Joliet, IL Historic Preservation: Historic-Cultural Monuments (2026)

Sec. 8-606 lists what the commission must consider in recommending, and the city council in approving, landmark designation: significant value to the historical, cultural, aesthetic, artistic, social or ethnic heritage of the nation, state or community; association with an important person or event; representing the distinguishing characteristics of an architectural type or method of construction; being a notable work of a master builder, designer, architect or artist; being an established and familiar visual feature owing to its location or physical characteristics; owner preferences; and the property's economic and functional potentials.

The same seven-factor review, plus added criteria on homogeneity of design and clear boundaries, governs historic district designation under Sec. 8-607, and urban conservation district designation under Sec. 8-608. Once designated, Sec. 8-613 bars any alteration, structural interior construction, exterior construction or exterior demolition on a landmark without a certificate of appropriateness, and requires the same certificate for new construction or relocation within a historic or urban conservation district. Applications go to the commission secretary under Sec. 8-609, which can be filed by six affirmative commission votes or by any person, group or association, and must include the owner's name, legal description, a boundary map, a written justification and photographs.

Certificates subject to a full commission hearing under Sec. 8-614 require 15 business days' advance filing, mailed notice to owners within 300 feet, and a decision within 30 days of the hearing; work under an issued certificate must be completed within three years, extendable up to two more years under Sec. 8-615.