the Fox
River took advantage of the waterfall at Stolp Island.
In 1855, the Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy Railroad (CB&Q) established its offices and yards for the
Chicago area in Aurora. Workers for the rail, yards, and
rail car shops were drawn to the city and required housing. With this population explosion came an increase
in commercial buildings in the downtown. The eastside was close to the city center for businessmen, yet
the growth in population increased housing demand,
and during this period, prior to the Civil War, the near
westside was developed. With homes that represent
residential designs from the antebellum era through the
postwar years, the near westside area was developed as
Aurora evolved and pushed westward from its central
downtown core. In 1857 the two towns united into the
City of Aurora and continued to grow. The Tanner and
Near Eastside Historic Districts occupy portions of this
early development.
The diverse housing stock of early Aurora represents a broad range: from early Vernacular Style
structures through the Victorian era revival designs and
styles. Most of the Victorian era homes (1860-1900)
were built by carpenters and masons using pattern
books that reflected popular designs. Technological
advancements, including the mass production of nails,
changed the standard type of construction from timber
frame to balloon frame. This enabled more expressive
and varied architecture, as represented by the Queen
Anne, Stick, and Shingle Styles of the Victorian Era.
By the turn of the last century, the area west of
the river and north of downtown had become a popular
driving (horse and later car) park featuring exhibitors
and races. In the late 1920s, Frank Riddle, a local
developer, purchased the land for a residential property subdivision. Also during this period native Aurora
architect Eugene Malmer, and Oak Park architect,
Frank Lloyd Wright designed homes in the new Prairie
School Style. In the later half of the twentieth century,
Modern Style designs were constructed.
History of Preservation in Aurora
City of Aurora planning programs, like the majority of
town planning documents across the country, were not
initially focused on preserving or maintaining historic
structures. However, Aurora’s first planning document,
a 1929 comprehensive plan did suggest an informal
Architectural Advisory Board. Despite this suggestion,
a board was not adopted. Following the depression,
growth and associated planning in Aurora proceeded
at a rapid pace. The 1950-60s Federal Urban Renewal
Program, and a local 1963 Progress Plan, did not address preservation. However, this plan did include an
assessment of historic structures in the downtown area.
In the 1970s, Aurora, like the nation, focused on
the country’s bicentennial and the shift toward preservation and the recognition of historic structures began.
In 1974, Aurora produced a series of reports, including
a housing report compiled as part of a Comprehensive
Planning Grant, to develop guidelines for future housing, policy and programming decisions. One result of
this report was a city-sponsored residential historic
preservation program. This program was an educational
tool for saving, preserving, and protecting Aurora’s
historic residences. City planners could preserve the
heritage of Aurora, and increase awareness of the City’s
history. A second program, completed in 1974, was
the Preliminary Development Program for Downtown.
This program identified development projects that
could be undertaken immediately in downtown Aurora
33
to both stabilize the area and simultaneously stimulate
activity.
In 1978, the City of Aurora created a Committee on Neighborhood Conservation and Architecture
Preservation (CNCAP) whose purpose was to identify
and recommend methods for conserving neighborhoods
and preserving valuable architecture. This committee
laid the groundwork for the Preservation Ordinance. In
1979, following the CNCAP efforts, the Aurora City
Council established the Aurora Preservation Commission to preserve properties that reflect Aurora’s historical, cultural, artistic, social, and ethnic heritage. The
Aurora Preservation Commission (APC) also provides
historic property owners with design review, technical
assistance, architectural expertise, and rehabilitation
resource information.
Aurora’s Preservation Ordinance was one of the
first in the State of Illinois that included binding review
authority. Since the establishment of APC and adoption
of the Ordinance, the City of Aurora has continued to
develop and strengthen its preservation incentives. In
1982 Aurora was granted federal tax incentive certification. In 1983, the City of Aurora became a Certified
Local Government (CLG), as recognized by the State
of Illinois. Also in 1983, a commercial façade loan program and a preservation loan program were introduced.
Since 1980, APC has annually sponsored the Mayors
Awards for Preservation, to recognize those projects
that best accentuate the goals of APC. The APC also
established committees to assist in achieving its goals.
These include neighborhood committees to review
Certificates of Appropriateness, a landmark committee
to review those properties submitted as nominations
for Local Landmark status, a loan committee to review
loan guidelines and applications, and a public awareness committee. In 1993, an additional overlay committee, the Downtown Design Review Committee, was
also established along with guidelines.
The City of Aurora has a total of seven historic
districts: four local historic districts and three federally
recognized National Register Historic Districts. The
first local historic district, the Near Eastside District
was established in 1981. In 1986, the Westside Historic
District, and the Stolp Island Historic District were
designated as National Register Historic Districts.
Riddle Highlands was designated a local Historic District in 1989, and in 1996, the LaSalle Street Auto Row
Historic District was designated a National Register
Historic District. The Tanner Historic District was designated in 1998 and the Palace Street Historic District
was designated a local historic district in 1999. There
are also 28 individually recognized landmarks in the
City of Aurora.
Near Eastside Historic District
The first local historic district in Aurora, The Near
Eastside Historic District reflects its important role in
the development of Aurora as well as its architectural
history. Located roughly between Lincoln and Fourth
Streets, and Downer Place and South Avenue, the
buildings in the district represent the wide variety of
architectural styles popular during Aurora’s population
explosion associated with the CB&Q rail yard development, between 1860 and 1900. By the early 1900s, the
area was almost completely filled and land was scarce
for new housing or continued development.
Tanner Historic District
Named for early resident and prominent hardware
merchant, William Tanner, the Tanner Historic District
was designated a local Historic District in 1998. This
near westside area was developed initially, in 1842, as
West Aurora and continued after the union of Aurora
and West Aurora in 1857. Its development was similar
to that of the near eastside area, providing housing for
those involved with the downtown businesses and the
railroad. The proximity to downtown was a draw for
businessmen and merchants as well as workers who
needed to be close to rail transportation for work. Also
some areas of the district were developed after the turn
of the century and were affected by the automobile.
Residential areas of the near westside were lost
to the commercial expansion of the downtown in the
mid 20th century. The need to contain and maintain
the needed density of the downtown coupled with the
desire to retain the residential neighborhood resulted in
the designation of the Tanner Historic District, bounded
roughly by Plum and New York Streets, and View and
Wilder Streets. The variety of residents is reflected by
a broad range of Victorian era housing styles. Later
reactionary period revival designs are located at the
34
north boundary, which is adjacent to the Palace Street
Historic District.
• Hurd House, 429 West Downer – Built in the
1860s for prominent local pharmacist David
Riddle Highlands Historic District
Hurd, this is an excellent early example of the
Located between Sunset and Illinois Avenues, and
roughly between Grand Avenue and Wilder Street,
Riddle Highlands (RH) was designated a Local Historic
District in 1989. First platted in 1922, RH was developed by Frank Riddle as a unique subdivision which
placed restrictive covenants on property owners regarding landscaping, dwelling size, style, materials, etc.
Additional covenants excluded certain types of homes,
as only single family residences above a certain price
were allowed. Additionally, the placement of garages
on these newer large lots was specified. RH became
one of the first neighborhood developments in Aurora
to open with standard amenities; water, sewer, paving and sidewalks. Though slowed by the depression,
construction in the district continued since it was a new
and desirable location for prestigious citizens, desiring
new, “modern”, and less congested housing. The period
revival style designs in Riddle Highlands, like those of
the adjacent Palace Street Historic District include the
revival styles popular in the early 20th century. These
designs are a reaction to the earlier ornate Victorian designs seen in the near eastside and near westside areas.
as the curved mansard roof and elaborate
Palace Street Historic District
The newest of Aurora’s historic districts, the Palace
Street Historic District connects the Riddle Highlands
Historic District with the Tanner Historic District.
Located on Palace Street between Illinois and Plum
Streets, the homes in the Palace Street Historic District
are an important part of Aurora’s history because they
reflect those home styles in which the majority of Aurorans lived at the turn of the century. There are examples
of the Victorian styles, the Prairie Style, and most of
the homes are in the period revival styles popular in the
early 20th century.
Aurora Individual Landmarks
Second Empire Style with key features such
brackets and window trim. The front porch
replaces two original porches.
• Richardson House, 302 West Downer – Built
in 1867, this brick gabled house attributed to
Russel Richardson has Italianate Style eave
overhang and eave decoration as well as a
later Queen Anne Style porch addition.
• St. Nicholas Church, 302 High – This church,
constructed between 1882-87, is a landmark
important for its association with the city’s
early German and Luxembourg communities, and as an excellent example of Gothic
Revival Style architecture. It features a tall,
visible steeple.
• McMichel House, 564 Garfield – Built in
c1867, this house has the form and some
features of Italianate Style such as the hipped
roof and bracketed eaves. The porch is a later
addition.
• Robinson House, 244 West Galena – This
stone house built in 1842 was the home of
pioneer schoolteacher Henrietta Robinson.
It is a National Style house constructed 15
years before the incorporation of the City of
Aurora.
• C B & Q Roundhouse, 205 N. Broadway
– Constructed from 1855-1865, the roundhouse, also listed on the National Register
35
of Historic Places, is the only remaining full
ports and a decorative brick cornice. It dates
limestone roundhouse in the U.S.
from 1886.
• Ford House, 404 S. Edgelawn – Designed by
• Lawyer House, 328 Hinman – Built between
architect Bruce Goff and constructed in 1949,
1861-65, this brick front gabled house has
this Modern Style house is a unique demon-
roof brackets, typical details of the Italianate
stration of organic architecture with simple
Style popular for that time.
geometric shapes most notably a 166 foot
circumference dome.
• Holbrook Mill, 101 W. Benton – This c1840
• Gronberg House, 373 W. Park – This classic
1894 example of Queen Anne Style architecture features a turret, varied shingle patterns,
two story National Style stone saw mill is
turned balusters, porch posts and pressed
likely the oldest building in downtown Au-
metal scroll work in the porch pediments.
rora.
• Hord House, 315 W. Downer - Built in 1883,
• Fire Station No. 5, 534 Fifth – This brick and
this two story clapboard house has a lime-
clapboard structure was built as a fire station
stone base and a low-pitched hipped roof. It
and served the area from its construction in
displays many features of the Italianate Style
1919 through 1989. It is considered a “Bun-
including large paired eave brackets, and tall
galow” and was designed to resemble a house
narrow windows with molded hoods.
in order to fit into a residential neighborhood.
It differs from earlier stations that housed
horses.
• Holmes House, 621 E. Downer – An excellent example of Italianate Style, this house
built in 1868 features a hipped roof with
• Mitchell House, 1040 Aurora – The early
limestone house likely dates between 1830-50
with a wing from c1867 making it an example
of a National Style gabled ell house.
• Fire Station No. 3, 71 S. Lake – Formerly the
paired brackets, and window hoods. The turn
of the century porch replaces an earlier one.
• Octagon House, 83 North Avenue – The
single example in Aurora of the rare Octagon
Style house popularized in the 1850s and
Holly Hose House, this 1887, two story fire
1860s. This clapboard version features a typi-
station of brick with pressed metal cornice
cal low-pitched hipped roof with brackets and
was designed in the Commercial Vernacular
was built c1860.
Style to be compatible with the commercial
buildings of a downtown neighborhood.
• Agnew House, 653 N. May – This Vernacular
Style two story, frame, gable house gains its
• Sutphen Building, 201-03 W. Galena – This
significance as the home of the first African
structure is one of the remaining examples
American physician, Dr. Charles Livingston
of Commercial Vernacular Style architecture
Agnew, between 1925 and 1963.
from the Victorian era. It has cast iron supCity of Aurora - Historic Districts and Landmarks Guidelines
36
• Lyall House, 1131 E. New York – Construct-
• Lord House, 123 S. Highland – An excellent
ed by owner and mason Robert Lyall in 1924,
example of the Queen Anne Style. Note the
this is a limestone clad example of the Tudor
open second floor balcony at the corner tur-
Revival Style including such features as the
ret, wrap-around porch, and the shingle wall
side gable roof with a prominent steep cross
curving into the attic gable window.
gable at the front, and arched door opening.
• Aurora City Hospital/ Old Copley Hospital,
• Jungels House, 985 Sheffer - An example of
516 S. Lincoln Avenue – The only remaining
the American Foursquare, this 1920s house
Victorian era hospital building in Aurora, this
has the typical hipped roof with front dormer,
is an example of Queen Anne institutional
and full front porch with massive supports.
architecture. With the exception of a missing
• Hardy House, 301 Oak – A simple entry
porch with square posts compliments this two
story Italianate Style house that features clapboard siding, hipped roof and eave brackets.
• Higgins House, 422 Grand – This Queen
Anne Style house was built prior to 1895.
Many original features remain. Note the
varied wall surfaces, curved front porch, and
spindlework.
cupola and porch roof cresting, the building
remains much as it appeared when built in
1888. Typical Queen Anne details such as the
use of multiple materials for surface patterning are featured
• Thatcher House, 30 W 192 Montgomery
Road – This early farmhouse constructed
between 1843 and 1874 is a two-story gable
with a one-story wing form. It features Greek
Revival Style elements such as eave returns,
• Hall/Smith House, 301 West Park – Origi-
roof brackets, front entry surround and door
nally built by Aurora’s first mayor, Benjamin
with sidelights and transom. The structure has
Hall, as an Italianate house, the structure un-
been moved from its original site at 30 W 561
derwent major alterations in the Neoclassical
Oswego Road.
Style between 1907-10 when it was owned by
Capt. C. H. Smith. Note the full height portico with ionic columns and the dental work
at the eave.
• Crane Brown House, Eola Road – An excellent example of National Style with Federal
Style elements, this early “I” house (two
rooms wide and one room deep) dates from
• Malmer House, 233 W. Park – Eugene
between 1830 and 1860. Made from brick
Malmer designed this residence for himself
fired on site, it has two stories and a one-sto-
in 1908. It has Prairie Style influences such
ry gable rear wing. Limestone lintels frame
as horizontal banding, large roof overhang,
the windows and door.
and low roof with stout columns at the front
porch. Several other buildings in Aurora were
designed by Malmer.
• Copley Mansion, 434 W. Downer - Colonel
Ira Copley was a six-term United States Representative for the period from 1911 to 1923.
37
This Neoclassical style building was designed
by architect Jarvis Hunt, and was constructed
from 1914 through 1917. The building is also
listed individually on the National Register of
Historic Places.
• The Cooper House, 729 W. Downer - The
Cooper house is an excellent example of the
Prairie style of architecture. Features of this
style include an emphasis on the horizontal
lines of the house, and the wide-overhanging
eaves. While the architect is unknown, it is
thought to be work of an associate of Frank
Lloyd Wright.
• The Randall House, 510 W. Downer - The
Randall house was constructed circa 1890,
and features Italianate elements along with a
Classical style porch that was constructed at
the turn of the 20th century.
• The Ingham Farm, 40W429 W. Galena - This
original brick farm house was constructed
in 1858 by Joseph Ingham, an early Sugar
Grove settler, and features Greek Revival
details including the door surround, divided
light winodws, and square cupola.
• The Ingham School House, 40W377 W. Galena - Property for the school house was donated for that purpose by Samuel Ingham. It
was also designed in the Greek Revival style,
and was used as a rural one room school
house until the 1920s when it was converted
to a residence.
Architectural Styles
and Building Types
Vernacular 1835-1895
V
ernacular is the term given to indigenous forms of building construction. Some refer to vernacular buildings built after mill-sawn
lumber was available as National Style. Buildings continued to be built
according to the earlier traditional folk forms, but with widely available
lumber some new shape innovations occurred. Some may have details
taken from high styles such as Greek Revival or Colonial Revival.
Other may have later high style modifications.
How To Identify a
Vernacular Building
Residential Forms Include:
• Front Gable (2 stories high, end gable)
• Gable-and Wing or Upright-and-Wing
(2 stories, end gable with a 1, 1-1/2, or 2
story wing at the side)
• I-House (2 stories, 2 rooms wide and one
room deep)
• Four-over-Four (2 stories, 2 rooms wide
and 2 rooms deep)
• Shot-Gun (1 story, 1 room wide and 2 or
more rooms deep)
• Workers Cottage (1 or 1-1/2 stories, 2
rooms side by side)
• One-Pen (1 story, 1 room)
• Side Gable also called Massed Plan (2
rooms wide and 2 rooms deep)
653 North May Street
• Pyramidal (1 or 1-1/2 stories with pyramidal roof)
41
How to Identify a Commercial Vernacular Building
• Street facades abutting one another and
defining the property’s edge
• Buildings in relative scale with adjacent
commercial vernacular buildings
• Facades that adhere to the basic composition with variations depending on use
and time period
Commercial Vernacular 18351925
E
arly vernacular commercial buildings are referred to as Commercial Vernacular Style, and the latter forms are referred to as 20th
Century Commercial Style. These buildings are recognized by their
form, not their architectural style although they may have some decorative features and detailing taken from architectural styles and may even
have some high style features. Italianate and Classical features are often
incorporated. Main streets were developed in response to the community’s need for a concentrated focus of public buildings. These commercial buildings are typically found in main street areas.
• Typical three part facades: storefront, upper stories, and cornice or parapet
• Features may include: prism glass in the
transoms above storefronts, cast iron
supports and pressed metal cornices.
77 S. LaSalle St.
42
Greek Revival 1835-1860
A
Revival form referencing the ornament and architecture of ancient
Greece, these were typically a two story clapboard sided structure, sometimes only one story, with a low pitched gabled roof or, less
often, a hipped roof. The cornice has a wide plain frieze board, or band,
as part of the entablature together with a cornice above and an architrave below. The main building form may have a lower wing. Narrow
sidelights and a rectangular transom surround front doors. Porches on
Greek Revival Style houses in this area are one story and are supported
by square or round columns. Porches are located at the entry or extend
over the full façade. Originally Greek Revival houses were painted
white.
How to Identify a
Greek Revival Building
• Clapboard siding
• Wide frieze board
• Corner pilasters
• Front facing gabled roof with the cornice
detail continuous across the gable end
(pedimented) or with cornice roof returns
• Entry sidelights and rectangular transoms
• Small paned double hung
windows
• Frieze band windows in
the attic
• Pedimented window heads
168 S. Lincoln
43
Italianate 1850-1885
O
How to Identify an
Italianate Building
• Wide eaves
• Large brackets (sometimes paired)
• Tall first floor windows
riginating in England at the start of the Picturesque Movement,
this style with wide overhanging bracketed eaves was typically
found on a two or three story building. There are several forms: cube
with a low pitched hipped roof, rectangular plan with front gable roof,
or asymmetrical plan with cross hip or cross gable roof. These sometimes had a cupola. Features of this style were often applied to earlier
vernacular buildings to update them.
• Hooded window molds
• Double hung windows with one or two
panes in each sash, and with curved or
arched tops
• Single story porches located just at the
entrance, (they may be wider)
5 06 W. Downer Pl.
44
Octagon 1850-1870
P
opularized by Orson Fowler in his book, The Octagon House, A
Home for All published in 1849, this rare house style was most
popular in the 1850s and 1860s. The style is based on a central plan and
typically was two or three stories tall with a raised basement.
How to Identify an
Octagon Building
• Eight-sided shape of the exterior walls,
(examples are found in six-, ten-, twelve, and even sixteen-sided forms)
• Low pitched hipped roofs
• Wide eave overhangs
• Eave brackets
• Cupolas
• Porches
83 Nor th Ave.
45
Second Empire 1860-1875
How to Identify a
Second Empire Building
• Mansard roof with dormer windows with
arched or pedimented tops
T
he Second Empire Style is recognized by the hipped roof form
with dormers that allows for the maximum use of an attic area. Unlike earlier Italianate or Greek Revival styles that were based on historic
precedent, the Second Empire Style reflected the latest French fashion
of the day.
• Cornices at the top and bottom of the
lower roof slop
• Decorative eave brackets
4 29 W. Downer
46
Gothic Revival 1870-1890
T
his picturesque revival style with steeply pitched roof and steep
cross gables was based on English precedents and made popular
by the plan books of Andrew Jackson Downing.
How to Identify a
Gothic Revival Building
• Decorated vergeboard trim (also called
bargeboard)
• Gothic pointed arch windows
• 2 over 2 double hung sash windows
• Hood moldings over windows
• Porches with flattened arch details
• Clapboard or vertical board and batten
siding
• One story bay windows
5 0 4 W. N e w Yo r k S t .
47
Stick 1880-1890
A
How to Identify a
Stick Building
• Decorative roof truss work at the peak
of the gable ends projected out from the
plane of the wall
wholly American picturesque style intended to give the appearance
of expressing an underlying heavy timber framework. However,
since these buildings are of balloon frame construction, the visible
“timbering” is only decorative. The style is mostly found on asymmetrical forms with steeply pitched gable roofs and one-story porches. Some
have towers.
• A pattern of wood boards (vertical, horizontal, and sometimes diagonal) breaking up the clapboard siding into sections
• Decorative millwork such as brackets,
rafter tails, and porch details
149 S. Four th St.
48
Queen Anne 1880-1905
T
his very popular style has steeply pitched compound roof shapes,
irregular plan, and asymmetrical facades clad with a variety of materials and textures and a one story porch along the front that sometimes
wraps around the side.
How to Identify a
Queen Anne Building
• Lots of decorations
• Varied and rich, contrasting materials,
shapes and textures
• Towers with conical roofs
• Turrets
• Projecting bays
• Encircling porches
• Multiple steep irregular roofs
• Irregular massing
• Milled columns and balusters
• Windows that are small multi-paned or
one over one type
318 V iew St.
• Brackets
• Patterned shingles
49
Eastlake 1880-1890
T
How to Identify an
Eastlake Building
he name refers to mass-produced decorative components most often applied to Queen Anne and Stick Style houses. The style is associated with the interior designer Charles Locke Eastlake (1833-1906).
• Thickly turned posts and balusters
• Large brackets
• Fancy scrollwork
• Perforated gables
• (the above is otherwise referred to as
spindlework or gingerbread)
15 Blackhawk
50
Shingle 1880-1900
U
nlike other Victorian styles, the Shingle Style does not rely on
decorative ornament rather, it encompasses all the mass under a
simple wood shingle cladding used for both the roof and walls.
How to Identify a
Shingle Building
• Asymmetrical forms
• Extensive porches
• The use of continuous wood shingles on
the walls and roof
323 S. Lincoln Ave
51
Romanesque Revival 1880-1900
How to Identify a
Romanesque Revival Building
T
his style makes much use of the semi-circular arched opening for
both windows and doors and is always made of monochromatic
brick or stone.
• Masonry corbels (stepped out) along the
eaves or belt courses
• Square or polygonal towers
• Semi-circular arched window and door
openings
• If multiple arches are grouped, columns
with carved capitals may separate them
West Galena Blvd and Chestnut St.
52
Richardsonian Romanesque
1880-1900
R
ichardsonian Romanesque Style buildings with their broad roof
planes and straightforward treatment of stone follow the examples
of architect H. H. Richardson (1836-1886.) The buildings have asymmetrical facades and are always built of masonry. Rather than rely on
decorative detailing, solid massing with limited ornament conveys the
style.
How to Identify a Richardsonian Romanesque Building
• Round top arches
• Rough faced, square cut stonework
• Squat towers
• Smooth piers with enriched capitals
• Deeply set windows
We s t G a l e n a B l v d a n d O a k S t .
53
Colonial Revival 1890-1945
How to Identify a
Colonial Revival Building
• Accentuated entry with classical detailing such as a pediment with pilasters
and overhead fan light (Adam Style) or
sidelights
G
enerally larger than those of the earlier Colonial Styles, the
Colonial Revival Style embodies several of the classical details
and elements of the earlier period showing an interest in early English
(Georgian or Adam Style) and Dutch (Dutch Colonial) houses. Typically these buildings have symmetrical windows and either a side gable
or gambrel roof.
• Windows are typically double hung usually with multiple panes in the upper or
both sashes
• Dormers and window shutters are also
features
• A porch, if any, is more often in the form
of an entry portico, an extension of the
pediment with classical column supports
7 26 Palace St.
54
Italian Renaissance Revival
1890-1935
T
his revival style was a dramatic contrast to the earlier Queen Anne
Style. This more ordered style has a studied formalism, symmetrical composition, simple flat facades, and low pitched roofs.
How to Identify an Italian
Renaissance Revival Building
• Restrained decoration
• Rectangular form
• Limestone or stucco
• Minimal use of columns or decoration at
the entry
• Arches at first story windows or entrances
• Wide roof overhang
• Roof tiles
646 Fifth St.
55
Neoclassical 1895-1945
N
How to Identify a
Neoclassical Building
• Classical details such as pediments
• Window variations
eoclassical Style buildings always have a symmetrical façade
with a center door and with a two story or full height porch either
at the entry (may be curved or pedimented) or across the front façade.
The porch is supported with classical columns with Ionic or Corinthian
capitals. Early versions have hipped roof with elaborate columns; later
versions have side gable roof with simple slender columns.
• A balustrade on the porch roof
• May have side wings
536 W. Downer Pl.
56
Prairie 1900-1925
O
riginating in the Chicago suburbs, particularly Oak Park and
River Forest, this style representing the strong influence of Frank
Lloyd Wright and other Prairie Style architects has a horizontal emphasis. Houses are typically two stories with one story wings or porches.
The cube, hipped roof form is the American Foursquare Style subtype.
How to Identify a
Prairie Building
• Low pitched roofs (usually hipped, less
often gabled)
• Wide, overhanging eaves
• Massive square porch supports
• Hidden entrances (on some)
• Windows grouped in horizontal bands
• Horizontal board siding or contrasting
wood trim between stories, or recessed
horizontal masonry joints
• Brick or stucco with decorative banding
1300 Gar field Ave.
57
American Four-square
How to Identify an American
Four-Square Building
• Square or nearly square plan
• Cube shape
T
he American Four-square is an early sub-type of the Prairie Style
and is identified by its simple two story box form with a low
pitched hipped roof (sometimes with the peak clipped) and a one story
porch on the front façade. The front façade is symmetrical although
the entrance may be off center. A hipped dormer on the front façade is
common.
• Symmetrical façade
• Hipped roof
• One story porch with square supports
• Overhanging eaves
• Double hung windows
• May have hipped roof dormers
• One story wing or porch
• Secondary details in Classical, Prairie, or
Craftsman styles
2 11 S. Four th St.
58
Mission 1905-1920
O
riginating from the Spanish architecture of the American southwest, Mission Style is recognized by the use of a dominant curved
parapet influenced by the Spanish mission churches. The most common
form of the Mission Style buildings is symmetrical with a hipped roof
