Evansville, IN Historic Preservation: Historic-Cultural Monuments (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing body
- Evansville Preservation Commission
- Members
- 7, three-year terms
- Permit trigger
- Certificate of appropriateness required
- Legal basis
- IC 36-7-11, EMC Ch. 2.106
- Named district seat
- Lincolnshire Historic District member
Summary
Evansville's Preservation Commission must approve a certificate of appropriateness before demolition, moving, or exterior alteration of buildings within a designated historic district.
It is the intent of the City through this chapter to preserve and protect historic and architecturally worthy buildings, structures, sites, monuments, streetscapes, squares and neighborhoods which support a distinct aesthetic quality to the City and serve as visible reminders of its historic heritage.
(B) Definitions. The following words shall have the following meaning unless a different meaning is clearly indicated:
(1) “Alteration” means a material or color change in the external architectural features of any building, structure, or site within a historic district.
(2) Classifications.
(a) Outstanding or “O” Classification. Property that has sufficient historic or architectural significance that is listed, or is eligible for individual listing, in the National Register of Historic Places. Outstanding resources can be of local, State, or national importance.
(b) Notable or “N” Classification. That the property does not merit the outstanding rating, but it is still above average in its importance. A notable structure may be eligible for the National Register.
(c) Contributing or “C” Classification. The property is at least 40 years old, but does not meet the criteria for an “O” or “N” classification. Such resources are important to the density or continuity of the area’s historic fabric. Contributing structures can be listed in the National Register only as part of a historic district.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance G-2026-12, passed June 22, 2026).
Full Breakdown
The Evansville Municipal Code creates a citywide framework to protect historic and architecturally worthy buildings, structures, sites, monuments, streetscapes, squares and neighborhoods (EMC 2.106.010). A seven-member Preservation Commission, appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by City Council, administers designated historic districts under IC 36-7-11. Within any historic district, a certificate of appropriateness must be issued before a permit is issued for demolition, moving a building, or a conspicuous exterior color or appearance change; within a primary area, wall and fence changes also require a certificate (EMC 2.106.030). At least one commission member must reside in the Lincolnshire Historic District, and the commission may adopt written preservation guidelines governing visual compatibility of height, facade proportion, window proportion, and building rhythm along the street.
Violations & Fines
Working without a required certificate of appropriateness can halt a permit and expose the owner to the commission's enforcement referral; the commission may not regulate details not visible from a public way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need city approval to change my home's exterior in an Evansville historic district?
Who administers Evansville's historic districts?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Evansville
Compare Evansville to another location·View the Indiana historic preservation overview
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