Chicago Heights Historic Preservation Advisory Committee

There are many sources, and we are listing the most important to Chicago Heights residents here:

CHHPAC DESIGN GUIDELINES - What is used to determine whether work is apropriate to do on your landmark

SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR'S STANDARDS FOR REHABILITATION - Where all guidelines for treatment of historic buildings comes from.

TECHNICAL PRESERVATION BRIEFS - provide guidance on preserving, 
rehabilitating, and restoring historic buildings. These National Park Service 
Publications help historic building owners recognize and resolve common problems prior to work.  

"How to Fix Up Your Old House" - a good resource that can be used for Chicago Heights buildings.

"Como Arreglar Su Casa Antigua"

 A Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) is a document that certifies that the proposed change(s) are appropriate based on the Design Guidelines

developed by CHHPAC. No exterior work can begin on historic properties without a COA. Generally, most projects that require a building permit will

also require a COA. For historic properties, the Code Enforcement Department will not issue a building permit without a COA.

The COA must be displayed along with the building permit at the site. Fines may be issued if a COA is not obtained prior to begining work.

Will I Need a COA?

You may obtain a COA by going to apply for a permit at the Code Enforcement Department. They will give you a COA application to fill out. (or you may click the link below) Once they recieve a COMPLETED application, they will forward it to the Committee who will review the proposed changes with the Design Guidelines and rule on whether the changes are deemed apropriate for your building.

A COA applicant whose changes are deemed not appropriate may decide to apply for economic hardship on the basis that the denial of the permit will result in the loss of all reasonable and beneficial use of or return from the property. 

COA APPLICATION

ECONOMIC HARDSHIP APPLICATION

Any contractor CAN work on a landmark building, they just need to know how to do the job properly and with the correct materials. The Chicago Heights Design Guidelines can help you and your contractor fine-tune your project so it will meet criteria and last a lifetime. Our design guidelines are in place to help you and your neighbors safeguard your investment by selecting the correct style and materials for your building. 

If you are looking for a specialist or a contractor that is experienced in historic preservation, this link gets you to Landmarks Illinois' Restoration Resource Directory.

These signs are a means for all homeowners to show pride in their vintage homes, 50 years or older. 

Not only for recognition of our elegant Victorian or charming Craftsman homes, they are a means for all homeowners to show pride in their vintage homes.  Today even our City's post war/mid twentieth century houses now qualify.  If you live in a "vintage" home, 50 years or older, the CHHPAC invites you to consider joining your neighbors in recognizing the wonderful architectural heritage we all share by posting an attractive Circa Sign.

We are currently looking for a vendor for our Circa Signs. Please check back for updates.

CIRCA SIGN APPLICATION

There are many criteria that a building may meet to make it eligible to be a local landmark.  CRITERIA 

If you feel your building meets at least one of these, you may want to fill out an application.

APPLICATION FOR LANDMARK STRUCTURE/SITE/HISTORIC DISTRICT                

Mail completed applications to:
Chicago Heights Historic Preservation Advisory Committee
         C/O The Chicago Heights Public Library

             25 West 15th Street

            Chicago Heights, IL 60411 

OR via email : chhpac@yahoo.com