or asymmetrical with varied roof forms. In some examples mission
details adorn Prairie Style houses.
How to Identify a
Mission Building
• Stucco
• Red roof tiles
• Mission shaped dormer or parapet
• Arched openings
3 0 8 E . G a l en a B l v d
59
Tudor Revival 1910-1940
A
How to Identify a
Tudor Revival Building
popular romantic revival style from the first half of the 20th
century, Tudor Revival Style was a romantic inspiration based
on English Medieval buildings. The style is recognized by the use of a
steeply pitched side gable or hipped roof, with one or more front facing,
asymmetrically placed gables.
• Masonry, stucco, half-timbered
• Walls or a mixture of wall materials
• Mullions, transoms, and trim of stone are
typical, as are rounded Tudor arch door
openings
• Double hung or casement windows with
multiple panes (some leaded)
• Shed dormers
• Multiple and over lapping dormers
•Less often, projecting oriel bays
361 Lawndale Ave.
60
Bungalow 1905-1930
T
he bungalow is a small one or one-and-one-half story house with a
large simple roof form, either a low pitch hip or gable shape. The
one story porch, often set under the same roof, has substantial supports
such as large square posts. Craftsman examples display the influence of
the Arts and Crafts movement with attention to detailing.
How to Identify a
Bungalow
• Roof overhangs with wide projecting
eaves
• Exposed brackets
• Tapered porch columns, often resting on
piers of brick, stone or wood
• Exposed rafters
• Roof dormers
• Double hung windows with three or
more lights in the upper sash and one in
the lower sash
4 3 5 W. N e w Yo r k S t .
61
Modern 1935-1960
U
How to Identify a
Modern Building
• Architect Designed sub-type of Modern Style houses often reflected the
architect’s interests such as the use of
new materials or building technologies,
energy conservation, and the desire for a
unique house.
nlike the historical revival styles popular before W.W.II, Modern
Style buildings have simplified facades with a low roof pitch.
Many were starter homes after the war. Some are modest basic smaller
homes while others are sprawling with built-in garages and no front
porch. Modern Style includes such sub types as the Minimal Traditional, Ranch, Split-level, Contemporary and the Shed as well as unique,
architect designed one of a kind forms.
• The Ranch sub-type has a low profile,
one story with wide overhangs, flat or
low pitched roofs, and contrasting wall
materials or textures. Windows are often
set high and in unusual patterns. Detailing is taken from various sources: Prairie
(strong horizontal lines), Craftsman,
Spanish Colonial, and Colonial Revival
styles.
• The Minimal Traditional sub-type has
the traditional form but without decoration, a low roof pitch and minimal roof
overhangs. Often minimal traditional
houses have a front facing gable.
404 S. Edgelawn - Ar chitect designed sub-tyep
320 Lawndale - Ranch sub-type
Mi n m a l T r a d i t i o n a l S u b - t y p e
62
Rehabilitation and
Restoration Guidelines
Introduction to the Guidelines
C
ommon terms used in this manual
are shall, shall not, should and
should not. The use of the terms shall
and shall not signifies that property owners are required to follow the guideline
as written. The use of the terms should
or should not signifies that it is most appropriate for property owners to follow
the meaning and intent of a guideline as
written, however the Commission will
be more flexible on these items. These
terms also provide guidance as to how
the Commission will generally approve
or disapprove a COA application.
Representatives from the neighborhood reviewed and prepared the Guidelines. They were then presented to the
Preservation Commission for approval,
and finally adopted by the City Council.
The Guidelines are first concerned
with the primary facades of buildings.
Primary facades as defined in these
Guidelines refers to all street facing
facades and front facades, including
those that face a side lot line. The fronts
and visible sides of a building usually
contain its most defining features such
as porches, main entrances, and decorative details. The street or sidewalk is
also where the public most often views a
building.
Work to the rear of a building is
usually reviewed with more flexibility
since it is generally not visible due to
the building’s placement on the lot or
screening by landscape or fences. The
rear of a building is the most appropriate
location for the construction of additional
living space or other major alterations.
Buildings on corner lots are the exception. Because the rear of a building on a
corner lot is visible from the street, it will
be reviewed with the same provisions for
the sides of buildings.
The Guidelines apply to all properties within the locally designated districts
regardless of age or architectural style.
For non-historic buildings (properties that are less than fifty years of age
or those that have been substantially
altered), the Commission may apply
the Guidelines with more flexibility. In
reviewing work affecting non-historic
buildings, the Commission’s approach
is to maintain or enhance the building’s
relationship and compatibility with adjacent historic buildings and streetscapes.
Property owners are encouraged
to refer to the Guidelines when planning new construction projects, exterior
rehabilitation, and when performing
everyday maintenance. The Guidelines
are in alphabetical order and include
illustrated information on common
rehabilitation questions, recommendations for maintaining the site and setting
of the neighborhood and guidance for
new construction. More information
on all these subjects is available. The
Suggested Reading list appended offers
many sources.
65
The Guidelines emphasize
preservation of existing
building details, materials
and overall plan rather than
complete remodeling.
Thus terms such as repair,
retain, maintain are widely
used throughout the Guidelines.
To repair, retain and maintain
architectural features and
materials is preferred to their
replacement.
To protect the overall character of the districts is the goal
of the preservation ordinance
and the Guideline document.
Rehabilitation and Restoration Guidelines
T
he City of Aurora’s historic neighborhoods are comprised of unique
architectural stock. The following
Guidelines are designed to both encourage and promote the sensitive restoration, renovation, and preservation of
individual Historic Landmarks and properties located within Aurora’s Historic
Districts. This section of the Guidelines
addresses rehabilitation and restoration
work to existing buildings. Sections
that address New Construction, Site and
Setting, Signage, and Demolition and
Moving Procedures follow.
67
Architectural Details and Features
A. Architectural details and features shall
not be removed or altered if original
to the building.
Architectural details and
features include but are not
limited to such character
defining features as gingerbread, vergeboards, eaves,
brackets, dentils, friezes,
cornices, soffits and fascias,
moldings, hood molds, trim,
columns, pilasters, balusters, clapboard, shingle and
stucco surfaces, rafter tails,
spindles, ornament, quoins,
or any decorative element.
B. Architectural details and features
should be repaired rather than replaced.
C. Architectural details and features shall
not be covered or concealed with
vinyl, aluminum or other artificial
material.
Buildings display a wide
variety of architectural
features and detailing. These
are essential in defining a
property’s architectural style
and period of construction.
D. Architectural details and features
should not be added unless there is
physical, or historical evidence that
such features were original to the
building. These features should match
the original in materials, scale, location, proportions, form, and profiles.
Original architectural details
and features need to be preserved and maintained.
E. Architectural details and features if
deteriorated beyond repair, should be
replaced. The new materials should
match the original as closely as possible.
Hood Molding
Columns
Verge Boar d
Brackets
69
Architectural Details and Features
- Italian Cupola
- Q u e e n A n n e T ur r et
- T udor Revival T imbering
70
Awnings
Canvas awnings were applied to windows, doors, and
porches to provide shade
during the summer. Awnings
fell out of favor following the
introduction of air conditioning.
A. Awnings shall be of canvas, or similar
woven material, and compatible with
the style of the house. Metal, fiberglass, or vinyl awnings shall not be
used.
B. Awnings should not cover or conceal
significant architectural details such as
window hood molding.
The application of canvas
awnings is appropriate for
historic dwellings, but may
not be appropriate for all
locations. Examples of poor
awning locations include
decorative windows such as
oriels, fanlights, and those
with prominent decorative
glazing.
C. Awnings should be of colors to compliment the dwelling.
D. Awnings should fit the opening to
which they are applied. Rectangular openings should have straight
across shed type awnings, not bubble
or curved forms. Arched openings
should have curved or rounded, not
bubble, awnings to match the opening.
Modern awnings, often made
from metal, fiberglass, or
vinyl bear little resemblance
to historic canvas awnings
and are not appropriate.
E. Awnings should be attached with care
to prevent unnecessary damage of
original details and materials.
F. Awnings with illumination shall not be
used.
Awnings should r einfor ce
openings, not cover featur es
G. Awnings should not be used at windows with shutters.
Awnings should fit the opening to
which they ar e applied
71
Chimneys
Chimneys often feature
decorative masonry work
or designs that are part of
a dwelling’s architectural
character. Many exterior
wall chimneys are essential
features to a dwelling’s overall design.
These are typically found in
Queen Anne or Tudor Revival
styles. Some less decorative
chimneys have simple details
such as banding or corbeling.
Chimneys need to be maintained and preserved in
accordance with the masonry
Guidelines.
A. Chimneys shall not be removed or
altered if original.
B. Chimneys shall be cleaned and repointed in accordance with Masonry
Guidelines below.
C. Chimneys which require rebuilding
shall be rebuilt to match the original
design in materials, colors, shape,
mortar profile, and masonry pattern.
D. Chimneys should have clay, slate, or
stone caps. Concrete and metal caps
may be acceptable for some styles or
if they are not readily visible.
E. Chimneys should not be covered with
stucco or other non-original materials.
F. O
riginal decorative chimney pots
should not be removed.
G. Chimneys that have been extensively
re-pointed resulting in mismatched
colors and textures may be painted
in brick colors such as dark red or
brown.
Corbelled chimney with metal tie
r od and stone cap
72
Doors
A. Doors and/or original door features
such as surrounds, sidelights, and
transoms shall not be removed or
altered. Door openings shall not be
enlarged, reduced, or shortened for
new door installation.
Appr opriate for Gr eek Revival, Octagon styles
B. Doorways that need to be altered to
meet accessibility codes should adhere
to the Historic Preservation provisions
of the accessibility codes.
C. Doors that are missing or deteriorated
beyond repair on the front or side
facades visible from the street shall
be replaced with doors appropriate for
the style and period of the building.
Replacement doors shall be similar in
design to the original in style, materials, glazing (glass configuration) or
appropriate to the architectural style
of the building.
D. Unless they are historic to the building, doors of flush wood or steel
design shall be used only at rear entrances or side entrances that are not
visible from the street.
E. Doors shall not be added at locations
where they did not originally exist,
unless needed to meet safety codes
or to enhance the use of a property.
When necessary, doors should be
added at the rear or sides of dwellings
where they will not be visible.
Appr opriate for Italianate, Second
Empir e, Gothic Revival styels
Appr opriate for Gothic Revival style
A ppr opriate for Stick, Queen Anne,
E astlake, Shingle styles
A ppr opriate for Colonial Revival, Neoc l assical styles
A p p r o priate for Bungalow, Craftsman styles
73
Doors and door surrounds
are significant in defining
the style and character of a
dwelling. Original doors,
door surrounds, and hardware need to be preserved
and maintained.
Doors readily available from
most wholesale hardware
stores generally reflect
designs for houses built after
1940 and may not be appropriate. Door construction and
style varies widely from one
architectural style to another.
What is appropriate for one
historic house may not be
appropriate for another.
Doors
Additional suggestions for appropriate
and inappropriate doors.
Appr opriate for T udor Revival style
Appr opriate for Moder n style
Inappr opriate for historic styles
74
Foundations
A. Foundations should be retained and
not altered.
B. Foundation alterations, if required,
shall not be made at the front facade
or readily visible side facades.
C. Foundations shall be cleaned, repaired, or re-pointed according to
masonry guidelines.
D. Foundations shall not be concealed
with concrete block, plywood panels,
corrugated metal, or other non-original materials.
E. Foundations of brick may be painted
or covered with cement coating to
match the original building material if
the brick and/or mortar is mismatched
or inappropriately repaired.
F. Stuccoing as a method of foundation
repair should not be used.
75
Most early historic dwellings
have stone, brick or concrete
foundations. Repointing and
repair shall follow Masonry
Guidelines.
Existing Garages, Carriage Houses and Outbuildings
Some historic properties
contain outbuildings including servant’s quarters, sheds,
carriage houses, and automobile garages. These were
often built with construction
techniques and materials to
match the primary dwelling.
Although some are not original, many have architectural
significance. These buildings should be preserved and
maintained.
A. Garages, carriage houses or outbuildings that contribute to a property’s
historic character, or are original to a
property shall be preserved and maintained. Original features should be
repaired to match the original.
NOTE: For new garages see
New Construction Guidelines.
C. Original doors should be maintained,
but may be retrofitted with modern
hardware and custom garage door
openers.
B. Garages, carriage houses or outbuildings original to a property should not
be moved or relocated to another part
of the lot.
D. Doors deteriorated beyond repair may
be replaced with new doors. These
should match original doors with
features such as raised panels and
glass window sections. Many styles
appropriate for historic buildings are
available with overhead opening,
but the look of original swing doors.
Avoid solid metal or fiberglass doors.
E. For architectural features visible from
the street on garages, carriage houses,
and outbuildings, refer to appropriate
sections of this guide.
A p p r o p r i a t e garage doors for historic pr oper ties
76
Gutters and Downspouts
A. Gutter and downspout installation
shall not result in the removal of any
existing eave features.
B. Gutters and downspouts of boxed,
built-in type, and/or copper should be
preserved, and repaired rather than
replaced if possible.
Gutters and downspouts
should be regularly cleaned
and maintained. If new gutters are required, half-round
designs are the most historically accurate for the earlier
styles.
Half Round
C. Gutters and downspouts of early
hang-on type should be half-round
rather than “K” or ogee. If the gutters
are not readily visible, ogee gutters of
aluminum or vinyl are acceptable.
D. Gutters and downspouts should be
located away from significant architectural features on the front of the
building.
E. Gutters and downspouts should be
designed and installed to provide
proper drainage and to channel the
water as far away from the dwelling as
possible. Downspouts should extend
at least 4 to 6 feet, or utilize a splash
block. Round downspouts are more
appropriate than rectangular forms, for
half round gutters. Rectangular downspouts are also acceptable.
F. Hanger straps should be nailed under,
not on top, of the roofing material. If
new roof is installed at same time as
the gutters, the straps shall be nailed
under the roofing material.
Ogee or “K”
Rectangular
Beveled
G. Gutters shall match the color scheme
of the house. Copper gutters may
remain unpainted.
77
Some later styles; the Romanesque, Colonial, Italian
Renaissance, Tudor Revival
Styles, and Neoclassical, all
typically with enclosed eaves,
used the ogee (K profile) gutter. Some styles or designs
feature rectangular or bevel
profiles or hidden built-in
type gutters. Metal used
for gutters and downspouts
should be compatible with
metal used for roof flashing
to avoid corrosion.
Lighting (For Porches and Exterior Walls)
Some historic buildings
retain original exterior
wall and porch ceiling light
fixtures. These are part of
a building’s character and
should be preserved and
maintained. If the original
light fixtures are missing, use
light fixtures appropriate to
the building’s style. When
appropriate fixtures are not
available, simple designs
and detailing are preferred to
large, ornate ones.
A. Lighting fixtures original to the dwelling should be preserved and maintained.
B. New lighting fixtures shall be compatible with the style, scale, and period
of the structure, based on traditional
designs of the late 19th and early 20th
centuries, and mounted on porch ceilings or adjacent to entrances.
C. Building mounted security lighting
should be only for security. Flood
lights should be mounted on the rear
or sides of a building not visible from
the street. High intensity overhead
lights should not be used.
D. Light fixtures for security lights, flood
lights, or foot lights should be small,
simple in design, and their number
kept to a minimum.
E. If freestanding fixtures are installed,
they shall also be compatible with
the character of the building style,
and shall not conflict with any period
streetlights.
F. B
uildings that originally did not have
lights mounted on the exterior walls
or porch ceilings may need lighting.
New fixtures should be simple in design and not detract from the building
style. Electrified versions of early gas
light fixtures may be appropriate.
Appr opriate simple
fixtur es for early
styles that wer e not
originally elecr tified
Colonial Revial
T udor Revival, Bungalow Style
Prairie, Bungalow styles
Colonial Revival, Neoclassical
Moder n style
G. Unobtrusive site lighting can be used
to provide adequate illumination
without calling attention to the light
source.
H. Awnings with illumination shall not
be used.
78
Masonry and Stucco
A. Masonry original to the dwelling shall
be preserved and maintained.
B. Masonry shall not be sandblasted or
abrasively cleaned. Brick should not
be cleaned with high-pressure water
that exceeds 300 pounds per square
inch.
C. Masonry should be cleaned only if
there are major stains or paint buildup.
If the staining or dirt is limited, it may
be best left alone. Masonry should
be cleaned by the gentlest effective method. Use detergent cleaners
and natural brushes for staining, do
not use metal brushes. The use of
chemical cleaners is appropriate using
low-pressure water to avoid forcing
water and chemicals into the wall.
This usually requires professionals.
Information on the use of chemical
paint removal and cleaning products
is available from the Preservation
Division.
D. Masonry should not be coated with
silicone-based water sealants. Water
sealants or water repellents should be
highly vapor permeable. Impermeable coatings trap interior moisture
damaging the brick.
E. Masonry that has not been previously
painted shall not be painted unless the
brick and mortar is extremely mismatched from earlier repairs or patching. Previously sandblasted brick or
brick in poor condition may be painted
to provide a sealing coat. These paints
must be vapor permeable.
shingles, or other coating materials,
except for foundations that may be
coated with a cement coating if deteriorated. Refer to Foundations.
G. Masonry repairs should be performed
carefully to match the original stone
or brickwork and mortar. If new
stone or brick is required, match brick
color, texture, and size. Match stone
for type size and finish.
H. Re-pointing (tuckpointing) mortar
shall match the original in width,
color, tooling profile, composition,
and texture. Remove mortar using
methods that will not cause damage to
the stone or brick. Re-pointing should
never be done with hard mortars
unless these mortar compounds are
original to the dwelling. If the original
composition cannot be determined,
use a historic compound such as one
part lime, one part Portland cement,
and six parts sand. Use natural sand.
I. Stucco surfaces shall be maintained
by cleaning and repainting with appropriate masonry paint when necessary. When repairing original stucco, a
stucco mixture duplicating the appearance shall be used. Patches of incompatible composition will adhere poorly
and will fail.
J. When attaching approved elements to
masonry, anchoring devices shall be
drilled into mortar joints and not into
the brick or stone.
F. Masonry shall not be covered in
stucco, artificial stone, brick veneer,
79
Many historic dwellings have
exterior walls of masonry.
Masonry includes brick,
stone, and terra cotta. If well
maintained, these can last
indefinitely.
Important points in masonry
preservation are to keep out
water and to use an appropriate mortar mix when repair
is needed. The use of hard
mortars high in Portland cement can cause early brick to
crack and break. Portland cement was used after 1920 and
generally this type of hard
mortar is compatible only
with brick from after 1920.
Abrasive cleaning methods
such as sandblasting or water
blasting erodes the outer
skin of the brick and destroys
the surface crust allowing
moisture to enter the wall.
Low pressure cleaning is best
for cleaning masonry.
Masonry and Stucco
Brick and Motar Joint Pr ofiles
Deteriorated mortar
Mortar too hard
damages brick
Mortar on brick face is
not appropriate
Typical concave mortar joint
Typical raked mortar joint
Sandblasting is not
appr opriate because it
damages the har d pr otective sur face layer
of brick
80
Surface Preparation For Painting
A. Removal of existing paint should be
done by manual scraping or with appropriate chemical removers.
B. Removing paint through heat plates or
heat guns should be done using caution to avoid unnecessary damage to
the wood through charring or fire.
C. Abrasive sand blasting to remove
paint shall not be used. Water blasting
above 600 pounds per square inch to
remove loose paint is not recommended as it can cause damage.
D. Surface preparation should include
identification and appropriate handling of lead based paints to avoid
hazards.
E. The existing surface including any
soundly adhered paint should be
compatible with the new paint. Paints
should be applied according to manufacturers’ instructions.
81
Many exterior wood elements
require a coating to protect
them from deterioration. It
is important to keep maintaining painted surfaces so
those key features can be
preserved.
The use of blowtorches to
remove paint may lead to a
fire hazard. Also, the use of
abrasive sand will damage
the wood siding and raise the
grain. In addition, during
this process, water forced
into the wood can take a long
time to dry. Paint will not
adhere to wet or damp wood,
and the wood may develop
mildew or rot.
Paint and Paint Colors
The selection of paint colors
does not require approval
by the Commission. The
Historic Preservation staff is
available to provide recommendations for paint colors if
requested. Paint charts with
historic colors are also available at most paint stores.
Consider painting the dwelling in keeping with its style
and period of construction.
Avoid bright hues and too
many colors on a building.
Select architectural details
of the dwelling to highlight.
Painting with high quality
exterior paints will last from
eight to fifteen years. Sunlight exposure, regular gutter
and downspout maintenance
and wood surface condition
and preparation affect paint
life.
A. Paint colors do not require review
and approval, however, books and
paint charts are available to select
appropriate colors. Because color has
a predominant effect on the character
of a district, it is recommended that
residents consult the Aurora Preservation Commission for assistance in
selecting paint colors and schemes
before painting any building covered
by these Guidelines.
B. Paint should be of high quality applied to properly prepared surfaces to
provide a long lasting finish.
C. In most instances, paint should not be
applied to unpainted masonry. (For
exceptions, see Masonry Section D.)
D. All exterior wood surfaces, new and
old, shall be painted or stained except
for wood shingles that may or may not
be painted. (See Shingle Style.) All
painting shall be completed within
three months according to manufacturer’s recommendations, weather
permitting.
E. Paint colors and placement should be
appropriate for the dwelling’s architectural style and design:
I talianate Style - Light colors for the
body and trim. Body - Tan, Light
Brown, Beige, Light Green, Yellow.
Trim and Accents - Cream, Gray,
Light Brown
Queen Anne/Second Empire – Diversity of colors using combinations of
contrasting colors for the body and
trim. Body - Tan, Red, Green, Brown.
Trim and Accents - Darker colors such
as Dark Olive, Salmon Red, Dark
Brown.
Shingle - Most shingle style dwellings were originally built with the
exterior wood shingles stained or left
natural rather than painted. Most of
these dwellings have been painted
over the years and a return to the dark
browns and reds of the wood shingles
is recommended. Body - Dark Red,
Brown, Dark Gray, Dark Green Trim
and Accents - Dark Green, Dark
Brown
Prairie/ Four Square - A return to
lighter colors such as yellow and off
white. For Four Square - Two color
paint scheme, one for lower level and
the other for the upper level. Body Light Tan, Light Yellow, Light Brown,
Grays, Medium to Light Greens.
Trims and Accents - Off-whites,
Cream, Brown, Blues, Greens. Also:
earlier versions had Victorian colors,
later versions had Colonial Revival
colors.
Bungalow/Tudor Revival - Darker
colors again such as earth tones. Dark
stains also used in place of paint.
Brick, stone, stucco, and concrete generally left unpainted. Body - Brown,
Green, Gray, Dark Red Trim and Accents - Both light and dark trim colors
such as Reds, Browns, Greens, and
shades of Tan.
Colonial Revival - Light colors predominate. Body - Yellow, Light Gray,
Light Blue, White. Trim and Accents
- White, Off-white, Cream
82
Porches, Porch Components, and Porticos
A. Porches on front and side facades
that are original or important to a
building’s historical integrity shall
be maintained in their original design and with original materials and
detailing unless they are deteriorated
beyond repair.
B. Porches original or important to the
building’s historical integrity that
have deteriorated or have deteriorated components shall be repaired
or replaced to match the original in
design, materials, scale, dimensioning,
detailing, and placement.
C. Porches with wood components shall
be painted unless the building style
features unpainted wood such as
found in the Shingle or Modern style.
See Paint Section.
D. Porches on the front façades shall
not be enclosed with wood, glass,
or other materials that alter the open
appearance. If historically the porch
style was enclosed, windows, doors
and screening of style and material
appropriate to the building style may
be used.
E. Porches may be screened. If screened,
the structural framework for the
screen panels shall be minimal and the
open appearance of the porch maintained. Screen panels shall be placed
behind the original features such as
columns or railings and shall not hide
decorative details or result in the removal of original porch materials.
F. Porches with wood porch floors should
have wood steps. The treads shall have
rounded nosings. Wood floors should
have wood tongue and groove flooring
running perpendicular to the facade
G. Original porches of masonry or patios
and terraces with poured concrete
floors may have poured concrete
steps.
H. Porches with open areas below should
be enclosed as was traditional for the
type and style of the original porch
building material. This could include
decorative wood framed skirting,
vertical slats, or lattice panels.
Porches are defining characteristics of historic buildings. If replacement of porch
features is required, use
materials that closely match
the original. If the original
porch is missing, a new porch
should be constructed based
upon photographic or physical evidence of the original.
If such evidence does not
exist, the design should be
based on historic porches of
similar buildings from the
same time period and architectural style.
I. All new components of a porch shall
be painted within three months,
weather permitting.
Inappropriate porch additions may be removed and
more appropriate porches,
based on historic precedent
may be constructed.
J. Porch columns and railings shall be
preserved and maintained. When repair is required, use materials to match
the original in dimension and detailing.
Epoxy consolidants can be used.
A vernacular house may have
an Italianate or Queen Anne
porch. These are acceptable
and reflect changes over time.
K. Porches may have wood trellises
added if they will not result in the
removal of original porch building
material.
L. Porch columns and railings of aluminum, wrought iron, or other modern
materials, with the exception of some
houses built after World War II, are
not appropriate.
M. Porch columns and railings, if the
originals have been removed or replaced, on front porches and porches
visible from the street shall/should be
rebuilt in historic designs to match
the style of the building.
83
Handrail height and style
should be determined by
photographs, paint outlines,
paint shadows, and/or similar
homes in the area.
N. Porches may require new balusters
for the railing. Porch balusters (also
called spindles) shall be appropriate
for the building’s style and period.
They shall be located between a top
and bottom rail.
Par ts of a porch
1. Column
2. Handrail
1
1
3. Baluster
2
Prairie Style porch
2
4. Newel post
3
5. Lattice skir ting
4
5
E a s t l a k e S t y l e porch
Columns Appr opriate
for Various Styles
1. Gek Revival
2.) Italianate, Second
Empir e
3 & 4.) Gothic Revival
5 & 6.) Queen Anne,
Eastlake, Stick
7.) Colonial Revival, Neoclassical
1
2
3
4
5
84
6
7

