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

' Any person, group, or the Commission itself may nominate a property, and the Commission determines eligibility against criteria including significant value to the community's historic or cultural character, association with an influential person or event, distinctive or master-crafted architecture, a unique or familiar visual feature, or value as a fine example of a utilitarian structure such as a farmhouse or gas station. 4 allows the Commission to formally recognize new Historically Significant Properties once a year, at a regular City Council meeting held during Historic Preservation Month.

This sits below full 'Landmark' or 'Historic District' designation, which does trigger mandatory Certificates of Appropriateness under Section 12 and follows a longer process: Commission investigation, a public hearing with 15-to-30-day mailed notice, and adoption by City Council ordinance. The seven-member Commission itself is appointed by the Mayor with City Council consent to staggered three-year terms, drawing on expertise in architectural history, construction, finance, preservation, and real estate, and the Ordinance traces its authority to the City's home-rule powers under Article VII of the Illinois Constitution and the Illinois Historic Areas Preservation Act.