Will County's Historic Landmarks
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| Historic Preservation Landmark Nomination Instructions |
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To download an Landmark Nomination Application form, please click here.
What may be nominated as a landmark?
Any property, structure, or natural feature located within the unincorporated area of Will County which is worthy of preservation, rehabilitation, or restoration because of its historic, scenic, or architectural significance may be considered by the Will County Historic Preservation Commission (HPC).
Who can propose landmark designation?
Any individual or group of individuals as well as HPC may propose landmarks or preservation districts for designation by the Will County Board.
What is the process for landmark designation?
Upon the receipt of a completed Historic Landmark Nomination Form, HPC shall provide within fourteen days an initial report stating if the nominated property meets the criteria for designation.
Within thirty (30) days of the completion of the initial findings, HPC shall schedule a public hearing on the nomination. Within sixty (60) days from the close of the public hearing shall make a recommendation to the County Board. Within sixty days (60), the County Board shall either 1) designate the landmark; 2) take no action which automatically institutes landmark status; or 3) seek further information from HPC within forty-five (45) days for action by the County Board at its next regularly scheduled meeting. Upon designation as a landmark, the owner of the property shall be notified as well as the Recorder of Deeds, the County Clerk, and HPC.
What fees must be paid to nominate a landmark?
No fees are required to submit an application for the nomination of a property for landmark designation.
Will the owner of the property be notified of pending designation?
Yes, in accordance with legal requirements of public hearings. Additionally, adjacent landowners will be notified of pending action.
What effect will landmark designation have on a nominated property?
The Will County Historic Preservation Ordinance protects designated landmarks from any alteration, construction, or demolition and requires the maintenance of any designated landmark. All work must be completed after a Certificate of Appropriateness has been granted by the Commission according to the established Standards for Review. Failure to comply with the Ordinance shall be subject to financial penalties. In certain cases and upon documentation, the Commission may issue a Certificate of Economic Hardship.
What is the difference between “common name” and “historic name”?
“Common name” refers to any name by which the property is generally known by at the present time. “Historic name” refers to any name(s) by which the property was previously known either officially or unofficially.
Are photocopies acceptable for the required submittals?
Yes, photocopy reproductions of maps, photographs, historic views, and printed materials (such as diary accounts) are acceptable. However, current photographs are required and color slides are encouraged with each application. The Commission and its staff will complete additional photography for record and any presentations.
Is “owner consent” required when nominating a property?
The Will County Historic Preservation Ordinance does not require owner consent.
Must the applicant(s) include his/her/their address, telephone number, and signature?
Yes. The application will not be considered complete and will not be processed without the inclusion of this information.
Where can the Will County Historic Preservation Ordinance be reviewed?
The Ordinance can be downloaded at the link provided or a printed copy is available for review at either the Will County Office Building or the Will County Land Use Department.
Who should be contacted to answer questions about completing or the status of a nomination application?
Contact the Will County Land Use Department - Historic Preservation Staff
815-727-8430 (phone)
815-774-3386 (fax)
Additionally, the Commission or Commission Staff are available to provide informal reviews of a proposed landmark nomination prior to the completion of a nomination form.