1
2
Appropriate stair
construction
1. Riser
2. Tread
3. Nosing
4. Molding
3
4
1
 Inappropriatestairconstruction
1.Deckmaterials
2.Stairswithoutnosings
2
1

2
3
4
5
Balusters
1., 2., 3. Appropriate for Queen Anne,
Eastlake, and Stick styles
4., 5. Appropriate for Italianate, Second
Empire, and Neoclassical styles
 Inappropriaterailing
construction
1.Balustersnotbetween
topandbottomrail
2.Handrailnotbeveled
85
Well maintained por ch, Queen
Anne style
Appr opriate enclosur e of fr ont
por ch, Bungalow or Craftsman
style
Appr opriate por ch scr eening, scr eens do not obstr uct ar chitectural featur es
86
Roofs and Roof Elements
A. Roofs and roof elements shall be
retained in their original shape and
pitch, with original features including cresting, chimneys, vents, finials,
cupolas, etc. and, if possible, with
original roof materials.
B. For new dormers, roof decks, balconies or other additions see Roofline
Additions.
C. Roofs may be re-roofed with substitute materials such as asphalt or fiberglass shingles if the original materials
are determined beyond repair, are no
longer present or available, or if the
retention of the original roof material
is not economically feasible. Particular effort shall be made to retain
materials such as slate, tile, and other
unique materials not commonly found
in new construction.
not readily visible, other low pitch
roofing materials are acceptable.
F. Roofs requiring ventilation should
have ridge vents rather than pot vents.
If pot vents are necessary they should
be located at rear rooflines, or near the
rear (as in a front facing gable house).
These vents should be painted to
match the roof color. Roof gable vents
should be maintained.
G. Skylights shall not be added where
they would be visible from the
street. Skylights should be placed at
rear rooflines or behind gables and
dormers. Skylights should be flat or
flush with the roofline, not convex or
“bubble” designs.
H. Skylights original to the house should
be preserved.
D. Roofs of new asphalt or fiberglass
shingles shall be one color and shall
be compatible with historic colors and
the style or period of the house. Asphalt shingle in dark shades of gray,
red, brown or black are appropriate
for the replacement of early asphalt
shingles and as a substitute material
for wood shingles. Dark gray or black
asphalt shingles are an appropriate
substitute for slate shingles, and red
or green asphalt shingles are appropriate substitutes for clay tile roofing
materials. New materials shall match
as closely as possible to the original
in composition, size, shape, color and
texture.
E. Roofs that are flat and were originally
metal should be replaced in metal. If
87
The original roof form and
materials are a major component of a building’s architectural style. It is important
that these be retained.
Additions that will affect roof
forms should be placed so as
to minimize their impact as
viewed from the street. See
Roofline Additions.
Historic roofs of materials such as metal shingles,
clay tiles, or slate should
be repaired and preserved
whenever possible. Sawn cedar shingles were commonly
used on older buildings. Split
cedar shakes are inappropriate in most cases.
Skylights are often installed
to create livable space in
upper floor areas or attics.
The installation of skylights
is acceptable provided they
are placed on rear rooflines,
behind gables or dormers,
or at other roof locations not
readily visible from the street.
Satellite Dishes, Antennas, and Solar Panels
Satellite dishes may be installed if they are sited in rear
yards or along side yards that
are not visible from the street.
As non-historic features, the
smaller dishes are preferred
to the larger dishes.
New innovations in solar
power may be allowed upon
the review and approval of
the Aurora Historic Preservation Commission.
A. Satellite dishes, antennas, and solar
panels shall not be installed in front
yards or in side yards visible from the
street. Dishes or solar panels should
not be installed at visible rooflines.
B. Satellite dishes and antennas in the
smaller sizes are more appropriate
than the large dishes.
C. Satellite dishes, antennas, and solar
panels should be mounted as low to
the ground as possible and the use of
landscaping, lattice panels, or fencing
to screen the view is recommended.
D. Solar panels shall not be added where
they would be visible from the street.
Solar panels should be placed at rear
rooflines or behind gables and dormers. Solar panels should be flat or
flush with the roofline.
E. Satellite dishes and antennas should
be located at rear rooflines or preferably in rear yards.
F. Antennas mounted on the roof shall
not extend more than three feet higher
than the closest roof within ten feet.
Solar panels on r ear r oof
88
Screen, Storm, and Security Doors
A. Original wood frame storm or screen
doors shall be maintained. Screen,
storm, and security doors shall be correctly sized to fit the entrance opening
and shall be compatible with the style
of the building. Door openings shall
not be enlarged, reduced, or shortened
for new door installation.
B. Security doors are less appropriate
for fronts of dwellings than at rear
and side facades not visible from the
street. Security doors added to the
fronts of dwellings shall be full view
design or have minimal structural
framework to allow for the viewing of
the primary door behind them.
C. Security doors at locations not visible from the street are acceptable and
may have more extensive structural
framework than would be acceptable
for doors visible from the street.
D. Screen and storm doors added to the
front or visible side doors should be
wood. These should be either full
view or with divisions aligned to
those of the primary door.
E. When metal screen, storm, or security doors on front or visible sides are
used, they shall have a painted, anodized, or non-metallic finish to match
the trim color.

Appropriate: full view door

Appropriate for Queen Anne, Eastlake and
Stick styles

Appropriate: glass aligns with door glass

Not appropriate for historic doors

Not appropriate: obscures door

Not appropriate: glass does not align
with door glass
89
Security doors are non-historic additions to dwellings.
While the installation of
security doors on fronts of
buildings is discouraged,
they may be installed if they
allow the viewing of most
of the historic door. Ornate
security doors with extensive grillwork or decorative
detailing are not appropriate.
However, certain decorative
detailing may be appropriate
for storm or screen doors for
some styles such as Queen
Anne.
Screen, Storm, and Security Windows
Screen, storm, and security
windows are acceptable for
historic dwellings. Their design and style should not obscure the primary windows.
Storm windows help reduce
energy costs and reduce the
occurence of condensation
on windows. Wood does not
conduct the cold air to the
inside as much as metal when
used in storm windows.
Both the primary window and
the storm window should be
properly weather-stripped to
help keep out air infiltration
and further reduce energy
costs.
A. Screens and storm windows shall
be correctly sized to fit the window
openings including round arched
windows. Frames should not obscure
the glass area of windows. Screen
and storm window panels shall be full
view design or have the meeting rail
match that of the window behind it.

B. Screens and storm windows shall be
wood or aluminum with a painted,
baked-on, or anodized finish. Windows of raw aluminum are not acceptable unless painted to match the color
of the window sashes.
C. Storm windows with built-in lower
screens are acceptable.

Appropriate: storm does not conceal glass;
divisions align
Not appropriate: storm conceals glass
D. Window security bars may be applied
on windows that are not visible from
the street.
E. Basement windows may be secured
on the inside with a plywood board or
with bars painted black provided it is
in accordance with the City of Aurora
building codes.
 Appropriate: storm does not conceal glass
and aligns with sash shape
F. F
or screens and storm windows for
porches, see Porches and Porch Elements.

Not appropriate: storm conceals glass and
storm divider does not align with sash
90
Shutters
A. Window shutters original to the dwelling should be preserved and maintained.
Window shutters were often
added to houses to provide
interior shading in the summer and to protect windows
during storms.
B. Window shutters shall not be added
unless there is physical or photographic evidence that the dwelling originally had them, or if they are compatible
with the style of the house.

C. Window shutters shall be of louvered
or paneled wood construction and
the shutters sized to fit the window
opening so that, if closed, the shutters would cover the entire window
opening.
Appropriate
 Appropriate
D. Exceptions to C. for the following
styles: Colonial Revival, Mission,
Tudor Revival, and Modern, may be
made upon review and approval of the
Aurora Historic Preservation Commission.
Too short

Too long
Not Appropriate
E. Window shutters of vinyl or aluminum construction are not appropriate.
These shutters generally have dimensions that are not compatible with
historic dwellings.
Does not fit arch

Not Appropriate
Shutters do not fit opening

Not Appropriate for most styles

Appropriate only for Colonial Revival,
Tudor Revival, and Mission styles
91
Soffit and Fascia
The soffit is the flat horzontal board(s) that enclose
the space under the eave or
cornice. Often beadboard is
used for historic homes.
A. Original Soffit, fascia, trim boards
and details shall not be removed.
They sahll be maintained by painting
and proper gutter functioning.
The fascia is the flat board
used to cover the ends of roof
rafters or located along the
rake. Cornice molding or
trim is often placed on the
fascia board.
B. Soffit, fascia boards, trim and
details deteriorated beyond repair shall
be replaced with boards that match the
originals.
C i t y o f A u r o r a - H i storic Districts and Landmarks Guidelines
92
Windows
A. Windows shall be preserved in their
original location, size, and design and
with their original materials and glass
pattern.
Historic buildings display a
wide variety of windows in
various designs and sizes.
These are important features
of the various architectural
styles.
B. Window openings on front facades
or side facades visible from the street
shall not be altered to accommodate
new windows of different size, proportion or configuration.
Decorative windows include
materials such as stained
glass, beveled, leaded glass,
and etched glass.
Most early windows are
made from wood and with
proper repair can be made
functional.
Window openings original
to a dwelling shall not be
covered or concealed. New
windows may be added at the
rear and non-visible sides of
a building.
H. Windows may have screens and/or
storm windows. See Screen, Storm
and Security Windows Section.
I. Basement windows should not be
enclosed or concealed on the exterior,
and masonry should be properly repointed when repaired.
C. Character defining window openings
on all facades shall not be altered.
(For Tanner Historic District refer to
the Tanner Historic District Appendix.)
D. Windows that are not original shall
not be added to front facades or to
side facades where visible.
E. Windows should be repaired rather
than replaced. If non-original or beyond repair and replacement is necessary, the replacement shall be in-kind
to match the original in material and
design. (For Tanner Historic District
refer to the Tanner Historic District
Appendix.)
F. Windows should be repaired with materials to match the original and other
materials such as consolidants that
are appropriate to the original material. (Consultation with a stained glass
specialist is recommended for repairs
to art glass.)
1
2
3
4
Par ts of a window
1.
Head
2.
Jamb
3.
Sash
4.
Sill
G. New windows on front facades and
sides visible from the street shall not
have snap-in or flush muntins. True
divided muntins are acceptable.
Ci t y o f au ro ra - H i s to ri c D i s t ricts and Landmarks Guidelines
93
Windows

Appropriate for Greek Revival styles

Appropriate for Italianate, Octagon and
Second Empire styles
 Appropriate for Queen Anne, Stick and
Eastlake styles
W indow cap molding detail

Appropriate for Shingle and Prairie styles

Appropriate for Prairie and Bungalow styles

Appropriate for the Tudor Revival style
Palladian W indow Example

Appropriate for Colonial Revival and
Neoclassical styles
C i t y o f Au ro ra- H i s toric Districts and Landmarks Guidelines 94
Wood Siding
Most non-masonry, pre-1945
dwellings are generally of
frame construction clad with
wood siding in any of a variety of shapes. These include
horizontal weatherboard
or clapboard siding, drop
siding and wood shingles.
They were sometimes used in
combination.
Original siding materials
are essential components in
defining a building’s architectural character. The concealment of original wood siding
under synthetic sidings is not
appropriate. These siding
materials do not successfully
imitate original wood siding
in dimensions or texture.
The use of synthetic sidings
also poses potential problems
for historic buildings. These
materials have a limited
life span and may not be
cost effective compared to
continued maintenance and
painting of wood siding. Aluminum and vinyl siding which
is 15 to 20 years old becomes
faded, chipped, or cracked
and may require painting.
If insulation without a vapor
barrier is installed, the
interior should be painted
with an impermeable paint to
prevent moisture condensation in the wall.
A. Wood siding original to a building
shall be repaired rather than replaced.
If replacement is necessary, wood
siding and shingles shall be replaced
with new to match the original in size,
placement, and design. If considering
the replacement of siding, obtain a
determination from the Historic Preservation staff on the condition of the
existing siding. NOTE: owners may
be ineligible for financial assistance if
synthetic siding materials are applied.
B. Wood siding original to a dwelling shall not be concealed beneath
synthetic materials such as vinyl,
masonite, particle board, or aluminum
unless the following conditions are
met:
The existing siding is deteriorated or
damaged beyond repair. At least 80%
of the boards shall have deterioration such as cracking, splitting, rot,
or insect damage, and the substitute
material can be installed without irreversibly damaging or obscuring the
architectural features and trim of the
building. The substitute material shall
match the historic material in size,
profile and finish.
C. Wood siding that has been concealed
beneath synthetic siding should be
repaired. Following the removal
of synthetic siding, original siding should be repaired to match the
original, caulked and painted. When
ghosting or outlines of decorative
missing features are revealed, these
should be replicated and reinstalled.
If these features are not replaced the
ghosting should be recorded through
photographs or drawings for possible
future replication.
D. Walls under wood siding may not be
altered with plugholes for the installation of insulation in the walls.
E. Asbestos shingles that are original to
a dwelling should be kept stained or
painted. If asbestos shingle siding is
deteriorated or poses a health hazard, it may be removed and replaced
with wood or other substitute siding.
Removal of asbestos siding should follow hazardous material guidelines.
The application of the synthetic materials shall not result in the concealment or removal of original decorative
detailing or trim including window
and door surrounds and watertable.
The application shall be reversible.
Synthetic siding materials shall match
the dimensions and style of the original wood siding as closely as possible.
C i t y o f Au ro ra - H i s to r ic Districts and Landmarks Guidelines 95
Wood Siding
Board-on-board siding



Lapped board siding
Beveled clapboard siding

Board-and-batten siding
Ver tical boar d siding examples

Drop siding

Shiplap siding

Rabbeted siding

Tongue-and-groove siding
Wood shingle examples
Horizontal board siding examples
C i t y o f Au ro ra - H i s toric Districts and Landmarks Guidelines 96
New Construction
Guidelines
New Construction Guidelines
T
he following section contains guidelines that address appropriate new
construction, including additions and
new, infill buildings. These guidelines
provide important information to insure
that the characteristic scale, rhythm,
setbacks and massing of the districts are
preserved and enhanced.
99
Additions
A. Additions should be located at the rear
or less visible sides of buildings.
B. Additions shall compliment the
original building in size, scale, design,
materials, and placement.
I. Additions shall not destroy original
landscape elements situated on the
building’s lot at the primary facades.
C. Additions shall be of a compatible
design in keeping with the original
building design, roof shape, materials,
color, and the location of windows,
doors, cornice heights, etc.
D. Additions shall not imitate an earlier
historic style or architectural period.

Appropriate:
rear one story addition

Appropriate:
rear two story addition

Inappropriate:
side two story addition
E. Additions shall be compatible with the
scale and siting of adjacent buildings
located on the same block as well as
those on the entire facing block.
F. Additions should be constructed so as
not to damage or destroy significant
original features, and to avoid removal
or loss of historic materials.
G. Additions should minimally impact
the exterior walls of the original
building, so that the addition could be
removed without damage to the basic
structure and appearance of the building. Building additions should use
existing door and window openings
whenever possible for connecting the
addition to the building.
H. No portion of an existing building
shall be removed, if such removal
would destroy important character
defining details and features of the
building.
101
Construction of new residential or commercial additions
should be avoided and only
done when needed. Additions
are acceptable when they are
clearly differentiated from the
historic building and in such
a way not to change, obscure,
damage or destroy the character defining features of the
historic building.
Additions should be sited at
rear or side façades so as not
to detract from the primary
façade when seen from the
street. The design of the additions should have a minimal
impact on the building’s
overall character.
Decks
Decks were generally not
used prior to 1945 on homes
and are not appropriate
additions on the front facade
or other visible locations of
a dwelling. Deck railings
should be in forms appropriate to the architectural style
of the dwelling. (See section
on porches).
More appropriate outdoor
sitting areas for back yards
of traditional architectural styles are stone or
brick terraces or patios next
to the house or built under
the shelter of a large tree.
Summer houses or gazebos
especially popular in the latter half of the 19th century;
and pergolas, either attached
to the house or freestanding,
which were popular after the
turn of the century may also
be an appropriate alternative
to a deck.
A. Decks shall be located at the rear of
buildings or areas not visible from the
street.
B. Decks should be stained with an
opaque stain (not clear) or painted to
blend with the colors of the building.
(See Paint Section)
C. Decks should be kept simple in
design. Wood decks with traditional
style wood balusters and rails complimentary to the style of the building are recommended. (See Porch
Section)
* Inappr opriate deck rails and balusters
102
New Garages and Outbuildings
A. Secondary buildings shall be smaller
in scale than the primary dwelling.
B. Secondary buildings should be built
at traditional locations for outbuildings in the locally designated districts.
These include at rear lot lines, adjacent to alleys, and at the rear side of a
dwelling.
C. Secondary buildings shall be compatible in design, shape, materials, and
roof shape with the associated primary
building.
D. Exterior materials of secondary buildings should match or be compatible
with those of the primary building. If
not visible from the street, secondary
buildings may have exterior substitute
siding materials such as aluminum or
vinyl.
E. For garage doors, wood paneled
doors are appropriate. Paneled doors
of vinyl, aluminum, or steel are not
appropriate. Wood paneled overhead
roll-up doors are widely available and
are appropriate for new garages.
103
Secondary buildings include
garages, sheds, and other
outbuildings. New construction of secondary buildings
such as garages and sheds
is acceptable as long as they
are appropriate in design and
sited in traditional locations. Construction materials
should be similar to those of
the primary dwelling.
Roofline Additions
Roofline additions of dormers
can be used to create livable
space in attic or upper floors
of residential buildings with
sloped roofs. It is important
when considering a roofline
addition to remember the
guidelines for additions in
general in regards to additions.
Additions that will affect roof
forms should be placed so as
to minimize their impact as
viewed from the street.
A. Roofs shall not have new dormers,
roof decks, balconies or other additions introduced on building fronts
unless it is stylistically appropriate.
These additions may be added on the
rear or sides where not visible from
the street.
B. Additions to flat roofs should not be
visible from grade.
Often commercial buildings
have a low slope roof that
appears flat from the street.
Additions to flat roofs should
not be visible from grade.
* Dor mer addition on r ear r oof
104
Infill Buildings
A. New infill construction should respond to the specific site and setting
and maintain the existing pattern of
buildings along the block on both
sides of the street. The new design
should be compatible with the existing context in the following ways:
It is important that new construction in commercial and
residential areas compliment
the existing buildings. New
infill construction should be
compatible with the existing,
in massing, setback, roof
forms, materials, window and
door rhythm or placement,
and for residential properties,
porch location and scale.
1. Site: the established setbacks, placement on the lot and street orientation
New construction should
not create a false historic
appearance through the replication of a specific architectural style.
2. Shape: the massing of forms of the
neighboring properties including roof
shape and pitch.
3. Scale: the elements of the facade that
define the building’s scale such as
height, roof, windows and doors
4. Proportion: rhythm of the lot widths
and features including entrances, windows, doors, etc.
5. Materials
* Existing patter n of r esidential
building setbacks
6. Color and textures
* Appr opriate Commerical Infill
Commercial buildings
typically extended across the
entire lot width and taken
together made a single street
façade composed of regular
rhythm of bays and window
openings. When one or more
of these lots are vacant, infill
construction is encouraged
in order to make whole the
street façade.
* In-appr opriate Commer cial Infill
105
Site and Setting
Guidelines
Site and Setting
A
urora’s Historic Districts and
Historic Landmarks developed
from the mid-19th through the mid-20th
centuries. Most blocks in the Districts
retain their original character of site and
setting. In residential neighborhoods
dwellings were built with consistent
street setbacks and with front yards for
landscaping. Typically with the house’s
porch and main entrance were oriented
towards the street. Blocks were laid out
with similar lot dimensions and distances
between houses, creating a consistent
rhythm and pattern in the location of
buildings and the intervening spaces.
In the downtown areas, commercial
buildings are found that were laid out
and built to form a continuous façade
close to the sidewalk. The consistent
setbacks and similar lot widths set up the
rhythm of the streetscape in these commercial blocks.
These streetscape characteristics are
retained on most blocks in the Districts
and should be preserved and maintained.
The following guidelines provide
information on changes and alterations to
a property’s site and setting that could affect not only its architectural appearance
but also that of the District.
* Map excerpt shows consistent setbacks and
location of outbuildings at r ear lots and along
alleys
109
Fences and Walls
A. Fences of cast iron or other original
materials should be preserved.
B. Fences of cast iron when appropriate
to the architectural style of the building may be added.
C. Fences of chain link, poured concrete,
concrete block, or wood in basket
weave, louver, spilt rails, horizontal
board, lattice, stockade or shadowbox
designs shall not be visible from the
street.
H. Fences of wood boards or planks
for privacy should be located in rear
yards and should be no taller than
six feet. Boards should be no more
than six inches wide. Privacy fences
of flat, vertical boards with flat tops
are most appropriate for the historic
districts. Vertical boards topped with
lattice or pickets are also appropriate.
D. Walls of free-standing brick are generally not appropriate in front yards but
are acceptable at rear yards and side
yards not visible from the street.
E. Traditional plantings such as hedges
and shrubs are acceptable as alternatives for fences in historic districts.
Fences in Front and Side Yards
F. Fences of wood pickets or balusters
are appropriate for front yards. Such
fences shall be painted or stained.
Pickets or spindles should be no wider
than four inches, and be set with top
and bottom rails and may have a bottom baseboard. Fences more than 50%
open should be no more than 42 inches
in height. Fences less than 50% open,
should be no more than 36 inches
in height. Solid board fences are not
appropriate for use in front and side
yards and should be avoided.
Fences in Rear Yards
G. Fences can be constructed in the same
low fence design found in the front
yard.
111
Wood picket and plank fences
and cast iron fences were
widely used in residential
areas before 1945 to separate
lots, outline front yards, and
enclose domestic animals and
pets. However, few original cast iron fences remain
standing.
More recently chain link
fences and other designs in
wood have become popular
but these are non-historic
fence materials and are not
acceptable.
Historic fences should be preserved and maintained. The
construction of new fences
based upon historic designs
and materials is appropriate.
In addition to the Fence Provisions of the Aurora Zoning
Code the following apply.
Fences and Walls
Appr opriate Fr ont Yar d Fences:
Fence styles NOT allowed if
visible :fr om the str eet
 Simple picket


