McHenry County, IL Historic Preservation: Historic-Cultural Monuments (2026)

080, the Historic Preservation Commission or any person may propose a landmark or preservation district for designation, but only for properties in the unincorporated area of the county. Nomination forms go to the McHenry County Planning Department and must include the owner's name and address from the tax rolls, a legal description and street address, a boundary map, a written statement of significance, and, for districts, a list of related listed or pending properties; an application fee may apply. 090, the Commission recommends designation to the County Board only after finding the property meets criteria such as association with a significant person, event, architectural style, or a master builder, or inclusion on the National or Illinois Register.

100, the Commission must issue an initial report within 30 days of a completed application. 220 requires a 'certificate of appropriateness' from the Commission before any significant exterior alteration, construction, demolition, or removal, and the Building and Zoning Department will not issue a building or demolition permit until that certificate is issued. 250 lets the Zoning Enforcement Officer, Health Department, or fire district authorize emergency work to correct a declared unsafe condition.