Hammond, IN Historic Preservation: Historic-Cultural Monuments (2026)
Key Facts
- Designating body
- Common Council, by ordinance
- Commission size
- 9 voting members
- Pre-work approval
- Certificate of appropriateness
- Demolition fine
- $100 to $2,500 per offense
- Other Ch. 159 offense fine
- $10 to $300 per offense
Summary
In the City of Hammond, Indiana, the Common Council can designate a single property as a historic landmark by ordinance on recommendation of the nine-member Historic Preservation Commission. Owners then need a certificate of appropriateness before altering, moving or demolishing the property.
HISTORIC LANDMARK. ... An architecturally and/or historically significant building, structure, object, space, or site which is limited to the boundaries of a single property which have been designated by ordinance by the Common Council and meets 1 or more of the criteria as listed in The Official Guidelines and Standards of the Hammond Historic Preservation Commission. ... The Commission shall recommend the designation of local historic landmarks and districts on the basis of historic, architectural and cultural significance, educational value and suitability for preservation. Historic landmarks and districts shall be designated and established by the Common Council by ordinance.
Full Breakdown
05(G) requires the Commission to hold a public hearing, publish legal notice describing the property and hearing details, and mail the property owner a letter with the preliminary preservation guidelines. 06 requires the map and building classifications to be submitted to and approved by ordinance of the Common Council before a designation takes effect. 09 requires a certificate of appropriateness or letter of authorization from the Commission before a permit issues or work begins on demolition, moving, or a conspicuous exterior change including color. 08 provides that where a historic landmark's regulations conflict with the underlying zoning district, the more restrictive requirement controls.
Violations & Fines
Section 159.98 makes any construction, alteration, demolition, color change or moving of a designated landmark done contrary to Chapter 159 a nuisance and unlawful, and lets the city sue for an injunction in Lake County Circuit or Superior Court; an adversely affected property owner may also sue. Under § 159.99, a violator faces a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $2,500 for an improper demolition, and not less than $10 nor more than $300 for any other offense, with each day of a continuing violation a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a property become a historic landmark in Hammond, Indiana?
What do I need before altering a designated landmark in Hammond?
What is the penalty for demolishing a Hammond historic landmark without approval?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hammond
Compare Hammond to another location·View the Indiana historic preservation overview
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