Tulip-top picket
Balusters and spindles

Horizontal basket weave

Louver

Split-rail with bracing
Fe n c e s a p p r o p r i a t e f o r r e a r
ya r d s :



Horizontal board

Lattice

Stockade

Shadowbox
Vertical board
Vertical board with lattice top
 Vertical board with top rail
112
Fire Escapes and Secondary Exits
A. Fire escapes and secondary exits shall
not be added unless they are required
by fire or safety codes.
B. Fire escapes and secondary exists
should be removed when no longer
required by code.
C. Fire escapes and secondary exits
should be located where they will not
be visible from the street.
D. Fire escapes and secondary exits
placed on the exterior should be of
wood construction with simple balusters and handrails. Metal fire escapes
may be installed if they are not visible
from the street.
113
Within historic districts
many buildings have been
converted into duplexes or
apartments. These buildings
often have fire escape and/or
secondary exits to meet fire
and safety codes.
Landscaping
Landscape treatments should
be appropriate to the era of
the building and the district.
Landscape features that were
not featured during the historic period of the buildings
do not contribute to the overall harmony of the setting.
A. Landscaping designs and materials
that reflect the landscape features
and plant materials appropriate to the
building’s period of significance shall
be used.
B. Yard areas visible shall have appropriate ground cover; such as lawn or
small perennial ground covers.
C. Landscaping plants and materials
shall not be placed where limbs and
roots will damage historic structures,
or prevent water from draining away
from the foundation.
D. Areas around trees can be covered
with lawn, ground cover, or organic
mulch.
E. Ground cover of crushed gravel or aggregate shall not be used except in the
immediate areas of downspouts.
F. L
arger stones can be used for grade
changes, and in the limited areas
where traffic inhibits plant growth.
G. Berms or other grade changes except
as needed to provide adequate drainage shall not be used.
Note: (For Riddle Highlands Historic
District refer to the Riddle Highlands
Historic District Appendix.)
114
Mechanical Equipment, Dumpsters and Other Equipment
A. Ground mounted equipment and
dumpsters on the sides of buildings visible from the street shall be
screened preferably with shrubbery,
but fencing or latticework appropriate
to the style of house is also acceptable. Ground mounted heating and
cooling units, exhaust fans and dumpsters shall not be located in the front
of a building.
B. Mechanical equipment such as gas
meters, DBS satellite dishes, and other
equipment shall be located on the rear
or side of a building not visible from
the street.
C. Window air-conditioners, exhaust fans
and heat pumps should be located on
the rear or sides of dwellings rather
than on the front. The installation of
such units should not result in the
removal or replacement of the original
window sash or surround.
D. Additional electrical, telephone, television or computer cables or conduits
shall not be attached to the primary facades of a building. (For Palace Street
Historic District, see Palace Street
Historic District Appendix.)
E. Window air conditioners, exhaust fans
or heat pumps should not be installed
in the primary facades.
115
Air conditioning and heating
units often require condensers and other mechanical
units to be placed within a
few feet of the exterior side of
a building wall.
Temporary construction
dumpsters are exempt from
these Guidelines.
Parking
Aurora’s Historic Districts
were largely platted and developed in the days of horse
drawn vehicles and in the
early days of the automobile.
Some streets were laid out
with rear alleys. Garages and
carriage houses were generally located directly adjacent
to the alleys or in rear yards
served by a driveway.
Many of these original early
outbuildings were replaced or
converted to garages. Today,
vehicular access to historic
houses is by driveways off the
street or through rear alleys.
The addition of garages
and parking places in areas
other than rear yards is not
consistent with traditional
streetscape design. Rear
yards were not paved for
unenclosed parking areas.
The intent of these Guidelines
is to provide for residential
and commercial parking
without altering the historic
streetscape, or creating situations where historic side and
rear yards are eliminated.
By limiting the paved areas,
damage to historic buildings
due to storm water runoff is
also mitigated.
A. Front yard areas shall not be paved,
covered with blacktop or transformed
into an area for surface parking lots.
Unpaved areas of a lot shall not be
paved without the submission of an
acceptable plan approved by the Aurora Preservation Commission. New
parking lots incompatible with the
character of the neighborhood shall
not be introduced.
B. New off-street parking areas, for
residential and commercial properties
shall be landscaped around the perimeter of the parking area for screening
purposes, and a landscape plan shall
be submitted for approval indicating
the species, age, and location of the
planting material.
C. When existing off-street parking areas
are resurfaced, they shall comply with
the provisions of the above new offstreet parking areas.
D. Driveways shall be limited to a single
lane where visible from the street,
and allowed to increase towards
the rear of the lot where it shall be
screened with landscaping or other
approved materials. Exceptions are if
the driveway was originally two-lane,
or if the length does not allow the
curvature from one land to two. The
original driveway design, material,
and placement, where known, should
be preserved.
E. Driveways in the front or side yard
should be of brick, concrete, or concrete tracks (two parallel narrow strips
of concrete with grass in between
- also called “ribbon drives”). Asphalt
and textured concrete designed to look
like brick pavers are also appropriate
materials.
F. Driveways shall not be poured closer
than six inches to foundation walls as
it causes damage to foundations and
walls.
G. Driveway approaches shall be limited
to single lane widths to increase the
parkway landscaping. Widths at sidewalks shall not exceed 10 feet, and
the taper to the road shall not exceed
14 feet.
Appropriate perimeter landscaping of parking area
116
Ramps for Accessibility
A. Ramps should be added so that
minimal original historic materials are
removed and that the ramp construction is reversible.
Historic buildings often
need to be accessible to the
handicapped. Accessibility
achieved with the least alteration to important historic
features is most appropriate.
B. Ramps should be located at the rear or
sides of dwellings. If a ramp is placed
on the front of a building it should
be of wood construction rather than
of brick, concrete, or metal. Brick,
concrete, and metal ramps are more
acceptable at rear and sides of buildings with interior lots.
C. Ramps should be of simple traditional
design and configuration or designed
to match the original porch railing in
materials, dimensions, and detailing.
Ramps should be painted to match the
color of the porch railing or to match
the overall paint color of the building.
D. Ramps in visible areas should be
screened with landscaping.
E. When required by code, ramps shall
adhere to applicable Historic Preservation provisions of the accessibility
code.
Ramp Addition to a por ch
117
Sidewalks and Walkways
Sidewalks and walkways in
historic districts are primarily of concrete construction.
Many of these were poured
in the early 20th century and
remain in good condition.
The use of concrete is appropriate in the repair, replacement and addition of concrete
sidewalks and walkways.
A. Sidewalks and walkways that are
original to a dwelling or block should
be preserved and maintained. (For
Riddle Highlands Historic District,
see Riddle Highlands Appendix.)
B. New sidewalks and walkways in the
front and side yards that are installed
shall match the original in details,
dimensions, and placement.
C. Sidewalks and walkways of aggregate
or pebble-surfaced concrete are, in
most cases, not appropriate in visible
areas. Smooth poured concrete, stone,
brick pavers, or pavers that replicate
brick, properly laid, may be used.
D. Sidewalks and walkways of asphalt
shall not be installed in front yards but
may be used in areas not visible from
the street.
118
Swimming Pools, Fountains, Gazebos and Pergolas
A. Swimming pools should be located
in rear or side yards and screened
from street view with fencing and/or
landscaping. (See Fences and Landscaping.)
Because swimming pools
are a modern amenity, they
should be screened so as not
to be visible.
In addition to the Swimming
Pool Regulations of the City
of Aurora and Aurora Zoning
Code provisions the following
apply.
B. Arbors and pergolas unless original
to the design shall not be installed on
primary façades. Arbors and pergolas
shall not obstruct character defining
elements on primary or side facades
visible from street.
In addition to the Aurora
Zoning Code provisions for
accessory structures and
permitted obstructions the
following apply.
C. Accessory buildings, including unenclosed gazebos shall not be allowed
in front yards. These may be allowed
in side or rear yards. The design and
architectural details of the gazebo
should be appropriate to the architectural style of the primary structure.
See Porch section for guidelines of
appropriate gazebo styles.
D. Fountains or water features are
acceptable in rear and side yards.
Screening must be used if visible
from the street.
* appr opriate: simple,
unenclosed gazebo
* Inappr opriate: enclosed gazebo
119
Signage and Graphics
Guidelines
Signs and Graphic Designs Guidelines
S
igns or graphics play an important
role not only in calling attention to
a business and in providing information
but also in defining the character of the
street’s overall image. In addition to the
standard City of Aurora Zoning Codes,
the guidelines for signs and graphic designs as outlined below apply.
123
Signs and Graphic Designs
A. Signs shall follow regulations subject to the provisions of Article 31
of Chapter 31 of the City’s Zoning
Ordinance.
Buildings covered by these
Guidelines are primarily in
residential districts. Signs are
limited in residential districts
by the zoning ordinance.
B. Signs should be kept to a minimum
with preferably a maximum of two
per commercial business or community facility.
These Guidelines encourage
more appropriate size, design
and location of signs for historic districts and buildings.
In addition to the Signage
Provisions of the Aurora Zoning Code the following apply.
C. Signs for churches may be freestanding or attached to the face of the
building. Signs for commercial buildings may be freestanding, on storefronts, windows, or affixed to the face
of the building.
D. Signs shall not cover or obscure architectural features.
E. Signs shall not be illuminated with
visible bulbs, flashing lights, or luminous paints, but with remote sources,
for example, ground lights. Signs
should not be backlit or internally lit.
Appr opriate Sign
1. Wall sign does not obstr uct building featur es
2. Individual letter sign
3. Hanging sign
4. Lettering on stor efr ont
glazing
F. Signs should be of traditional materials such as finished wood, glass, copper, bronze, or plywood.
G. Signs should have no more than three
colors and use only colors that are
compatible with the building.
H. Signs when mounted on masonry
walls should be anchored into the
mortar, not the masonry.
I. Generally sign lettering should be 8-18
inches high and occupy only 65% of
the sign board. Letters shall not be
interchangeable.
Inappr opriate Signs
1. Sign covers building
featur es
2. Hanging sign too large
3. W indow sign too large
4. W indow is clutter ed
125
Demolition and Moving
Guidelines
Demolition and Moving Procedures
T
he demolition or removal of historic structures or part of historic
structures from any of Aurora’s Historic
Districts is strongly discouraged. The following Section addresses those occasions
when the demolition or relocation of an
historic property is allowed.
In addition to the Guidelines, City
of Aurora Building Codes apply when
moving or demolishing a structure.
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Procedures for Demolition and Moving
A. Demolition of any original feature or
part of a historic building which contributes to the historic or architectural
significance of the building or of the
locally designated districts shall not
occur, unless:
1. an emergency condition exists and the
public safety and welfare requires the
removal of the building or structure, or
feature;
2. a building does not contribute to the
historical or architectural character of
the districts and its removal will not
have an adverse effect on the appearance of the districts;
3. the denial of the demolition will result
in an Economic Hardship; or
4. the feature is secondary and removal is
necessary for an addition.
B. Moving buildings into a district is acceptable if the building is compatible
with the district’s architectural character through style, period, height, scale,
materials, setting, and placement on
the lot.
C. Moving historic buildings should be
avoided unless demolition is the only
alternative.
D. Moving secondary buildings on a lot
from one location to another is acceptable, provided the new location is
appropriate to the site and setting.
E. When demolishing or moving any
structure, all applicable codes and
ordinances of the City of Aurora shall
be followed.
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Aurora’s Historic Preservation Ordinance allows the
Historic Preservation Commission to deny demolition
within the locally designated
districts.
Vacant lots within districts
can be appropriate sites for
the relocation of pre-1950
buildings. However, moving a
building should only be considered to avoid demolition.
Any moved building should
maintain front and side yard
setbacks, and orientation of
neighboring properties.
Glossary of Terms
Glo s s a r y o f Te r m s
Bay window A pr ojecting window that for ms an
extension to the floor space of the inter nal r ooms.
See also Oriel window.
Un l e s s s p e c i f i c a l l y d e f i n e d b e l o w, w o r d s o r phrases
in t h i s D e s i g n G u i d e l i n e M a n u a l s h a l l b e i nterpr eted
in a c c o r d a n c e w i t h d e f i n i t i o n s c o n t a i n e d i n the City
of A u r o r a ’ s C o d e o f O r d i n a n c e s a n d Z o n i n g Definitio n s a n d We b s t e r ’ s D i c t i o n a r y.
Belt course A horizontal band of stone or brick on
the exterior wall of a building, usually marks the
floor levels.
A
Boar d and batten Siding fashioned of boar ds set
ver tically and cover ed wher e their edges join by
nar r ow strips called battens.
Ad a p t i v e U s e ( A d a p t i v e R e - u s e ) R e h a b i l i t ation of a
his t o r i c s t r u c t u r e f o r u s e o t h e r t h a n i t s o r iginal use
su c h a s a r e s i d e n c e c o n v e r t e d i n t o o f f i c e s . Changing a n e x i s t i n g b u i l d i n g t o a c c o m m o d a t e a new functio n . S e e a l s o R e - u s e .
Bond Anything that holds two or mor e objects together, including the patter n of interlocking units
and joints in a masonr y str uctur e; the connection
between masonr y units or the unit and th e mor tar
bed.
Ad d i t i o n N e w c o n s t r u c t i o n a d d e d t o a n e xisting
bu i l d i n g o r s t r u c t u r e .
Bracket A pr ojecting segment, often decorative,
usually of masonr y or wood.
Al t e r a t i o n A n y a c t o r p r o c e s s t h a t c h a n g e s one or
mo r e o f t h e e x t e r i o r a r c h i t e c t u r a l f e a t u r e s of a str uctur e , i n c l u d i n g , b u t n o t l i m i t e d t o , t h e e r e ction, constr u c t i o n , r e c o n s t r u c t i o n , a d d i t i o n , s a n d b lasting,
wa t e r b l a s t i n g , c h e m i c a l c l e a n i n g , c h e m i c al strippin g , o r r e m o v a l o f a n y s t r u c t u r e , b u t n o t including
ch a n g e s t o t h e c o l o r o f e x t e r i o r p a i n t .
Bulkhead The ver tical panels below display windows on stor efr onts. Bulkheads can be both suppor tive and decorative in design.
Ap p r o p r i a t e E s p e c i a l l y s u i t a b l e o r c o m p a t ible.
Casement window A window with one or two
sashes that opens with hinges at the side(s).
Ar c h C u r v e d c o n s t r u c t i o n w h i c h s p a n s a n opening
an d s u p p o r t s t he w e i g h t a b o v e i t . S e e f l a t ar ch, segme n t a l a r c h a n d s e m i - c i r c u l a r a r c h .
At t i c A n u p p e r l e v e l o f a b u i l d i n g , n o t o f f ull ceiling
he i g h t , d i r e c t l y b e n e a t h t h e r o o f .
Aw n i n g A r o o f l i k e c o v e r, t e m p o r a r y i n n a t ur e, which
pr o j e c t s f r o m t h e w a l l o f a b u i l d i n g .
B
Ba l u s t e r O n e o f a s e r i e s o f s m a l l , v e r t i c a l members
us e d t o s u p p o r t t h e u p p e r r a i l o f a r a i l i n g .
C
Capital The top par t of a column or pilaster.
Cer tificate of Appr opriateness (COA) A cer tificate issued by the building of ficial or the Aur ora
Pr eser vation Commission indicating its appr oval
of plans for alteration, constr uction, or r emoval or
demolition of a landmark or of a str uctur e within a
historic district.
Cer tified Local Gover nment (CLG) Any city,
county, parish, township, municipality, or bor ough
or any other general purpose subdivision enacted
by the National Pr eser vation Act Amendments of
1980 to fur ther delegate r esponsibilities and funding to the local level.
Character Distinctive traits or qualities and attributes in any str uctur e, site, str eet or dist rict.
Ba l u s t r a d e A r a i l i n g h e l d u p b y b a l u s t e r s .
Ba r g e b o a r d ( Ve r g e b o a r d ) A b o a r d w h i c h hangs
fr o m t h e o u t s i d e r a f t e r s o f a g a b l e r o o f , a nd is often
sa w n i n t o a d e c o r a t i v e p a t t e r n .
Ba s e T h e l o w e s t o f t h r e e p r i n c i p a l p a r t s of a colum n ; t h e l o w e s t p a r t o f a w a l l o r p i e r.
Clapboar ds Nar r ow wooden boar ds, thinner at the
top edge, which ar e placed horizontally, overlapping to pr ovide a weather-pr oof exterior wall
sur face.
Classical or der The combination of column and
entablatur e components used in a classical style;
each has a column with base, shaft, and capital.
The most common or ders ar e: Doric, T uscan,
Ba y T h e p o r t i o n o f a f a c a d e b e t w e e n c o l u mns or
pie r s p r o v i d i n g r e g u l a r d i v i s i o n s .
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Ion i c , C o r i n t h i a n , o r C o m p o s i t e , e a c h o r d e r has its
ow n r u l e s o f p r o p o r t i o n f o r t h e v a r i o u s e l ements. .
Rehabilitation, and Pr eser vation of historic str uctur es.
Cli p p e d g a b l e A g a b l e r o o f w h e r e t h e e n d s of the
rid g e a r e t e r m i n a t e d i n a s m a l l , d i a g o n a l r oof surfac e .
Doric or der The simplest of the classical or ders
with simple, unador ned capitals fluted (with ver tical gr ooves) columns and no base.
Co l u m n A c i r c u l a r o r s q u a r e f r e e s t a n d i n g ver tical
str u c t u r a l m e m b e r.
Dor mer window A window set upright in a sloping
r oof.
Co m m i s s i o n T h e A u r o r a P r e s e r v a t i o n C o mmission.
Double-hung window A window with two sashes,
one sliding ver tically over the other.
Co m p a t i b l e I n h a r m o n y w i t h l o c a t i o n a n d sur r ounding s .
Co m p o s i t e o r d e r A c l a s s i c a l o r d e r w i t h a capital
com b i n i n g s c r o l l - l i k e i o n i c o r d e r, a n d t h e decorative
lea v e s o f t h e C o r i n t h i a n o r d e r.
Co n f i g u r a t i o n T h e a r r a n g e m e n t o f e l e m e n ts and detai l s o n a b u i l d i n g o r s t r u c t u r e w h i c h h e l p to define
its c h a r a c t e r.
Co n t e x t T h e s et t i n g i n w h i c h a h i s t o r i c e l ement,
sit e , s t r u c t u r e , s t r e e t , o r d i s t r i c t e x i s t s .
Co r b e l i n g C o u r s e s o f m a s o n r y s e t w i t h e a ch course
ste p p e d f o r w a r d s u p p o r t i n g a n e l e m e n t .
E
Eave The lower edge of a r oof that pr ojects beyond the face of a wall.
Element A material par t or detail of a site, str uctur e, str eet, or district.
Elevation Any one of the exter nal faces or facades
of a building.
Ell The wing of a house, generally one r oom wide
and r unning perpendicular to the principal building.
Engaged column A r ound column attached to a
wall.
Co r i n t h i a n o r d e r T h e m o s t o r n a t e o f t h e c lassical
or d e r s c h a r a c t er i z e d b y a c o l u m n d e c o r a t ed with
aca n t h u s l e a v e s.
Co r n i c e T h e u p p e r m o s t , p r o j e c t i n g p a r t o f an entablat u r e , o r f e a t u r e r e s e m b l i n g i t . A n y p r o j ecting orna m e n t a l m o l d i n g a l o n g t h e t o p o f a w a l l , or por tion
of a w a l l o r b u i l d i n g , a t a p o r c h , e t c .
Cr e s t i n g A n o r n a m e n t a l r i d g e a l o n g t h e t op of a wall
or r o o f , o f t e n m a d e o f m e t a l .
Cr o s s - g a b l e A s e c o n d a r y g a b l e r o o f w h i c h meets the
ma i n r o o f a t r i g h t a n g l e s .
D
De m o l i t i o n A n y a c t o r p r o c e s s t h a t d e s t r o ys in par t
or i n w h o l e a l a n d m a r k o r a s t r u c t u r e w i t h in a histor i c d i s t r i c t .
De n t i l s A r o w o f s m a l l d e c o r a t i v e b l o c k s alter nating
wi t h b l a n k s p a c e s i n a c l a s s i c a l c o r n i c e .
