Historic-Cultural Monuments: Arlington Heights vs Chicago
How do historic-cultural monuments rules compare between Arlington Heights, IL and Chicago, IL?
Arlington Heights and Chicago have similar restriction levels.
Arlington Heights, IL
Cook County
Cook County Historic Preservation Ordinance Chapter 102 Article VI authorizes individual Landmark designation for properties of architectural, historical, or cultural significance in unincorporated Cook. The Cook County Historic Preservation Commission reviews nominations and recommends designation to the County Board.
View full Arlington Heights rules →Chicago, IL
Cook County
Chicago designates individual properties as Chicago Landmarks under MCC 2-120-620 after Commission review against seven criteria. Designation triggers permit review for visible exterior work and unlocks Class L tax incentives for qualifying rehabilitation projects.
View full Chicago rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Arlington Heights | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Code section | Cook Co Sec. 102-296 | - |
| Age threshold | 50 years minimum | - |
| Tax benefit | Class L 12-year freeze | - |
| Owner consent | Required for designation | - |
| Designation code | - | MCC 2-120-620 |
| Number of criteria | - | Seven enumerated criteria |
| Final approval | - | Chicago City Council ordinance |
| Tax incentive | - | Class L 12-year freeze |
| Demolition penalty | - | Five-year build moratorium |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Arlington Heights FAQ
How do I nominate a property as a Cook County Landmark?
Submit a nomination form to the Cook County Historic Preservation Commission with photographs, history, and architectural significance. Commission staff verify eligibility before scheduling a public hearing.
What is the Class L tax incentive?
Class L freezes assessed valuation at the pre-rehabilitation level for 12 years on qualifying landmark properties when owners invest at least 50 percent of base value in restoration.
Chicago FAQ
How is a property nominated as a landmark?
Owners, aldermen, or Commission staff can submit nominations. The Commission holds public hearings, applies the seven MCC 2-120-620 criteria, and forwards a recommendation to City Council, which adopts the designation by ordinance.
Can a landmark owner refuse designation?
Owner consent is not strictly required. Chicago can designate over owner objection if Commission and Council find the criteria met, though staff usually pursues consensus designations to ease compliance.
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