De s i g n g u i d e l i n e s T h e “ S t a n d a r d s f o r R e h abilitation
an d G u i d e l i n e s f o r R e h a b i l i t a t i n g H i s t o r i c Buildings”
as a d o p t e d b y t h e S e c r e t a r y o f t h e U n i t e d States Depar t m e n t o f t h e I n t e r i o r, a n d o t h e r g u i d e l i nes which
ar e a d o p t e d a s n e c e s s a r y b y t h e C i t y t o e x emplify
the s t a n d a r d s d e e m e d a p p r o p r i a t e f o r R e s t oration,
Entablatur e In classical ar chitectur e, the full
band of horizontal elements above the column
capitals.
F
Fabric The physical material of a building, str uctur e, or community, connoting an inter weaving of
component par ts.
Facade Any one of the exter nal faces or elevations of a building. See also primar y faça de and
secondar y façade.
Fanlight A semi-cir cular or fan shaped window set
over a door with radiating muntins.
Fascia A pr ojecting flat horizontal band; for ms
the trim of a flat r oof or a pitched r oof.
Fenestration The ar rangement of windows on a
building facade.
Finial A pr ojecting decorative element, at the top
of an object; such as a fence post, weather vane,
r oof tur r et or gable.
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Fis h s c a l e s h i n g l e s A d e c o r a t i v e p a t t e r n o f wall
sh i n g l e s c o m p o s e d o f s t a g g e r e d h o r i z o n t a l r ows of
wo o d e n s h i n g l e s w i t h h a l f - r o u n d e n d s .
Hood molding A pr ojecting molding above an
ar ch, door, or window, also called a drip mold.
Fla s h i n g S h e e t s , u s u a l l y m e t a l , u s e d t o w eatherpr oof
joi n t s o r e d g e s e s p e c i a l l y o n a r o o f .
Fla t a r c h A n a r c h w h o s e w e d g e - s h a p e d s t ones or
br i c k s a r e s e t w i t h a s t r a i g h t b o t t o m e d g e ; also called
a jack arch.
Fo u n d a t i o n T h e b a s e o f a b u i l d i n g t h a t r e sts dir ectly
on e a r t h a n d c a r r i e s t h e l o a d o f t h e s t r u c t ur e above.
I
Infill New constr uction wher e ther e had been an
opening befor e, such as a new building between
two older str uctur es; or block Infill between
por ch piers or in an original window opening.
Ionic or der One of the classical or ders, it has
decorative capitals with volutes, scr oll-like or naments, which tur n downwar d.
Fri e z e T h e m i d d l e p o r t i o n o f a c l a s s i c a l c or nice;
als o a p p l i e d d e c o r a t i v e e l e m e n t s o n a n e n t ablatur e or
par a p e t w a l l .
J
G
K
Ga b l e T h e t r i a n g u l a r s e c t i o n o f a n e x t e r i o r wall suppo r t i n g a p i t c h e d r o o f .
Keystone The central top most element of an
ar ch.
Ga b l e r o o f A p i t c h e d r o o f w i t h o n e d o w n w ar d slope
on e i t h e r s i d e o f a c e n t r a l , h o r i z o n t a l r i d g e, for ming a
ga b l e a t e a c h e n d .
L
Ga m b r e l r o o f A p i t c h e d r o o f w i t h t w o s l o p es on each
sid e o f t h e r i d g e .
H
Ha l f - t i m b e r i n g T i m b e r f r a m e w a l l c o n s t r u ction with
sp a c e s b e t w e e n t i m b e r s f i l l e d w i t h b r i c k , s tone,
stu c c o , e t c .
Ha r m o n y P l e a si n g o r a g r e e a b l e ; a c o n g r u ent ar rangeme n t .
He i g h t T h e d i s t a n c e f r o m t h e b o t t o m t o t he top of a
bu i l d i n g o r s t r u c t u r e .
Hi p p e d r o o f A r o o f w i t h u n i f o r m s l o p i n g on all sides.
Hi s t o r i c D i s t r i c t A n a r e a d e s i g n a t e d a s a “historic
dis t r i c t ” b y o r d i n a n c e o f t h e c i t y c o u n c i l a nd which
ma y c o n t a i n w i th i n d e f i n a b l e g e o g r a p h i c b oundaries
on e o r m o r e l a n d m a r k s a n d w h i c h m a y h a v e within its
bo u n d a r i e s o t h e r p r o p o r t i o n s o r s t r u c t u r e s that, while
no t o f s u c h h i s t o r i c o r a r c h i t e c t u r a l s i g n i f icance to be
de s i g n a t e d a s l a n d m a r k s , n e v e r t h e l e s s c o ntribute to
the o v e r a l l h i s t o r i c o r a r c h i t e c t u r a l c h a r a c teristics of
the h i s t o r i c d i s t r i c t .
Hi s t o r i c i m i t a t i o n ( h i s t o r i c r e p l i c a ) N e w constr uctio n o r r e h a b i l i t a t i o n w h e r e e l e m e n t s , c o m ponents, or
bu i l d i n g s m i m i c a n a r c h i t e c t u r a l s t y l e b u t ar e not of
the s a m e h i s t o r i c p e r i o d a s t h e o r i g i n a l b e ing mimick e d .
Jack ar ch See flat ar ch.
Landmark A pr oper ty, str uctur e or natural object
designated as a “landmark” by or dinance of the
city council, pursuant to pr ocedur es pr escribed in
this title, that is wor thy of r ehabilitation, r estoration and pr eser vation because of its historic or
ar chitectural significance to the city.
Landscape The whole of the exterior envir onment of a site, district, or r egion, including landfor ms, tr ees and plants, rivers and lakes, and the
built envir onment.
Lattice An openwork grill (diagonal or ver tical
and horizontal) of wood strips used as scr eening.
Lintel The horizontal suppor t member above a
window, door, or other opening.
M
Maintain To keep in an existing state of pr eservation or r epair.
Mansar d r oof A r oof with two slopes on all four
sides, with the lower slope steeper than the upper.
Masonr y Constr uction of brick, stone or ter ra
cotta laid up in units.
Massing The thr ee-dimensional for m of a building.
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Materi a l C h a n g e A c h a n g e t h a t w i l l a f f e c t e i t her the
exterio r a r c h i t e c t u r a l o r e n v i r o n m e n t a l f e a t u r es of an
histor i c p r o p e r t y o r a n y s t r u c t u r e , s i t e , o r w o rk of ar t
within a n h i s t o r i c di s t r i c t .
Modill i o n A n o r n a m e n t a l b r a c k e t u s e d i n a s e ries under
a cor n i c e a n d s o m e t i m e s s u p p o r t i n g t h e c o r n i ce.
Mor ta r A m i x t u r e o f s a n d , l i m e , c e m e n t , a n d water used
as a bi n d i n g a g e n t i n m a s o n r y c o n s t r u c t i o n .
Mullio n A v e r t i c a l d i v i d e r b e t w e e n i n d i v i d u a l windows
or doo r s .
Multi- l i g h t A w i n d o w s a s h o r d o o r l i g h t c o m p osed ofmor e t h a n o n e p a n e o f g l a s s .
Munti n A s e c o n d a r y f r a m i n g m e m b e r t o d i v i d e and hold
the ind i v i d u a l p a n e s o f g l a s s .
N
Neighb o r h o o d C o m m i t t e e A s u b c o m m i t t e e o f the
Pr eser v a t i o n C o m m i s s i o n c o m p r i s e d o f n e i g h bor hood
r eside n t s a n d c o m m i s s i o n m e m b e r s c r e a t e d t o pr ovide
r ecom m e n d a t i o n s t o t h e f u l l c o m m i s s i o n a n d e xpedite
the CO A r e v i e w p r o c e s s .
New c o n s t r u c t i o n C o n s t r u c t i o n w h i c h i s c h a r acterized
by the i n t r o d u c t i o n o f n e w e l e m e n t s , s i t e s , b u i ldings, or
str uct u r e s o r a d d i t io n s t o e x i s t i n g b u i l d i n g s a nd str uctur es i n h i s t o r i c a r e a s a n d d i s t r i c t s .
Nor ma l l y r e q u i r e d M a n d a t o r y a c t i o n s , s u m m arized in
the gu i d e l i n e s , w h o s e c o m p l i a n c e i s e n f o r c e d by the
Aur ora P r e s e r v a t i o n C o m m i s s i o n .
O
Pitch The slope of a r oof.
Por ch A r oofed space, open or par tly enclosed, often
at a building entrance, often with columns and a pediment, and generally with suppor t piers but occasionally with a full foundation.
Por tico A por ch or ambulator y, suppor ted by columns
on at least on side, especially at the main entrance to
a building in the Gr eek, Roman, or Neoclassical style.
Por tland cement A str ong, inflexible cement used
to bind mor tar. Mor tar or patching materials with a
high Por tland cement content should not be used on
pr e-1920 buildings. (The Por tland cement is har der
than the earlier masonr y, causing serious damage
over time.)
Pr eser vation Generally, saving fr om destr uction or
deterioration old and historic buildings, sites, str uctur es, and objects and pr oviding for their continued
use by means of r estoration, r ehabilitation, or adaptive use.
Pr essed tin Decorative and functional metalwork
made of stamped tin used to sheath r oofs, bays, and
cor nices.
Primar y façade The fr ont facing façade; the façade
that faces the str eet and has the primar y entrance.
For buildings with the entr y on a side façade or buildings sited on a cor ner, the side façade wi th entr y
and the str eet facing side façade and ar e consider ed
as primar y facades. See also Façade and Secondar y
façade.
Pr opor tion Har monious r elation of par ts to one another or to the whole.
Obscu r e d C o v e r e d , c o n c e a l e d , o r h i d d e n f r o m view.
Pyramidal r oof A r oof with four identical sides rising
to a central peak.
Oriel w i n d o w A b a y w i n d o w b u i l t o u t f r o m t h e wall r esting on a b r a c k e t o r c o r b e l .
Q
P
Quoins Units of stone or bricks used to accentuate
the cor ners of a building.
Pallad i a n w i n d o w A w i n d o w o p e n i n g w i t h t h r ee par ts,
the ce n t r a l o n e a r c h e d a n d w i d e r t h a n t h e r e c t angular
flankin g o n e s . T h e t o p s o f t h e f l a n k i n g w i n d o ws align
with th e b a s e o f t h e a r c h .
Panele d d o o r A d o o r c o m p o s e d o f s o l i d p a n e l s (either
raised o r r e c e s s e d ) h e l d w i t h i n a f r a m e w o r k o f rails and
stiles.
Parape t A l o w w a l l a t t h e e d g e o f a r o o f .
Pedim e n t A t r i a n g u l a r e l e m e n t f o r m e d b y t h e gable of a
r oof; a n y s i m i l a r t r i a n g u l a r e l e m e n t u s e d o v e r windows,
doors, e t c .
R
Rail A horizontal member of a railing or fence; may
suppor t ver tical elements. Also, a main horizontal
member of a door or window.
Recommended Suggested, but not mandator y actions
summarized in the guidelines.
Reconstr uction The act or pr ocess of r epr oducing by
new constr uction the exact for m and detail of a vanished building, str uctur e, or object, or a par t ther eof,
as it appear ed at a specific period of time.
Rehabilitation The pr ocess of r etur ning a pr oper ty to
a state of utility, thr ough r epair or alteration, which
makes possible an ef ficient contemporar y use while
Pilaste r A s q u a r e p i l l a r a t t a c h e d t o a w a l l .
pr eser ving those por tions and featur es of the pr opC i t y o f A u r o r a - H i s t oric Districts and Landmarks Guidelines
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Pier A s q u a r e o r r e c t a n g u l a r c o l u m n .
er ty w h i c h a r e s i g ni f i c a n t t o i t s h i s t o r i c , a r c h i tectural and
cultur a l v a l u e s .
Sidelight A ver tical ar ea of fixed glass on either side
of a door or window.
Replic a t i o n C r e a t i n g a n o b j e c t t h a t i s a n e x a c t imitation
of a hi s t o r i c a r c h i t e c t u r a l s t y l e o r p e r i o d .
Siding The exterior wall covering (sheathing) of a
str uctur e.
Restor a t i o n T h e a ct o r p r o c e s s o f a c c u r a t e l y t aking a
buildin g ’ s a p p e a r a n c e b a c k t o a s p e c i f i c p e r i o d of time
by r em o v i n g l a t e r w o r k a n d b y r e p l a c i n g m i s s i ng earlier
featur e s t o m a t c h t h e o r i g i n a l .
Significant Having par ticularly impor tant associations within the contexts of ar chitectur e, histor y,
and cultur e. The impor tance of an element, building
or a site , owing to its involvement with a significant
event, person, or time period, or as an example of an
ar chitectural style. Also historically significant.
Retain To k e e p s e c u r e a n d i n t a c t . I n t h e s e g uidelines,
“r etain ” a n d “ m a i n t a i n ” d e s c r i b e t h e a c t o f k e eping an element, d e t a i l , o r s t r u c t u r e a n d c o n t i n u i n g t h e same level of
r epair t o a i d i n p r e s e r v a t i o n o f e l e m e n t s , s i t e s and str uctur es.
Re-use To u s e a g a i n . A n e l e m e n t , d e t a i l , o r s t r uctur e
might b e r e u s e d i n h i s t o r i c d i s t r i c t s . S e e a l s o Adaptive
use.
Rhythm R e g u l a r o c c u r r e n c e o f e l e m e n t s o r f e atur es such
as spa c i n g b e t w e e n b u i l d i n g s .
Ridge T h e t o p h o r i z o n t a l m e m b e r o f a r o o f w her e the
slopin g s u r f a c e s m e e t .
Room A n e n c l o s u r e o r d i v i s i o n o f a h o u s e s e p arated fr om
other d i v i s i o n s , d e s i g n e d t o b e h a b i t a b l e f o u r seasons a
year a n d f u l l y h e a t e d .
Rustic a t i o n M a s o n r y c u t i n m a s s i v e b l o c k s s e parated by
deep jo i n t s .
S
Sash T h e f r a m e w o r k c o n t a i n i n g t h e g l a s s i n a window.
Scale P r o p o r t i o n a l e l e m e n t s t h a t d e m o n s t r a t e the size,
materi a l s , a n d s t y l e o f b u i l d i n g s .
Second a r y f a ç a d e A f a c a d e o t h e r t h a n t h e p r i mar y façade.
A faca d e t h a t d o e s n o t f a c e a s t r e e t o r d o e s n o t have the
primar y e n t r a n c e . S e e a l s o F a ç a d e a n d P r i m a r y façade.
Segme n t a l a r c h A n a r c h w h o s e p r o f i l e i s l e s s than a semicir cle.
Semi-c i r c u l a r a r c h A n a r c h w h o s e p r o f i l e i s a half-cir cle.
Setting T h e a t t r i b u t e s o f a l o c a l i t y, n e i g h b o r hood, or
pr oper t y t h a t d e f i n e s i t s c h a r a c t e r.
Shake A s p l i t ( b y h a n d ) r a t h e r t h a n s a w n w o o d shingle.
Sheath i n g A n e x t e r i o r c o v e r i n g o f b o a r d s o r other surface ap p l i e d t o t h e f r a m e o f t h e s t r u c t u r e . S e e Siding.
Shed r o o f A l o w - p i t c h e d r o o f w i t h o n l y o n e s l ope.
Shingl e s A t h i n p i e c e o f w o o d , s l a t e , a s p h a l t , etc. laid
with o t h e r s i n a s e r i e s o f o v e r l a p p i n g r o w s c o vering the
r oof or s i d e s o f a h o u s e . I n e a r l y 1 8 0 0 s t h e s h ingles wer e
hand s p l i t . To d a y, h a n d - s p l i t s h i n g l e s a r e c a l l ed shakes.
Sill The pr ojecting horizontal base of a window or
door, may be of any material, angled to r epel water.
Also, the horizontal piece of lumber, or built-up section that r ests on the foundation and for ms the base
for the wood frame in constr uction.
Sof fit The horizontal underside of an eave or cornice.
Spindles Slender wood dowels or r ods tur ned on a
lathe often used in scr eens and por ch trim. See also
baluster.
Stabilization The act or pr ocess of applying measur es essential to the maintenance of a deteriorated
building as it exists at pr esent, establishing str uctural stability and a weather-r esistant enclosur e.
Standing seam r oof A sheet metal r oof with ver tical
folded seams joining adjacent flat panels; the parallel
seams r un along the slope.
Stile One of the main ver tical members of a millwork
frame to which the others ar e attached; the ver tical
framing members at the edge of a door or window.
Str eetscape The distinguishing character of a par ticular str eet as cr eated by its width, degr ee of cur vatur e, paving materials, design of the str eet fur nitur e,
and for ms of sur r ounding buildings.
Stucco An exterior finish, usually textu r ed; composed of Por tland cement, lime, and sand mixed with
water.
Style A type of ar chitectur e distinguish ed by special
characteristics of str uctur e and or nament and often
r elated in time; also a general quality of a distinctive
character.
Sur r ound An encir cling bor der or decorative frame,
usually at windows or doors.
Swag Car ved or nament in the for m of a cloth draped
over suppor ts, or in the for m of a garland of fr uits
and flowers.
T
Ter ra cotta A fine-grained, fir ed clay material used
for decorative masonr y, often used in imitation of
stone.
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T ranso m A n o p e n i n g a b o v e a d o o r o r w i n d o w.
T rim T h e d e c o r a t i v e f r a m i n g o f o p e n i n g s a n d other
featur e s .
T ur r et A s m a l l t o we r p r o j e c t i n g f r o m a b u i l d i ng usually at a c o r n e r.
T usca n o r d e r T h e s i m p l e s t o r d e r o f t h e c l a s s i cal
styles.
V
Ver geb o a r d S e e B ar g e b o a r d .
Ver nac u l a r A r e g i o n a l f o r m o r a d a p t a t i o n o f a traditional a r c h i t e c t u r a l s t y l e ; a b u i l d i n g b u i l t w i t h out being de s i g n e d b y a n a r c h i t e c t o r s o m e o n e w i t h similar
for mal t r a i n i n g .
W
Wall d o r m e r A d o r m e r c r e a t e d b y t h e u p w a r d extension of a w a l l a n d a b r e a k i n g o f t h e r o o f l i n e .
Water t a b l e A p r o j e c t i n g h o r i z o n t a l l e d g e , i n t ended to
pr even t w a t e r f r o m r u n n i n g d o w n t h e f a c e o f a wall’s
lower s e c t i o n .
Weath e r b o a r d Wo od s i d i n g c o n s i s t i n g o f o v e r lapping
boar ds u s u a l l y t h i c k e r a t o n e e d g e t h a n t h e o t her, or a
boar d a t t h e t o p f a n e x t e r i o r w a l l t a t c o v e r s t he joint
at an o v e r h a n g i n g e a v e o r v e r g e .
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Appendices
T h e S e c r e t a r y of the Interior’s Standar ds for Rehabilitation
The fo l l o w i n g a r e t o b e a p p l i e d t o s p e c i f i c r e h abilitation pr ojects in a r easonable manner, taking into consideration e c o n o m i c a n d t e c h n i c a l f e a s i b i l i t y.
1.
A p r o p e r t y s h a l l b e u s e d f o r i t s h i s t o r i c purpose or be placed in a new use that r equir es mini mal change
to the d e f i n i n g c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s o f t h e b u i l d i n g and its site and envir onment.
2.
T h e h i s t o r i c c h a r a c t e r o f a p r o p e r t y s h all be r etained and pr eser ved. The r emoval of historic materials or
alterat i o n o f f e a t u r e s a n d s p a c e s t h a t c h a r a c t e rize a pr oper ty shall be avoided.
3.
E a c h p r o p e r t y s h a l l b e r e c o g n i z e d a s a physical r ecor d of its time, place, and use. Changes that cr eate a
false s e n s e o f h i s t o r i c a l d e v e l o p m e n t , s u c h a s adding conjectural featur es or ar chitectural elements fr om other
buildin g s , s h a l l n o t b e u n d e r t a k e n .
4.
M o s t p r o p e r t i e s c h a n g e o v e r t i m e ; t h o se changes that have acquir ed historic significance in their own
right s h a l l b e r e t a i n e d a n d p r e s e r v e d .
5.
D i s t i n c t i v e f e a t u r e s , f i n i s h e s , a n d c o n s tr uction techniques or examples of craftsmanship that characterize
a histo r i c p r o p e r t y s h a l l b e p r e s e r v e d .
6.
D e t e r i o r a t e d h i s t o r i c f e a t u r e s s h a l l b e r epair ed rather than r eplaced. Wher e the severity of deterioration
r equir e s r e p l a c e m e n t o f a d i s t i n c t i v e f e a t u r e , the new featur e shall match the old in design, color, textur e, and
other v i s u a l q u a l i t i e s a n d , w h e r e p o s s i b l e , m a terials.
Replac e m e n t o f m i ss i n g f e a t u r e s s h a l l b e s u b s tantiated by documentar y, physical, or pictorial evidence.
7.
C h e m i c a l o r p h y s i c a l t r e a t m e n t s, such as sandblasting, that cause damage to historic materials
shall n o t b e u s e d . T h e s u r f a c e c l e a n i n g o f s t r uctur es, if appr opriate, shall be under taken using the gentlest
means p o s s i b l e .
8.
S i g n i f i c a n t a r c h e o l o g i c a l r e s o u r c e s a f f ected by a pr oject shall be pr otected and pr eser ved. I f such r esour ce s m u s t b e d i s t u r b e d , m i t i g a t i o n m e a s u r es shall be under taken.
9.
N e w a d d i t i on s , e x t e r i o r a l t e r a t i o n s , o r r elated new constr uction shall not destr oy historic materials that
charac t e r i z e t h e p r o p e r t y. T h e n e w w o r k s h a l l be dif fer entiated fr om the old and shall be compatible with the
massin g , s i z e , s c a l e , a n d a r c h i t e c t u r a l f e a t u r e s to pr otect the historic integrity of the pr oper ty and its envir onment.
10. N e w a d d i t i on s a n d a d j a c e n t o r r e l a t e d new constr uction shall be under taken in such a manner that if
r emov e d i n t h e f u t u r e , t h e e s s e n t i a l f o r m a n d integrity of the historic pr oper ty and its envir onment would be unimpair e d .
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145
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147
Chapte r 3 7 P R E S E R VA T I O N *
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*Cr oss r e f e r e n c e ( s ) - - B u i l d i n g s a n d b u i l d i n g r egulations, Ch. 12; planning and development,
Ch. 34 ; z o n i n g , A p p. A .
State l a w r e f e r e n c e ( s ) - - P o w e r s o f h o m e r u l e u nits, Ill. Const. ar t. VII, § 6.
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AR TIC L E I . I N G E N E R A L
Sec. 3 7 - 1 . D e f i n i t i o n s .
The fo l l o w i n g w o r d s , t e r m s a n d p h r a s e s , w h e n used in this chapter, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in
this se c t i o n , e x c e p t w h e r e t h e c o n t e x t c l e a r l y indicates a dif fer ent meaning:
Alterat i o n m e a n s a n y a c t o r p r o c e s s , w h i c h c h anges one (1) or mor e of the exterior featur es of the pr oper ty and
impr ov e m e n t s , w h i c h h a v e b e e n d e s i g n a t e d f o r pr eser vation under this chapter.
Cer tifi c a t e o f a p p r op r i a t e n e s s m e a n s a c e r t i f i c ate issued by the commission authorizing the per for mance of alteratio n s , c o n s t r u c t i o n a n d d e m o l i t i o n o n p r o per ty and impr ovements, which have been designated for pr eser vation un d e r t h i s c h a p t e r.
Comm i s s i o n m e a n s t h e A u r o r a P r e s e r v a t i o n C ommission.
Constr u c t i o n m e a n s a n y a c t o r p r o c e s s t h a t r e quir es a building per mit.
Demol i t i o n m e a n s a n y a c t o r p r o c e s s t h a t d e s t r oys or r emoves, in whole or in par t, an impr ovement that has been
design a t e d f o r p r e s e r v a t i o n u n d e r t h i s c h a p t e r.
Exteri o r f e a t u r e s i n c l u d e s t h e a r c h i t e c t u r a l c h aracter, the general composition and the general ar rangement of
the ex t e r i o r o f a n i m p r o v e m e n t , i n c l u d i n g t h e kind, color and textur e of building materials and the type and character o f w i n d o w s , d o o r s , l i g h t f i x t u r e s , s i g n s , fences and appur tenant elements visible fr om public str eets and
thor ou g h f a r e s .
Impr o v e m e n t m e a n s a n y b u i l d i n g , s t r u c t u r e , work of ar t, place, parking facility, fence, gate, wall or other object
consti t u t i n g a p h y s i c a l a d d i t i o n t o r e a l p r o p e r ty, or any par t of such addition.
(Code 1 9 6 9 , § 3 7 - 3 )
Sec. 3 7 - 2 . G e n e r a l c o n s t r u c t i o n o f p r o v i s i o n s .
(a) N o p r o v i s i o n i n t h i s c h a p t e r s h a l l b e c onstr ued as r epealing any other code or or dinance of t he city, and
any pe r m i t o r l i c e n s e r e q u i r e d t h e r e u n d e r s h all be r equir ed in addition to any cer tificate of appr opriateness
or eco n o m i c h a r d s h i p w h i c h m a y b e r e q u i r e d under this chapter; pr ovided, however, that wher e a cer tificate of
appr op r i a t e n e s s o r e c o n o m i c h a r d s h i p i s r e q u i r ed, no such other per mit or license shall be issued by any depar tment o f t h e c i t y b e fo r e a c e r t i f i c a t e h a s b e e n i ssued by the commission as pr ovided in this chapter.
(b)
T h e u s e o f p r o p e r t y a n d i m p r o v e m e n t s , which have been designated under this chapter shall be gover ned
by the c i t y z o n i n g o r d i n a n c e a s a m e n d e d ( A p p endix A of this Code).
(c) W h e n e v e r t h e r e i s a c o n f l i c t b e t w e e n t he pr ovisions of this chapter or a r egulation adopted her eunder and
the pr o v i s i o n s o f a n y o t h e r c o d e o r o r d i n a n c e of the city, the mor e r estrictive shall apply.
(d)
F o r p u r p o s e s o f r e m e d y i n g e m e r g e n c y conditions deter mined to be danger ous to life, health or pr oper ty,
the co m m i s s i o n m a y w a i v e t h e p r o c e d u r e s s e t for th in this chapter and grant immediate appr oval for a cer tificate
of appr o p r i a t e n e s s . T h e c o m m i s s i o n s h a l l s t a t e its r easons in writing for such immediate appr oval.
(Code 1 9 6 9 , § 3 7 - 4 )
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Sec. 3 7 - 3 . D e c l a r a t i o n .
(a) P r o d i g i o u s n e w d e v e l o p m e n t i n t h e o u tlying ar eas of the city, with its accompanying shifts of population
and ch a n g e s i n r e s id e n t i a l , c o m m e r c i a l a n d i n dustrial land use, thr eaten with deterioration and disappearance the
pr oper t y a n d i m p r o v e m e n t s o f t h e c i t y, w h i c h ar e the sour ces of its tradition and stability.
(b)
I t i s f o u n d a n d d e c l a r e d b y t h e c i t y c o uncil that it is r equir ed in the inter est of the public health, safety
and ge n e r a l w e l f a r e a n d i s n e c e s s a r y t o s o u n d urban planning that those pr oper ties and impr ovements having
specia l h i s t o r i c a l , a r c h i t e c t u r a l , c o m m u n i t y o r aesthetic significance be pr eser ved, enhanced and continued in or
r estor e d t o u s e ; i t b e i n g f u r t h e r f o u n d a n d d e clar ed that the city’s economic vitality and tax base cannot be maintained a n d e n h a n c e d w i t h o u t r e g a r d f o r A u r o r a’s heritage and older neighbor hoods.
(Code 1 9 6 9 , § 3 7 - 1 )
Sec. 3 7 - 4 . P u r p o s e s .
The pu r p o s e s o f t h i s c h a p t e r a r e t o :
(1) D e s i g n a t e , p r e s e r v e , e n h a n c e a n d p e r petuate those pr oper ties and impr ovements which r eflect the his-
torical , c u l t u r a l , a r t i s t i c , s o c i a l , e t h n i c o r o t h er heritage of the nation, state or community, or which may be r ep r e s e n t a t i v e o f a n a r c h i t e c t u r a l o r e n g i n eering type inher ently valuable for the study of a style, period,
craftsm a n s h i p , m e t h o d o f c o n s t r u c t i o n o r u s e of indigenous materials;
(2) S t a b i l i z e a n d i m p r o v e t h e e c o n o m i c v i t ality and value of the designated pr oper ties and impr o vements in
par ticu l a r a n d o f t h e c i t y i n g e n e r a l ;
(3) Preser ve the existing housing stock;
(4) F o s t e r c i v i c p r i d e i n t h e b e a u t y a n d a c complishments of the past;
(5) E n h a n c e t h e c i t y ’ s a t t r a c t i o n t o v i s i t o r s and ther eby suppor t and stimulate commer ce and industr y;
(6) P r o m o t e a n d e n c o u r a g e t h e c o n t i n u e d private ownership and use of designated pr oper ties and impr ovements t o t h e m a x i m u m e x t e n t c o n s i s t e n t w i t h the above objectives.
(Code 1 9 6 9 , § 3 7 - 2 )
Sec. 3 7 - 5 . P e n a l t i e s .
Any pe r s o n w h o v i o l a t e s a n y o f t h e p r o v i s i o n s of this chapter shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon
convic t i o n s h a l l b e p u n i s h e d a s p r o v i d e d i n s e ction 1-10.
(Code 1 9 6 9 , § 3 7 - 1 9)
Sec. 3 7 - 6 . E q u i t a b l e r e l i e f .
In add i t i o n t o o t h e r r e m e d i e s p r o v i d e d b y l a w, the city may institute any appr opriate action or pr oceeding to pr event, r e s t r a i n , a b a t e o r c o r r e c t a v i o l a t i o n o f t his chapter, including, but not limited to, r equiring the r estoration
of pr op e r t y a n d i m p r o v e m e n t s t o t h e i r a p p e a r ance prior to the violation.
(Code 1 9 6 9 , § 3 7 - 2 0)
Secs. 3 7 - 7 - - 3 7 - 2 0 . R e s e r v e d .
AR TIC L E I I . P R E S E R VA T I O N C O M M I S S I O N *
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*Cr oss r e f e r e n c e ( s ) - - B o a r d s a n d c o m m i s s i o n s generally, § 2-406 et seq.
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Sec. 3 7 - 2 1 . C r e a t i o n ; m e m b e r s .
(a) T h e r e i s c r e a t e d t h e A u r o r a P r e s e r v a t ion Commission, which shall consist of eleven (11) voting members
to be a p p o i n t e d b y t h e m a y o r w i t h t h e c o n s e n t of the city council. Members shall ser ve for ter ms of thr ee (3)
years a n d u n t i l t h e r e s p e c t i v e s u c c e s s o r o f e a ch member is appointed. Vacancies shall be filled by appointment
for the r e m a i n d e r o f a n y u n - e x p i r e d t e r m . M e mbers may be appointed for no mor e than two (2) consecutive ter ms
and sh a l l s e r v e w i t h o u t c o m p e n s a t i o n .
(b)
A l l v o t i n g m e m b e r s o f t h e c o m m i s s i o n shall be r esidents of the city and shall be appointed on the basis of
demon s t r a t e d e x p e r t i s e , e x p e r i e n c e o r i n t e r e s t in the ar eas of anthr opology, ar chitectur e, ar t, building constr uction, e n g i n e e r i n g , f i n a n c e , h i s t o r i c a l a n d a r c h i tectural pr eser vation, histor y, law, neighbor hood or ganizing, planning o r r e a l e s t a t e . R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s f r o m e a c h of the various city depar tments shall ser ve, ex of ficio , as nonvoting me m b e r s o f t h e c o m m i s s i o n w h e n r e q u i r e d.
(Code 1 9 6 9 , § 3 7 - 5 )
Sec. 3 7 - 2 2 . O r g a n i z a t i o n ; r u l e s ; m e e t i n g s ; r e movals; dir ector; r ecor ds.
(a) T h e m a y o r s h a l l a p p o i n t a c h a i r m a n a n d a vice-chair man fr om among the members of the commission for
ter ms o f o n e ( 1 ) y e a r. T h e c h a i r m a n s h a l l p r e side over meetings. In the absence of the chair man, the vice-chairman sh a l l p e r f o r m t h e d u t i e s o f t h e c h a i r m a n .
(b)
T h e c o m m i s s i o n s h a l l a d o p t r u l e s f o r t he conduct of its business. Meetings shall be held at r egularly
schedu l e d t i m e s o r a t t h e c a l l o f t h e c h a i r m a n . All meetings of the commission shall be open to the public.
(c) A q u o r u m s h a l l c o n s i s t o f s i x ( 6 ) m e m bers. The transaction of business shall be made by a majority vote
of thos e m e m b e r s i n a t t e n d a n c e w h i l e a q u o r u m is pr esent, except that the adoption, modification or r ecision of
any r u l e o r p a r t t h e r e o f s h a l l r e q u i r e t h e a f f i r mative vote of six (6) members. Members shall be automatically
dismis s e d f r o m t h e c o m m i s s i o n u p o n f a i l i n g t o attend at least two-thir ds of all meetings held during a one-year
period .
(d)
T h e m a y o r m a y, i n h i s d i s c r e t i o n , r e m ove any member for incompetence, neglect of duty or malfeasance
in of fi c e . T h e m a y o r s h a l l , w i t h i n t e n ( 1 0 ) d a y s, r epor t in writing such r emoval to the city council with the r easons th e r e f o r e .
(e) U p o n r e c o m m e n d a t i o n b y t h e c o m m i s s ion, the mayor may appoint an executive dir ector to pr ovide staf f
suppor t t o t h e c o m m i s s i o n . S u c h d i r e c t o r s h a l l be salaried and pr ovided with an of fice.
(f) T h e d i r e c t o r s h a l l k e e p , o r c a u s e t o b e kept, a r ecor d of all pr oceedings and actions of the commission,
which r e c o r d s h a l l b e o p e n t o t h e p u b l i c f o r i n spection and shall be kept and maintained at his of fice. The commissio n s h a l l s u b m i t a m o n t h l y r e p o r t o f i t s a ctivities to the city council.
(g)
T h e d i r e c t o r i s h e r e b y d e e m e d a p e a c e of ficer and is authorized to pr epar e and ser ve citations personally
or by c e r t i f i e d m a i l , f o r v i o l a t i o n s o f a r t i c l e V of this chapter.
(h) A n y m e m b e r o f t h e c o m m i s s i o n h a v i n g a pecuniar y or personal inter est in any
matter c o m i n g b e f o r e t h e c o m m i s s i o n s h a l l d i sclose such inter est to the other
memb e r s a n d s u c h i n t e r e s t s h a l l b e m a d e a m atter of r ecor d. Any member having such an inter est shall not pr esent or s p e a k o n s u c h m a t t e r n o r s h a l l h e v o t e or in any way use his personal influence on such matter nor shall
he be c o u n t e d i n d e t e r m i n i n g a q u o r u m f o r c o nsideration of such matter.
(Code 1 9 6 9 , § 3 7 - 6 )
Cr oss r e f e r e n c e ( s ) -- H u m a n s e r v i c e s d e p a r t m e nt to pr ovide staf fing and liaison for boar ds, etc., § 2-284.
Sec. 3 7 - 2 3 . P o w e r s a n d d u t i e s .
The co m m i s s i o n m a y :
(1) D e s i g n a t e l a n d m a r k s , h i s t o r i c a l d i s t r i c ts and urban conser vation districts within the corpora te limits of
the cit y i n a c c o r d a n c e w i t h t h e p r o c e d u r e s a n d standar ds set for th in this chapter.
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(2) I s s u e , m o d i f y o r d e n y c e r t i f i c a t e s o f a ppr opriateness and economic har dship in accor dance with the pr ocedur e s a n d c r i t e r i a s e t f o r t h i n t h i s c h a p t e r.
(3) A d o p t r u l e s a n d r e g u l a t i o n s , i n c l u d i n g such guidelines as may be deemed necessar y for r eview of applications f o r c e r t i f i c a t e s o f a p p r o p r i a t e n e s s .
(4) K e e p a r e g i s t e r o f a l l p r o p e r t y a n d i m pr ovements, which have been designated for pr eser vation under
this ch a p t e r. T h i s r e g i s t e r s h a l l i n c l u d e t h e i n for mation r equir ed of each designation, along with the appr opriate
maps.
(5) P r o v i d e f i n a n c i a l a n d t e c h n i c a l a s s i s t a nce to the owners of pr oper ty and impr ovements, which have been
design a t e d f o r p r e s e r v a t i o n .
(6) R e t a i n , u p o n a p p r o v a l b y t h e c i t y c o u n cil, such specialists as may be r equir ed fr om time to ti me.
(7) E n g a g e i n m u t u a l c o o p e r a t i o n w i t h o t h er city depar tments and commissions on matters af fec ting the
pr oper t y a n d i m p r o v e m e n t s , w h i c h h a v e b e e n designated for pr eser vation.
(8) M a k e s u g g e s t i o n s a n d r e c o m m e n d a t i o ns r elative to the nomination of designated pr oper ty and impr ovements t o s t a t e a n d n a t i o n a l r e g i s t e r s .
(9) P e r f o r m a n y a n d a l l f u n c t i o n s w h i c h w ill foster the marking and maintenance of designated pr oper ty and
impr ov e m e n t s i n a c c o r d a n c e w i t h t h e r e s p e c t to which they ar e entitled and as will aid the public in visiting such
ar eas w i t h c o n v e n i e n c e a n d i n a p p r o p r i a t e s u r r oundings.
(10) R e c o m m e n d t h e c i t y ’ s a c q u i s i t i o n b y d onation, pur chase or eminent domain of a fee or lesser inter est in
design a t e d p r o p e r t y a n d i m p r o v e m e n t s , i n c l u ding but not limited to easements, covenants and leasehold interests; a n d t o r e c o n s t r u c t , m a i n t a i n , o p e r a t e o r transfer such pr oper ty so acquir ed, all in accor dance with the purposes, p r o c e d u r e s a n d s t a n d a r d s s e t f o r t h i n t his chapter.
(11) I n d u c e b y c o n t r a c t o r o t h e r c o n s i d e r a t ion the cr eation of covenants or r estrictions binding on land.
(12) R e c e i v e f u n d s f r o m f e d e r a l , s t a t e a n d private sour ces for deposit in a separate account of the city to be r efer r ed t o a s t h e p r es e r v a t i o n f u n d , w h i c h f u n d s shall only be loaned or expended by the commission with appr oval of th e c i t y c o u n c i l f o r s u c h p u r p o s e s a s a r e her ein set for th; if the commission is dissolved, then any amounts
r emain i n g i n t h e f u n d s h a l l b e a p p l i e d b y t h e city council to fur ther the purposes of this chapter. If any amounts
r emain i n t h e f u n d a f t e r a p e r i o d o f o n e ( 1 ) y e ar following the commission’s dissolution, then such funds may be
applie d b y t h e c i t y c o u n c i l f o r s u c h g e n e r a l c o rporate purposes, as it may deem appr opriate.
(13) R e c o m m e n d t h e c i t y ’ s a c q u i s i t i o n b y d onation, pur chase or eminent domain of a fee or lesser inter est in
pr oper t y w h i c h i s w i t h i n t h e p u b l i c v i e w a n d a djacent to or immediately sur r ounding designated pr oper ty and
impr ov e m e n t s , t h e a l t e r a t i o n , c l e a r a n c e o r m a intenance of which is impor tant for the pr oper pr eser vation and use
of the d e s i g n a t e d p r o p e r t y a n d i m p r o v e m e n t s .
(14) R e c o m m e n d t h e i s s u a n c e o f r e v e n u e b onds by the corporate authorities.
(15) C o o p e r a t e w i t h o t h e r g o v e r n m e n t a l b o dies or agencies and not-for-pr ofit or ganizations with purposes
simila r t o t h o s e s e t f o r t h i n t h i s c h a p t e r, i n c l u ding but not limited to the execution of contracts and the conveyance o f p r o p e r t y w h e t h e r b y p u r c h a s e o r d o n a tion.
(Code 1 9 6 9 , § 3 7 - 7 )
Secs. 3 7 - 2 4 - - 3 7 - 4 0 . R e s e r v e d .
AR TIC L E I I I . D E S I G N A T I O N S TA N D A R D S
Sec. 3 7 - 4 1 . L a n d m a r k s .
The co m m i s s i o n s h a l l c o n s i d e r t h e f o l l o w i n g i n r eviewing pr oper ty and impr ovements for designation as landmarks :
(1) S i g n i f i c a n t v a l u e a s p a r t o f t h e h i s t o r i cal, cultural, ar tistic, social, ethnic or other heritage of the nation,
state o r c o m m u n i t y ;
(2) A s s o c i a t e d w i t h a n i m p o r t a n t p e r s o n o r event in national, state or local histor y;
(3) R e p r e s e n t a t i v e o f t h e d i s t i n g u i s h i n g c haracteristics of an ar chitectural type inher ently valuable for the
study o f a p e r i o d , s t y l e , c r a f t s m a n s h i p , m e t h o d of constr uction or use of indigenous materials;
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(4) era;
N o t a b l e w o r k o f a m a s t e r b u i l d e r, d e s i gner, ar chitect or ar tist whose individual genius has influenced an
(5) I d e n t i f i a b l e a s a n e s t a b l i s h e d a n d f a m i liar visual featur e in the community owing to its unique location or
physic a l c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s ;
(6) Owner preferences;
(7) Economic and functional potentials.
(Code 1 9 6 9 , § 3 7 - 8 )
Sec. 3 7 - 4 2 . H i s t o r i c a l d i s t r i c t s .
The co m m i s s i o n s h a l l c o n s i d e r t h e f o l l o w i n g i n r eviewing pr oper ty and impr ovements for designation as historical dis t r i c t s :
(1) A n y o f t h e s t a n d a r d s l i s t e d i n s e c t i o n 37-41;
(2) H o m o g e n e i t y o f a r c h i t e c t u r a l d e s i g n o r dates of constr uction thr oughout the ar ea;
(3) I d e n t i f i a b l e b y c l e a r a n d d i s t i n c t i v e b o undaries;
(4) R e p e t i t i o n o f d i s t i n g u i s h i n g a r c h i t e c t u ral or land use characteristics thr oughout the ar ea.
(Code 1 9 6 9 , § 3 7 - 9 )
Sec. 3 7 - 4 3 . U r b a n c o n s e r v a t i o n d i s t r i c t s .
The co m m i s s i o n s h a l l c o n s i d e r t h e f o l l o w i n g i n r eviewing pr oper ty and impr ovements for designation as urban
conser v a t i o n d i s t r i c t s :
(1) A n y o f t h e s t a n d a r d s l i s t e d i n s e c t i o n s 37-41 and 37-42;
(2) I d e n t i f i a b l e a s a t r a d i t i o n a l A u r o r a n e i ghbor hood, commer cial ar ea or public activity center;
(3) C h a r a c t e r i z e d b y s o l i d h o u s i n g o r c o m mer cial buildings which ar e not necessarily significant or homogeneous i n a r c h i t e c t u r a l d e s i g n ;
(4) T h r e a t e n e d w i t h d e t e r i o r a t i o n , d e m o l i t ion or dishar monious alteration.
(Code 1 9 6 9 , § 3 7 - 9 )
Secs. 3 7 - 4 4 - - 3 7 - 6 0 . R e s e r v e d .
AR TIC L E I V. D E S I G N A T I O N P R O C E D U R E
Sec. 3 7 - 6 1 . A p p l i c a t i o n .
(a) T h e c o m m i s s i o n , b y a t h r e e - f i f t h s v o t e of all members, or any person, gr oup of persons or association,
may ap p l y f o r a l a n d m a r k , h i s t o r i c a l d i s t r i c t o r urban conser vation district designation for pr oper ty and impr ovements l o c a t e d w i t h i n t h e c o r p o r a t e l i m i t s o f t he city.
(b)
A p p l i c a t i o n s s h a l l b e f i l e d w i t h t h e e x ecutive dir ector on for ms pr ovided by the commission. The application sh a l l i n c l u d e o r b e a c c o m p a n i e d b y t h e f o llowing:
(1) T h e n a m e a n d a d d r e s s , a s s h o w n o n t h e tax assessor’s r olls, of the owner of the pr oper ty pr oposed for
design a t i o n .
(2) T h e l e g a l d e s c r i p t i o n a n d c o m m o n s t r eet addr ess of the pr oper ty pr oposed for designation.
(3) A m a p d e l i n e a t i n g t h e b o u n d a r i e s a n d location of the pr oper ty pr oposed for designation.
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(4) A w r i t t e n s t a t e m e n t d e s c r i b i n g t h e p r o per ty and setting for th r easons in suppor t of the designation pr oposed.
(5) A n i n d i c a t i o n o f w h e t h e r o r n o t t h e o w ner consents to the pr oposed designation.
(6) S u c h o t h e r i n f o r m a t i o n a s m a y b e r e q uir ed by the commission.
(Code 1 9 6 9 , § 3 7 - 1 1)
Sec. 3 7 - 6 2 . N o t i f i c a t i o n a n d p r e l i m i n a r y r e v i e w.
(a) U p o n r e c e i p t o f a n a p p l i c a t i o n f o r d e s i gnation, the executive dir ector shall schedule a pr eliminar y r eview
to be h e l d a t t h e n ex t r e g u l a r m e e t i n g o f t h e c ommission. He shall notify the applicant of the time and place of
the pr e l i m i n a r y r e v i e w a n d a l s o n o t i f y t h e d i v i sion of inspections, per mits and zoning enfor cement, the division
of plan n i n g a n d t h e p u b l i c w o r k s d e p a r t m e n t t hat an application for designation has been r eceived, r equesting
that ea c h r e p o r t t o t h e c o m m i s s i o n o n a n y m a tters af fecting the subject pr oper ty or sur r ounding ar ea.
(b)
A t t h e n e x t r e g u l a r m e e t i n g f o l l o w i n g the r eceipt of an application for designation, the commission shall
consid e r t h e a p p l i c a t i o n a n d d e c i d e w h e t h e r i t merits a public hearing. If the commission finds that the application do e s n o t m e r i t a p u b l i c h e a r i n g , i t s h a l l e nter a for mal denial of the application, which shall constitute the
final a d m i n i s t r a t i v e d e c i s i o n .
(Code 1 9 6 9 , § 3 7 - 1 2)
Sec. 3 7 - 6 3 . P u b l i c h e a r i n g ; d e c i s i o n ; a p p e a l .
(a) I f t h e c o m m i s s i o n f i n d s a t t h e t i m e o f t he pr eliminar y r eview that an application merits fur ther consideration, t h e n a p u b l i c h e a r i n g s h a l l b e s c h e d u l e d to be held within the next for ty-five (45) days.
(b)
T h e e x e c u t i v e d i r e c t o r s h a l l n o t i f y t h e applicant and owner of the subject pr oper ty as to the date, time,
place a n d p u r p o s e o f t h e p u b l i c h e a r i n g . S u c h notice shall be in writing and shall be sent not less than fifteen
(15) d a y s i n a d v a n ce o f s u c h h e a r i n g b y c e r t i f ied mail, pr operly addr essed as shown on the tax assessor’s r olls
and wi t h s u f f i c i e n t p o s t a g e a f f i x e d t h e r e t o . F a ilur e to send such notice wher e no addr ess appears on the tax
assess o r ’ s r o l l s h a l l n o t i n v a l i d a t e t h e p r o c e e d ings of the commission.
(c) T h e d i r e c t o r s h a l l a l s o p u b l i s h a n o t i c e in a newspaper of general cir culation in the city describing the
pr oper t y p r o p o s e d f o r d e s i g n a t i o n a n d s e t t i n g for th the date, time, place and purpose of the hearing. A copy shall
also b e p o s t e d o n t h e s u b j e c t p r o p e r t y. T h e h e aring may be continued fr om time to time without fur ther notice.
(d)
T h e a p p l i c a n t s h a l l p r o d u c e a t t h e t i m e of the hearing such infor mation as the commission may r equir e
includ i n g , b u t n o t l i m i t e d t o , t h e f o l l o w i n g :
(1) A l l i n f o r m a ti o n r e q u i r e d w i t h t h e a p p l i cation.
(2) A v i s u a l p r e s e n t a t i o n o f t h e s i g n i f i c a n t impr ovements on the subject pr oper ty, together with infor mation
as to t h e a g e , c o n d i t i o n a n d u s e o f e a c h .
(3) P r o p o s a l s f o r p r e s e r v a t i o n a n d e n h a n c ement of the pr oper ty pr oposed for designation.
(e) T h e a p p l i c a n t a n d t h e o w n e r s o f s u b j e ct pr oper ty shall be entitled to speak at the public hearing and the
commi s s i o n m a y a c c e p t c o m m e n t s f r o m a l l o t her inter ested par ties. The commission shall r eview and evaluate all
availab l e i n f o r m a t i o n a c c o r d i n g t o t h e a p p l i c a ble standar ds set for th in ar ticle III. A r ecor d of the pr oceedings
shall b e m a d e a n d r e t a i n e d a s a p u b l i c r e c o r d .
(f) T h e c o m m i s s i o n s h a l l g r a n t , d e n y o r m odify the r equested designation within thir ty (30) days after the
public h e a r i n g ; p r o v i d e d , h o w e v e r, t h a t t h e c o mmission may not modify a designation to extend beyond the pr oper ty d e s c r i b e d i n t h e a p p l i c a t i o n u n l e s s a n e w application is filed and the pr ocedur e r epeated.
(g)
T h e c o m m i s s i o n ’ s d e c i s i o n s h a l l b e i n writing and shall include findings of fact in suppor t ther eof. The
execut i v e d i r e c t o r s h a l l f o r w a r d c o p i e s o f t h e decision to the applicant and the owner of the subject pr oper ty.
(h) A d e c i s i o n b y t h e c o m m i s s i o n d e n y i n g a designation shall be the final administrative decision. No application r e l a t i n g t o t h e s a m e p r o p e r t y m a y b e f i led during the twelve (12) months following such a denial by the
commi s s i o n .
(i) A d e c i s i o n b y t h e c o m m i s s i o n g r a n t i n g a designation may be appealed to the city council by an owner of
the su b j e c t p r o p e r t y. S u c h a n a p p e a l m u s t b e f iled in writing with the city clerk within fifteen (15) days after the
commi s s i o n ’ s d e c i s i o n t o g r a n t t h e d e s i g n a t i o n.
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(j)
I f a n a p p e a l i s n o t f i l e d w i t h i n s u c h t i me, the designation of the commission shall be the final administrative de c i s i o n .
(k)
W i t h i n t h i r t y ( 3 0 ) d a y s a f t e r s u c h a n a ppeal is filed, the city council shall, by r esolution, af fi r m or r everse t h e c o m m i s s i o n ’ s d e s i g n a t i o n a c c o r d i n g to the applicable standar ds set for th in ar ticle III. In accor dance
with s u c h s t a n d a r d s , t h e c i t y c o u n c i l m a y a l s o modify the commission’s designation, subject to appr oval by the
commi s s i o n a t i t s n e x t r e g u l a r m e e t i n g a n d p r ovided that the designations as modified not extend beyond the
pr oper t y d e s c r i b e d i n t h e a p p l i c a t i o n . I f t h e c ommission does not appr ove such modification, its designation shall
be dee m e d t o h a v e b e e n r e v e r s e d b y t h e c i t y c ouncil.
(l) T h e e x e c u t i v e d i r e c t o r s h a l l f o r w a r d c opies of any final designation decision to the applicant , the owner
of the p r o p e r t y s o d e s i g n a t e d , t h e c i t y c l e r k a nd the depar tment of inspections and per mits. A copy shall also be
r ecor d e d w i t h t h e co u n t y r e c o r d e r o f t h e c o u n ty in which the pr oper ty is located.
(m)
A d e s i g n a t i o n m a y b e a m e n d e d o r r e s c inded by the same pr ocedur e and accor ding to the same standar ds
and co n s i d e r a t i o n s s e t f o r t h f o r d e s i g n a t i o n .
(Code 1 9 6 9 , § 3 7 - 1 3)
Sec. 3 7 - 6 4 . R e g u l a t i o n d u r i n g c o n s i d e r a t i o n p eriod.
Fr om t h e d a t e o f f i li n g a n a p p l i c a t i o n u n t i l t h e date of either a final decision by the commission or a r eversal or
af fir m a t i v e b y t h e c i t y c o u n c i l , t h e p r o v i s i o n s of ar ticle V shall apply as if the subject pr oper ty wer e designated
as r eq u e s t e d . T h i s i n t e r i m c o n t r o l s h a l l i n n o case apply for mor e than two hundr ed ten (210) days after the applicati o n i s f i l e d .
(Code 1 9 6 9 , § 3 7 - 1 4)
Secs. 3 7 - 6 5 - - 3 7 - 8 0 . R e s e r v e d .
AR TIC L E V. R E G U L A T I O N O F A L T E R A T I O N , CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION*
______ _ _ _ _
*Cr oss r e f e r e n c e ( s ) - - F i n e s c h e d u l e f o r c e r t a i n violations, § 1-11.
______ _ _ _ _
Sec. 3 7 - 8 1 . S c o p e .
Work o n p r o p e r t y a n d i m p r o v e m e n t s s h a l l b e r egulated as follows:
(1) L a n d m a r k s . N o a l t e r a t i o n s , i n t e r i o r c o nstr uction that af fects str uctural members, exterior constr uction
or exte r i o r d e m o l i t i o n m a y b e p e r f o r m e d o n p r oper ty and impr ovements which have been designated under this
chapte r a s l a n d m a r k s , e x c e p t a s s h a l l b e a p p r oved by a cer tificate of appr opriateness.
(2) H i s t o r i c a l D i s t r i c t s . N o a l t e r a t i o n s , e x terior constr uction or exterior demolition may be per for med on
pr oper t y a n d i m p r o v e m e n t s l o c a t e d w i t h i n a n ar ea which has been designated under this chapter as a historical
distric t , e x c e p t a s sh a l l b e a p p r o v e d b y a c e r t i ficate of appr opriateness. Pr ovided, however, that wher e a str uctur e lo c a t e d w i t h i n s u c h a h i s t o r i c a l d i s t r i c t h as been substantially damaged by fir e or other catastr ophic event,
and, in t h e o p i n i o n o f t h e a p p r o p r i a t e c o d e o f f icial, and, pursuant to the applicable pr ovisions of the Aur ora
Buildi n g C o d e , m u s t b e d e m o l i s h e d , t h e r e q u i r ement to obtain a cer tificate of appr opriateness shall not be applicable. S t r u c t u r e s o w n e d b y t h e c i t y s h a l l n o t r equir e said cer tificate wher e ther e has been a deter mination made
by the c i t y c o u n c i l t h a t d e m o l i t i o n i s i n t h e b e st inter est of the development or r edevelopment of the city. The
appr op r i a t e c o d e o f f i c i a l s h a l l f o r w a r d a c o p y of the demolition notice to the pr eser vation commission. In such
event, t h e o f f i c i a l s h a l l c o n s i d e r t h e a p p l i c a b l e design r eview guidelines af fecting the district in r endering a decision.
(3) U r b a n C o n s e r v a t i o n D i s t r i c t s . N o e x t e rior constr uction or exterior demolition may be per for med on
pr oper t y a n d i m p r o v e m e n t s l o c a t e d w i t h i n a n ar ea, which has been designated under this chapter as an urban
conser v a t i o n d i s t r i c t , e x c e p t a s , s h a l l b e a p p r oved by a cer tificate of appr opriateness. Pr ovided, however, that
wher e a s t r u c t u r e l o c a t e d w i t h i n s u c h a c o n s e r vation district has been substantially damaged by fir e or other
catastr o p h i c e v e n t , a n d , i n t h e o p i n i o n o f t h e appr opriate code of ficial, and, pursuant to the applicable pr ovisions
of the A u r o r a B u i l d i n g C o d e , m u s t b e d e m o l i s hed, the r equir ement to obtain a cer tificate of appr opriateness shall
not be a p p l i c a b l e . S t r u c t u r e s o w n e d b y t h e c i t y shall not r equir e said cer tificate wher e ther e has been a deter mination m a d e b y t h e c i t y c o u n c i l t h a t d e m o l i t i o n is in the best inter est of the development or r edevelopment of the
city. T h e a p p l i c a b l e c o d e o f f i c i a l s h a l l f o r w a r d a copy of the demolition notice to the pr eser vation commission. In
such e v e n t , t h e o f f i c i a l s h a l l c o n s i d e r t h e a p p l icable design r eview guidelines af fecting the district i n r endering a
decisio n .
155
(Code 1 9 6 9 , § 3 7 - 1 5; O r d . N o . 0 9 5 - 2 3 , § 1 , 5 - 2 - 95)
Sec. 3 7 - 8 2 . C e r t i f i c a t e o f a p p r o p r i a t e n e s s - - P r ocedur e for obtaining.
(a) A p p l i c a t i o n s f o r c e r t i f i c a t e s o f a p p r o p r iateness shall be filed with the executive dir ector on for ms pr ovided by t h e c o m m i s s i o n a n d s h a l l b e a c c o m p a n i ed by such infor mation, plans, elevations, specification s and other
docum e n t s a s t h e c o m m i s s i o n m a y r e q u i r e . A ny applicant may r equest a meeting with the commission befor e
submi t t i n g a n a p p l i c a t i o n a n d m a y c o n s u l t w i t h the commission during the r eview of the application.
(b)
A t t h e n e x t r e g u l a r m e e t i n g , t h e c o m m ission shall r eview the application and may grant a cer tificate of
appr op r i a t e n e s s i f i t f i n d s t h a t t h e p r o p o s e d w ork is clearly appr opriate and in accor dance with the applicable criteria s e t f o r t h i n s ec t i o n 3 7 - 8 3 a n d t h e p u r p o s es of this chapter. The granting of a cer tificate of appr opriateness
shall b e t h e f i n a l a d m i n i s t r a t i v e d e c i s i o n .
(c) I f t h e c o m m i s s i o n d o e s n o t f i n d t h e p r oposed work so clearly appr opriate and in accor dance, then a public
hearin g s h a l l b e s c h e d u l e d t o b e h e l d w i t h i n t he next sixty (60) days. The applicant shall be notified of the time,
date, p l a c e a n d p u r p o s e o f s u c h h e a r i n g b y c e r tified mail, pr operly addr essed as shown on the tax assessor’s
r olls, a n d w i t h s u f f i c i e n t p o s t a g e a t t a c h e d t h e r eto. Notice shall also be given by cer tified mail in the manner
her ein s p e c i f i e d t o t h e o w n e r s o f r e c o r d i n t h e subject designation within two hundr ed fifty (250) feet in each
dir ecti o n o f t h e a p p l i c a n t ’ s l o c a t i o n . N o t i f i c a t i on may also be given by cer tified mail to the owners or occupants
of othe r p r o p e r t i e s , w h i c h m a y b e a f f e c t e d a s deter mined by the commission in accor dance with the criteria standar ds, s e t f o r t h i n s e c t i o n 3 7 - 8 3 . A l l s u c h n o t i ces shall be mailed not mor e than thir ty (30) days nor less than ten
(10) d a y s i n a d v a n ce o f s u c h h e a r i n g . F a i l u r e to send the notice wher e no addr ess appears on the tax assessor’s
r olls s h a l l n o t i n v a l i d a t e t h e p r o c e e d i n g s o f t h e commission. Also, notice shall be published at least once not less
than fi f t e e n ( 1 5 ) d a y s b u t n o t m o r e t h a n t h i r t y (30) days in advance of such hearing in a paper of general cir culation in t h e c i t y. T h e h e a r i n g m a y b e c o n t i n u e d fr om time to time without fur ther notice.
(d)
T h e a p p l i c a n t a n d a l l o w n e r s o f p r o p e r ty within the subject designation shall be entitled to speak at the
public h e a r i n g , a n d t h e c o m m i s s i o n m a y a c c e pt comments fr om all other inter ested par ties. A r ecor d of the pr oceedin g s s h a l l b e m a d e a n d m a i n t a i n e d b y t h e executive dir ector.
(e) S u b j e c t t o t h e p r o v i s i o n s o f s e c t i o n 3 7 - 84, the commission shall r ender a decision to issue, deny or modify
the r eq u e s t e d c e r t i f i c a t e o f a p p r o p r i a t e n e s s o n the basis
of the c r i t e r i a s e t f o r t h i n s e c t i o n 3 7 - 8 3 w i t h i n thir ty (30) days after the public hearing. The commission’s decision s h a l l b e i n w r i t i n g a n d s h a l l i n c l u d e f i n dings of fact in suppor t ther eof. Copies of the decision shall be
mailed t o t h e a p p l i c a n t . T h e d e c i s i o n o f t h e c o mmission shall be the final administrative decision.
(f) F o l l o w i n g a d e n i a l , t h e a p p l i c a t i o n s h a ll not be r esubmitted within the next twelve (12) months except
upon t h e w r i t t e n r e q u e s t o f a n a p p l i c a n t i n d i c ating the incorporation of changes in plans and specifications as
may ha v e b e e n r e c o m m e n d e d b y t h e c o m m i s s i on.
(g)
A f t e r t h e i s s u a n c e o f a c e r t i f i c a t e , n o change may be made in the pr oposed work without r e-submittal of
an app l i c a t i o n .
(Code 1 9 6 9 , § 3 7 - 1 6)
Sec. 3 7 - 8 3 . S a m e - - C r i t e r i a .
The co m m i s s i o n s h a l l c o n s i d e r, w h e r e a p p l i c a ble, the following criteria in deter mining whether or not pr oposed
work i s c o m p a t i b l e a n d a p p r o p r i a t e :
(1) W h e t h e r t h e p r o p o s e d w o r k w i l l h i g h l i ght or positively enhance any exterior featur e of the pr oper ty and
impr ov e m e n t s .
(2) W h e t h e r a n y n e w i m p r o v e m e n t s w i l l h ave a positive ef fect and har monize with the exter nal appearance of
neighb o r i n g i m p r o v e m e n t s .
(3) T h e e x t e n t a n d p r o c e s s o f a n y p r o p o s e d demolition and subsequent changes in landscaping.
(4) W h e t h e r t h e p r o p o s e d w o r k w i l l r e s u l t in the maintenance or addition of site landscaping and other vegetation .
(5) A r e p o r t f r om t h e b u i l d i n g i n s p e c t o r o n the state of r epair and str uctural stability of the impr ovement
under c o n s i d e r a t i o n .
(6) A n y c h a n g e s i n t h e e s s e n t i a l c h a r a c t e r of the ar ea, which would occur as a r esult of appr oval of the certificate .
(7) W h e t h e r t h e p r o p o s e d w o r k c o n f o r m s to the following design criteria as well as any specific guidelines,
which t h e c o m m i s s i o n m a y a d o p t w i t h t h e a p p r oval of the city council:
C i t y o f A u r o r a - H i s t o r i c D i stricts and Landmarks Guidelines
156
a. H e i g h t . T h e h e i g h t o f t h e p r o p o s e d s t r uctur e or additions or alterations should be compatible with surr oundi n g s t r u c t u r e s .
b.
P r o p o r t i o n s o f f r o n t f a c a d e . T h e p r o p o r tion between the width and height of the pr oposed str uctur e
should b e c o m p a t i b l e w i t h n e a r b y s t r u c t u r e s .
c. P r o p o r t i o n s o f o p e n i n g s i n t o t h e f a c i l i ty. The pr opor tions and r elationships between doors and windows
should b e c o m p a t i b l e w i t h e x i s t i n g s t r u c t u r e s .
d.
R e l a t i o n s h i p o f b u i l d i n g m a s s e s a n d s p aces. The r elationship of a str uctur e to the open space between it
and ad j o i n i n g s t r u c t u r e s s h o u l d b e c o m p a t i b l e.
e.
R o o f S h a p e . T h e d e s i g n o f t h e r o o f s h ould be compatible with adjoining str uctur es.
f. L a n d s c a p e a n d A p p u r t e n a n c e s . L a n d s c aping and the use of appur tenances should be sensitive to the
individ u a l s t r u c t u r e s , i t s o c c u p a n t s a n d t h e i r needs. Fur ther, the landscape tr eatment should be compatible with
sur r ou n d i n g s t r u c t u r e s a n d l a n d s c a p e s .
g.
S c a l e o f S t r u c t u r e . T h e s c a l e o f t h e s t r uctur e should be compatible with sur r ounding str uctur es.
h.
D i r e c t i o n a l e x p r e s s i o n o f f r o n t e l e v a t i on. Str eet facades should blend with other str uctur es with r egar d to
dir ecti o n a l e x p r e s s i o n . W h e n a d j a c e n t s t r u c t u r es have a dominant horizontal or ver tical expr ession, this should
be car r i e d o v e r a n d r e f l e c t e d .
i. A r c h i t e c t u r a l D e t a i l s . A r c h i t e c t u r a l d e tails and materials should be incorporated as necessar y to r elate
the ne w w i t h t h e o l d a n d t o p r e s e r v e a n d e n h a nce the inher ent characteristics of that ar ea.
(Code 1 9 6 9 , § 3 7 - 1 7)
Sec. 3 7 - 8 4 . E c o n o m i c H a r d s h i p .
(a) N o t w i t h s t a n d i n g a n y o f t h e p r o v i s i o n s of this ar ticle to the contrar y, the commission may iss ue a cer tificate of e c o n o m i c h a r d s h i p t o a l l o w t h e p e r f o r mance of work for which a cer tificate of appr opriateness would have
been d e n i e d .
(b)
E c o n o m i c h a r d s h i p s h a l l b e c o n s i d e r e d by the commission if an applicant, at the time of the public hearing, ha s p r o d u c e d t h e f o l l o w i n g i n f o r m a t i o n i n an af fidavit signed by the owner of the subject pr oper ty and impr ovem e n t s :
(1) T h e a m o u n t p a i d f o r t h e p r o p e r t y, t h e date of pur chase and the par ty fr om whom pur chased (including descripti o n o f t h e r e l a t i o n s h i p , i f a n y, b e t w e e n t he owner and the person fr om whom the pr oper ty was pur chased);
(2) T h e a s s e s s e d v a l u e o f t h e l a n d a n d i m pr ovements ther eon accor ding to the two (2) most r ecent assessments ;
(3) R e a l e s t a t e t a x e s f o r t h e p r e v i o u s t w o (2) years;
(4) A n n u a l d e b t s e r v i c e , i f a n y, f o r t h e p r e vious two (2) years;
(5) A l l a p p r a i s a l s o b t a i n e d w i t h i n t h e p r e v ious two (2) years by the owner or applicant in connection with his
pur cha s e , f i n a n c i n g o r o w n e r s h i p o f t h e p r o p e r ty;
(6) A n y l i s t i n g o f t h e p r o p e r t y f o r s a l e o r r ent, price asked and of fers r eceived, if any;
(7) A n y c o n s i d e r a t i o n b y t h e o w n e r a s t o pr ofitable adaptive uses for the pr oper ty;
(8) I f t h e p r o p e r t y i s i n c o m e - p r o d u c i n g , t he annual gr oss income fr om the pr oper ty for the pr evious two (2)
years, i t e m i z e d o p e r a t i n g a n d m a i n t e n a n c e e x penses for the pr evious two (2) years, and annual cash flow, if any,
during t h e s a m e p e r i o d .
(c) I f t h e c o m m i s s i o n f i n d s t h a t , w i t h o u t a ppr oval of the pr oposed work, the pr oper ty and impr ovements cannot be p u t t o a r e a s o n a b l y b e n e f i c i a l u s e o r t h e owner cannot obtain a r easonable economic r etur n ther e fr om,
then th e a p p l i c a t i o n s h a l l b e d e l a y e d f o r a p e r iod not to exceed six (6) months. During this period of delay, the
commi s s i o n s h a l l i n v e s t i g a t e p l a n s t o a l l o w f o r a r easonably beneficial use or a r easonable economic r etur n, or
to othe r w i s e p r e s e r v e t h e s u b j e c t p r o p e r t y a n d impr ovements. Such plans may include, but ar e not limited to, a
r elaxa t i o n o f t h e p r o v i s i o n s o f t h i s c h a p t e r.
(d)
I f b y t h e e n d o f t h i s s i x - m o n t h p e r i o d the commission has found that, without appr oval of the pr oposed
work, t h e p r o p e r t y a n d i m p r o v e m e n t s c a n n o t be put to a r easonably beneficial use or the owner cannot obtain
a r eas o n a b l e e c o n o m i c r e t u r n t h e r e f r o m , t h e n the commission shall issue a cer tificate of economic har dship
157
appr ov i n g t h e p r o p o s e d w o r k . I f t h e c o m m i s s i on finds other wise, it shall issue, deny or modify the r equested
cer tifi c a t e o f a p p r o p r i a t e n e s s a s p r o v i d e d i n s ection 37-83.
(Code 1 9 6 9 , § 3 7 - 1 8)
158
159
S o u r c e s o f A ssistance and Infor mation
Pr oper t i e s i n A u r o ra ’ s h i s t o r i c d i s t r i c t s a n d l o cally designated landmarks ar e eligible for a pr oper ty assessment t a x f r e e z e . T h e P r o p e r t y A s s e s s m e n t Ta x Fr eeze Pr ogram pr ovides tax incentives for owner-occupants
of cer t i f i e d h i s t o r i c r e s i d e n c e s w h o r e h a b i l i t a te their homes. Thr ough the pr ogram, the assessed valuation of
the his t o r i c p r o p e r t y i s f r o z e n f o r e i g h t y e a r s at its level when the r ehabilitation began. The valuation is then
br ough t b a c k t o m ar k e t l e v e l o v e r a p e r i o d o f four years. To be eligible, pr oper ties must be used as a single-family, ow n e r - o c c u p i e d r e s i d e n c e a n d b e a s u b s t a ntial r ehabilitation that significantly impr oves the condition of the
buildin g .
Pr oper t i e s i n A u r o ra ’ s h i s t o r i c d i s t r i c t s a n d l o cally designated landmarks ar e eligible for the city’s Historic Pr eser vatio n L o a n P r o g r a m , P a i n t R e b a t e P r o g r a m , and House Rehab Rebate Pr ogram. These pr ograms ar e designed
to assi s t o w n e r s t o r e p a i r p r o p e r t y m a i n t e n a n ce code violations. The loan pr ogram is for a maximum $10,000,
at 0% i n t e r e s t . P a y m e n t s a r e d e f e r r e d u n t i l s u ch time as the pr oper ty changes ownership. The r ebate pr ograms
range f r o m 2 0 % t o 6 0 % , d e p e n d i n g o n i n c o m e . The paint r ebate is a per centage of material cost, 50% to 100%,
based o n i n c o m e .
Design a t e d h i s t o r i c d i s t r i c t s i n A u r o r a m a y q u alify for other pr ograms, such as Model Block Ar eas, wher e a concentra t e d e f f o r t i s m a d e t h r o u g h v a r i o u s p r o g rams to fund neighbor hood impr ovements.
For in f o r m a t i o n o r q u e s t i o n s r e g a r d i n g t h e s e pr ograms, please contact the City of Aur ora’s Pr eser vation Commission.
Local S o u r c e s :
The Pr e s e r v a t i o n Co m m i s s i o n O f f i c e w i t h t h e City of Aur ora is available to pr ovide infor mation on b uilding
r ehabi l i t a t i o n , r e n o v a t i o n , a n d n e w c o n s t r u c t i on. The Commission Dir ector ser ves as the staf f member for the
Aur ora P r e s e r v a t i o n C o m m i s s i o n .
Contac t
Dir ect o r, A u r o r a P r e s e r v a t i o n C o m m i s s i o n , C i ty of Aur ora, 44 East Downer Place, Aur ora, Illinois
60507
Tel.: 6 3 0 - 2 6 4 - 4 6 3 6 , w w w. a u r o r a - i l . o r g
State S o u r c e s :
State H i s t o r i c P r e s e r v a t i o n O f f i c e , I l l i n o i s H i storic Pr eser vation Agency, Old State Capitol, Springfield, Illinois
62701
Tel.: 2 1 7 - 7 8 2 - 4 8 3 6
Statew i d e P r e s e r v a t i o n O r g a n i z a t i o n
Landm a r k s P r e s e r va t i o n C o u n c i l o f I l l i n o i s , 5 3 West Jackson Boulevar d, Suite 752, Chicago, Illinois 60604
Tel.: 3 1 2 - 9 2 2 - 1 7 4 2
161
N e a r E a s t s i d e Historic District
In add i t i o n t o t h e g u i d e l i n e s t h e f o l l o w i n g a p p ly to pr oper ties located within the Near Eastside Historic District:
Landsc a p i n g
·
T r e e s l o c a t e d i n t h e f r o n t y a r d a n d p a rkway shall not be r emoved unless diseased or damaged as determined b y a n a r b o r i s t , o r d e a d a s d e t e r m i n e d b y City staf f.Palace Str eet Historic District
In add i t i o n t o t h e g u i d e l i n e s t h e f o l l o w i n g a p p ly to pr oper ties located within the Palace Str eet Historic District:
Mecha n i c a l S y s t e m s a n d O t h e r E q u i p m e n t
§
A d d i t i o n a l e l e c t r i c a l , t e l e p h o n e , t e l e v i sion or computer cables or conduits should not be attached to the
primar y f a c a d e s o f a b u i l d i n g .
163
P a l a c e S t r e e t Historic District
In add i t i o n t o t h e g u i d e l i n e s t h e f o l l o w i n g a p p ly to pr oper ties located within the Palace Str eet Historic District:
Mecha n i c a l S y s t e m s a n d O t h e r E q u i p m e n t
§
A d d i t i o n a l e l e c t r i c a l , t e l e p h o n e , t e l e v i sion or computer cables or conduits should not be attached to the
primar y f a c a d e s o f a b u i l d i n g .
165
R i d d l e H i g h l ands Historic District
Despit e b e i n g l o c a t e d a d j a c e n t t o a m a j o r s h o pping center and a four-lane state highway, Riddle Highlands is
a quiet a n d t r a n q u i l n e i g h b o r h o o d . S e v e r a l f a c tors contribute to this. The souther n edge of the neighbor hood
begins m i d - b l o c k o n f i v e n o r t h - s o u t h s t r e e t s , a good distance fr om the traf fic of Illinois Avenue. Onl y one eastwest s t r e e t i s d i r e c t l y a c c e s s i b l e t o R t . 3 1 , a n d that str eet, Lawndale, ter minates five blocks west at Pennsylvania
Avenu e . O f a l l t h e s t r e e t s i n R i d d l e H i g h l a n d s , only Palace passes completely thr ough the neighbor hood and acts
as a “c o l l e c t o r ” s t r e e t .
One of t h e m o s t n o t a b l e p h y s i c a l f e a t u r e s o f R iddle Highlands is its gr eat variety of matur e tr ees, including
Pines, O a k s , H o n e y L o c u s t s , v a r i o u s M a p l e s , Firs, and Lombar di Poplars. Not only ar e the views of t he tr ee-lined
str eets b e a u t i f u l a n d t h e s h a d e i n v i t i n g ; b u t t h e car eful r eplanting of tr ees which have been r emoved over the
years h a s a i d e d i n m a i n t a i n i n g t h e w a t e r t a b l e level of the District.
In add i t i o n t o t h e t r e e s , t h e o v e r a l l l a n d s c a p i n g of the Highlands is a gr eat visual amenity. Most of the original
homes w e r e e x t e n s i v e l y a n d p r o f e s s i o n a l l y l a n dscaped, utilizing common elements such as ever gr een and flowering t r e e s a n d p e r e n n i a l f l o w e r s . T h e q u a l i t y of these early landscape plans is evident today. Thr oughout the
Distric t , c a r e h a s b e e n t a k e n t o p r e s e r v e o r r e pr oduce original landscape elements. Ver y few pr oper ties lack
supple m e n t a l l a n d s c a p i n g .
Anothe r d i s t i n c t e l e m e n t o f t h e R i d d l e H i g h l a nds is the last of the original pillars that once ador ned ever y str eet
going i n t o R i d d l e H i g h l a n d s .
Relativ e l y d e e p s e t b a c k s c r e a t e t h e a p p e a r a n c e of gr eater openness along the tr ee-lined str eets. Placement of the
str uct u r e s o n t h e l o t s i s a l s o s o m e w h a t d i s t i n ctive. Specifically, the gabled ends of most homes in the district ar e
perpen d i c u l a r t o t h e s t r e e t a s o p p o s e d t h o s e t hat ar e pr edominantly parallel to the str eet outside the Highlands.
Situate d a s t h e y a r e , t h e e a r l y H i g h l a n d h o m e s, ther efor e, tend to be wider than they ar e deep, and pr oject a
br oade r, m o r e s p a c i o u s a p p e a r a n c e f r o m t h e s tr eet. Post-Depr ession r elaxation of standar ds had a ver y positive
ef fect o n t h e d e v e l o p m e n t o f t h e H i g h l a n d s . Many styles of ar chitectur e and constr uction wer e intr oduced into
the Di s t r i c t . A m o n g t h e s e w e r e t h e P r a i r i e S c hool, Ar ts and Crafts Bungalows, Frame Colonials, T udor Revival
styles. I n a d d i t i o n , r e l a x e d s c a l e a n d m a t e r i a l standar ds allowed for innovative designs, stucco, ceramic tile, and
even a s t e e l h o u s e . D e s p i t e t h e d i v e r s i t y o f s t yle and constr uction material, a common thr ead of quality, pr oportion, a n d p r i d e o f o w n e r s h i p p r e v a i l e d . T h a t f e eling r emains today and defines the envir onment of Riddle Highlands.
I n a d d i t i o n t o the Guidelines the following apply to pr oper ties locate d w i t h i n
t h e R i d d l e H i ghlands Historic District:
Sidewa l k s a n d Wa l k w a y s
*
Sidewalks and Walkways that are original to a dwelling or block shall be preserved and maintained.
Landsc a p i n g
Required:
*
D i s t i n c t i v e e x i s t i n g f e a t u r e s s u c h a s p arks gar dens, str eetlights, fences signs, benches, walkways,
str eets , a l l e y s , a n d b u i l d i n g s e t b a c k s s h a l l b e r etained.
*
L a n d s c a p i n g , f e n c i n g , w a l k w a y s , s t r e e tlights and domestic lights, signs, and benches shall be compatible
with th e c h a r a c t e r o f t h e n e i g h b o r h o o d i n s i z e , scale, material, and color.
Recommended:
*
W h e n e v e r po s s i b l e , o r i g i n a l f e a t u r e s s hould be r estor ed.
*
L a n d s c a p i n g a n d t r e e s i n c l o s e p r o x i m ity to buildings, sidewalks, or str eets that ar e causing deterioration
to thos e e l e m e n t s s h o u l d b e r e m o v e d .
*
S e c u r i t y l i g h t i n g s h o u l d b e e q u i p p e d with a motion detector device.
167
Prohibited:
*
O r i g i n a l r e l a t i o n s h i p s o f b u i l d i n g s a n d their envir onments shall not be destr oyed thr ough wi dening
existin g s t r e e t s , c h a n g i n g p a v i n g m a t e r i a l , o r by intr oducing inappr opriately located new str eets or parking lots
incom p a t i b l e w i t h t h e c h a r a c t e r o f t h e n e i g h b or hood.
*
S i g n s , s t r e e t l i g h t i n g a n d d o m e s t i c l i g hting, benches, landscaping, fencing, walkways, and paving materials tha t a r e o u t o f sc a l e o r i n a p p r o p r i a t e t o t h e neighbor hood shall not be used.
*
*
A n t e n n a s , o t h e r t h a n a s p r o v i d e d i n t he guidelines, shall not be visible fr om the public right-of-way.
T r u c k s a n d o t h e r h e a v y v e h i c u l a r t r a f f ic shall be pr ohibited
Buildi n g S i t e a n d L a n d s c a p i n g
Required:
*
E x i s t i n g l a nd s c a p i n g , t r e e s , f e n c i n g , w alkways, domestic lights, signs, and benches which r eflect a
pr oper t y ’ s h i s t o r y a n d d e v e l o p m e n t s h a l l b e r etained. Because the pr esence of much of the original landscaping
contri b u t e s g r e a t l y t o t h e c h a r a c t e r o f t h e R i d dle Highlands Historic District, the intent of these guidelines is to
pr eser v e o r e m u l a t e t h e s e o r i g i n a l l a n d s c a p e plans wher ever possible.
*
A C e r t i f i c a t e o f A p p r o p r i a t e n e s s s h a l l be obtained for landscaping pr ojects in excess of $1,000.00.
*
E x t e r i o r l i g h t i n g v i s i b l e f r o m t h e p u b l ic right-of-way shall be compatible with the design of the building.
Recommended:
*
N e w s i t e w o r k s h o u l d b e b a s e d u p o n k nowledge of the past appearance of the pr oper ty found in photographs , d r a w i n g , a n d n e w s p a p e r s .
*
N e w s i t e w o r k s h o u l d a l s o b e a p p r o p r i ate to existing sur r ounding site elements in scale, type, open space
and ap p e a r a n c e .
*
L a n d s c a p i n g a n d t r e e s i n c l o s e p r o x i mity to the building that ar e causing deterioration to the building’s
histor i c f a b r i c s h o ul d b e t r i m m e d b a c k o r r e m oved.
Prohibited:
*
N o c h a n g e s s h a l l b e m a d e t o t h e a p p e a rance of the site by r emoving substantial landscaping, tr ees, fencing, wa l k w a y s , o u t b u i l d i n g s , a n d o t h e r e l e m e n ts befor e evaluating their impor tance to the pr oper ty’s histor y and
develo p m e n t .
*
H i g h i n t e n s i t y l i g h t i n g s h a l l n o t b e u s ed in the fr ont yar d.
*
N o l a w n f u r n i t u r e ( w a g o n w h e e l s , p i n k flamingoes, etc.) shall be installed that is incompatible with the
style o f t h e h o u s e .
168
T a n n e r H i s t o ric District
In add i t i o n t o t h e G u i d e l i n e s t h e f o l l o w i n g a p ply to pr oper ties located within the Tanner Historic District:
W indo w s
§
W i n d o w s o f a n o d i z e d a l u m i n u m o r b a k ed-on aluminum that match the color of the existing windows ar e
accept a b l e a t t h e r e a r o r t h e s i d e s o f t h e b u i l ding, which ar e not visible fr om the str eet.
§
C h a r a c t e r d e f i n i n g w i n d o w o p e n i n g s o n all facades should not be alter ed.
C i t y o f A u r o r a - H i s toric Districts and Landmarks Guidelines
169
S u g g e s t e d R e ading
Aur ora P r e s e r v a t i o n C o m m i s s i o n . A u r o r a , A n Ar chitectural Por trait. Aur ora, IL: City of Aur ora.
Baker, J o h n M i l n e s , A . I . A . A m e r i c a n H o u s e Styles at a Glance. New York: W.W. Nor ton & Company, 1994.
Bar cla y, R o b e r t W. A u r o r a , C i t y o f L i g h t s , 1 8 7 5-1892. Aur ora, Illinois: Aur ora Historical Museum, 1957.
Battle , C h a r l e s S . , e d . C e n t e n n i a l B i o g r a p h i c a l and Historic Recor d of Aur ora for One Hundr ed years, 1834-1904
and th e C h i c a g o , B u r l i n g t o n a n d Q u i n c y r a i l r o ad for Eighty-six years, 1850-1937. 1937.
Blume n s o n , J o h n J . G . I d e n t i f y i n g A m e r i c a n A r chitectur e A Pictorial Guide to Styles and Ter ms, 1600-1945. Nashville, Te n n e s s e e : T h e A m e r i c a n A s s o c i a t i o n f o r State and Local Histor y, 1981.
Buche r, Wa r d . A . I . A . , e d . D i c t i o n a r y o f B u i l d i ng Pr eser vation. New York: John W iley & Sons, Inc., 1996.
Der r y, Ve r n o n , w r i t e r a n d M a b e l O ’ D o n n e l l , e d. Aur ora in the Beginning. Aur ora, Illinois: Aur ora Historical Museum, 1 9 6 3 .
Dr use , K e n . T h e N a t u r a l S h a d e G a r d e n . N e w York: Clarkson Potter Publishers, 1992.
Hanem a n , J o h n T h e o d o r e . P i c t o r i a l E n c y c l o p e dia of Historic Ar chitectural Plans, Details & Elements. New York:
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Har ris , C y r i l M . D i c t i o n a r y o f A r c h i t e c t u r e & Constr uction. New York: McGraw-Hill, Inc., 1975.
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Univer s i t y o f M a s s a c h u s e t t s P r e s s , 1 9 8 7 .
Londo n , M a r k . R e s p e c t f u l R e h a b i l i t a t i o n , M a s onr y, How to Car e for Old and Historic Brick and Stone. Washington, D . C . : T h e P r e s e r v a t i o n P r e s s , 1 9 8 8 .
Madde x , D i a n e , e d . B u i l t i n t h e U . S . A . A m e r i c an Buildings fr om Airpor ts to Zoos. Washington, D.C.: The Pr eservation P r e s s , 1 9 8 5 .
Mann, A d i n , S u r v e y o r. T w o M a p s o f K a n e C o u nty, Illinois. Philadelphia: Matthews, Crane and Co., 1860.
McAle s t e r, V i r g i n i a & L e e . A F i e l d G u i d e t o A merican Houses. New York: Alfr ed A. Knopf, 1988.
New Yo r k L a n d m a r k s C o n s e r v a n c y. R e p a i r i n g Old and Historic W indows, A Manual for Ar chitects and Homeowners. Wa s h i n g t o n , D . C . : T h e P r e s e r v a t i o n p r e ss, 1992.
The Pa s t a n d P r e s e n t o f K a n e C o u n t y, I l l i n o i s . Chicago: W. LeBar on, Jr., 1878.
Poppe l i e r s , J o h n C . , S . A l l e n C h a m b e r s , J r. , a nd Nancy B. Schwar tz. What Style is It? A Guide to
Americ a n A r c h i t e c t u r e . Wa s h i n g t o n , D . C . : T he Pr eser vation Pr ess, 1983.
Pr eser v a t i o n B r i e f s ( A S e r i e s . ) Wa s h i n g t o n , D.C.: U.S. Depar tment of the Interior, National Park Se r vice, Pr eser vatio n A s s i s t a n c e D i v i s i o n , Te c h n i c a l P r e s e r vation Ser vices, ongoing.
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171
Ruiz, J o s e Z u r i t a . D i c c i o n a r i o d e l a C o n s t r u c c ion. Bar celona (Spain): Ediciones CEAC, S.A., 1976.
The Se c r e t a r y o f t h e I n t e r i o r ’ s S t a n d a r d s f o r Rehabilitation and Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings.
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1870. Wa t k i n s G l e n , N e w Yo r k : L i b r a r y o f V i c torian Cultur e, American Life Foundation, 1982.
Steven s o n , K a t h e r i n e C o l e , a n d H . Wa r d J a n d l . Houses by Mail A Guide to Houses fr om Sears, Roebuck and Company. Wa s h i n g t o n , D . C . : T h e P r e s e r v a t i o n P r ess, 1986.
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also w e b s i t e a t w w w. t r a d i t i o n a l – b u i l d i n g . c o m
Van Bu r e n , M a u r i e . H o u s e S t y l e s a t a G l a n c e an Illustrated Guide. Atlanta: Longstr eet Pr ess, Inc., 1991.
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Gar den s f o r H o m e s o f A l l A g e s . N e w Yo r k : T he Ballantine Publishing Gr oup, 1999.
172
Index
Index
In add i t i o n t o t h e G u i d e l i n e s s e c t i o n s a d d r e s s ing each issue or element of the work, the following Guideline sections m a y a l s o a p p l y.
A
Accessibility
Ramps for Accessibility ………………………………………117
Additions
New Construction Guidelines …………………………… 99
Roofline Additions …………………………………………… 104
Infill Buildings …………………………………………………… 105
Antennas
Satellite Dishes, Antennas, and Solar Panels …… 88
Arch
Architectural Details and Features …………………… 69
Awnings
Windows ………………………………………………………… 93
B
Baluster
Porches and Porch Components ……………………… 83
Balustrade
Bargeboard
Board and Batten
Wood Siding …………………………………………………… 95
Bracket
Brick
Chimneys ………………………………………………………… 72
Foundations …………………………………………………… 75
Masonry and Stucco ………………………………………… 79
C
Carriage House
Existing Garages, Carriage Houses & Outbuildings..........................76
Cement
Certificate of Appropriateness (COA)
Aurora Preservation and Zoning Requirements … 27
COA Application Form (English Version) …………… 145
Clapboards
Wood Siding …………………………………………………… 95
Cleaning
Surface Preparation for Painting ……………………… 81
1175
Column
Context
Corbelling
Chimneys ………………………………………………………… 72
Cornice
Cupola
Italianate Style ………………………………………………… 44
Roofs and Roof Elements ………………………………… 87
Cresting
D
Decks
Dentils
Colonial Revival Style ……………………………………… 54
Neoclassical Style …………………………………………… 56
Design guidelines
Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation …………………………………………… 143
Door
Screen, Storm, and Security Doors …………………… 89
Dormer
Driveways
Parking …………………………………………………………… 116
Dumpsters
Mechanical Equipment, Dumpsters and Other Equipment …………………………………………… 115
E
Eave
Equipment
Mechanical Equipment, Dumpsters and Other Equipment ………………………………………………115
Exits
Fires Escapes and Secondary Exits …………………… 113
176
F
Fanlight
A r c h i t e c t u r a l D e t a i l s a n d F e a t u r e s … ………………… 69
Colonial Revival Style ……………………………………… 54
Neoclassical Style …………………………………………… 56
Windows ………………………………………………………… 93
Fascia
Finial
Fish scale shingles
Foundation
Fountain
Swimming Pools, Fountains, Gazebos, & Pergolas.............................119
Frieze
G
Garages, Existing
Existing Garages, Carriage Houses & Outbuildings...................................76
Garages, New
New Garages and Outbuildings ………………………… 103
Gazebo
Swimming Pools, Fountains, Gazebos, & Pergolas......................................119
H
Half-timbering
Tudor Revival Style …………………………………………… 60
Wood Siding …………………………………………………… 95
Hood Molding
Italianate Style ………………………………………………… 44
Second Empire Style ………………………………………… 46
Windows ………………………………………………………… 93
I
Illumination
Awnings …………………………………………………………… 71
Infill
J
K
C i t y o f A u r o r a - H i s toric Districts and Landmarks Guidelines
177
L
Landscape
S i t e a n d S e t t i n g G u i d e l i n e s … … … … … ………………… 109
Lattice
Lighting
Awnings …………………………………………………………… 71
M
Masonry
Chimneys ………………………………………………………… 72
Foundations …………………………………………………… 75
Massing
Additions ………………………………………………………… 101
Mortar
Chimneys ………………………………………………………… 72
Foundations …………………………………………………… 75
Moving
Demolition and Moving Procedures ………………… 131
Muntin
Windows ………………………………………………………… 93
N
New Construction
Additions ………………………………………………………… 101
Newel post
O
Out Building
Existing Garages, Carriage Houses & Outbuildings...........................76
New Garages and Outbuildings ………………………… 103
P
Palladian window
Windows ………………………………………………………… 93
Pediment
Pergola
Swimming Pools, Fountains, Gazebos, & Pergolas..............................119
Pier
178
Pilaster
Porches and Porch Components
Lighting (For Porches and Exterior Walls) …………… 78
R o o f s a n d R o o f E l e m e n t s … … … … … … ………………… 87
Portico
Lighting (For Porches and Exterior Walls) …………… 78
Portland Cement
Q
Quoins
R
Rafter tails
Rail
Railings
Rhythm
Additions ………………………………………………………… 101
Ridge
Risers
Roofs and Roof Elements
Gutters and Downspouts ………………………………… 77
Room
Additions ………………………………………………………… 101
S
Sandblasting
Sash
Windows ………………………………………………………… 93
Scale
Additions ………………………………………………………… 101
179
Screens
Doors ……………………………………………………………… 73
Screen, Storm, and Security Windows ……………… 90
Windows ………………………………………………………… 93
Security Doors
Doors ……………………………………………………………… 73
Security Windows
S c r e e n , S t o r m , a n d S e c u r i t y W i n d o w s ……………… 90
Windows ………………………………………………………… 93
Setting
Additions ………………………………………………………… 101
Shake
Sheathing
Wood Siding …………………………………………………… 95
Shingles
Shingle Style …………………………………………………… 51
Wood Siding …………………………………………………… 95
Shutters
Windows ………………………………………………………… 93
Sidelight
Windows ………………………………………………………… 93
Siding
Wood Siding …………………………………………………… 95
Signage
Awnings …………………………………………………………… 71
Signs and Graphic Designs ……………………………… 125
Skylights
Soffit
Solar Panels
Satellite Dishes, Antennas, and Solar Panels …… 88
Spindles
Eastlake Style …………………………………………………… 50
Stone
Storms
Doors ……………………………………………………………… 73
Screen, Storm, and Security Windows ……………… 90
180
Windows ………………………………………………………… 93
Streetscape
Site and Setting Guidelines ……………………………… 109
Stucco
Foundations …………………………………………………… 75
Styles
Architectural Styles/Building Types …………………… 39
T
Timbering
Tudor Revival …………………………………………………… 60
Wood Siding …………………………………………………… 95
Transom
Windows ………………………………………………………… 93
Treads
Trim
Wood Siding …………………………………………………… 95
Turret
Queen Anne Style …………………………………………… 49
U
V
Vents
Vergeboard
W
Walkways
Sidewalks and Walkways ………………………………… 118
Walls
Fences and Walls ……………………………………………… 111
Weatherboard
Wood Siding …………………………………………………… 95
Windows
Awnings …………………………………………………………… 71
Shutters …………………………………………………………… 91
X
Y
Z
Zoning
Aurora Preservation and Zoning Requirements … 27
181

city of aurora historic districts and landmarks guidelines

Transcription

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