Landmark Nomination

The Village of Lake Bluff's Historic Preservation Commission accepts nominations to designate buildings, structures, and landscapes ("features") as local historic landmarks. The designation of a Landmark recognizes and protects specified Features of special historic, visual, aesthetic, cultural, archaeological, and/or architectural significance.

Lake Bluff historic landmarks are subject to the following:

• Changes to the landmark are subject to a public review by the Commission. The Owner ultimately maintains the ability to proceed with their proposed work even if the Commission does not approve. For demolitions, a maximum delay of up to 150 (5 months) days may apply. For all other alterations, a maximum delay of up to 65 days (2 months) may apply. This review requirement applies as soon as the form is submitted. 
  
  
• The Village provides a full waiver of building permit fees for work occurring on the same property as the Landmark (with certain exclusions).
  
  
• Owner-occupants are eligible for a property tax rebate of 50% of the Village's share of the property tax levy, up to a maximum of $2,000 annually, for eight years after a landmark designation.
  
  
• The Village is currently studying zoning incentives that may make it easier for landmark properties to renovate or expand.
  
  
• Finally, owners making substantial investments in their property may also qualify for the State Property Tax Assessment Freeze.

Submitting this form starts the Village's landmark nomination process. In order to nominate a Landmark, the Owner must complete the following form in its entirety. (The Village may also initiate a landmark nomination.) The Owner is the person identified as having a fee interest in the Subject Property where the Features are located, as evidenced by the name that appears on the title records in the office of the Lake County Recorder. Someone that only has a contractual interest in the property (e.g. a contract to purchase) may not file this form. An Owner's attorney, architect, builder, or contractor may file this application and represent the Owner with the Owner's written authorization. 

This form asks questions about the proposed features and their historic significance. It may take time to complete this form in its entirety. At any time, you can select "Save" at the bottom of the form in order to save your progress and return to it at a different time. Any saved drafts and submission receipts will be e-mailed to the applicant's e-mail address (shown at the bottom of the form).

After receipt of a completed nomination form:

• The Historic Preservation Commission will hold a public hearing to consider the application, as well as any other evidence or testimony received. At the conclusion of the hearing, the Commission will recommend that the Village Board should or should not designate the nominated Features as local landmarks. The Village Board will make the final determination.
  
  
• Property owners within 300 feet of the subject property will receive a notice of the hearing by mail and will have the opportunity to testify personally or in writing.

For more information on the landmark nomination process and the Village's Historic Preservation regulations, contact Lake Bluff Village Hall at (847) 234-0774.

The Commission must find that at least one of the following criteria is applicable when weighing whether to recommend that a Feature be designated a Landmark. Place a checkmark next to each element that you believe applies to the nominated Feature(s). 

At any time, you can select "Save" to save your progress and return to it at a different time.

The form will be finalized and a signed copy e-mailed to you after you select "Submit."

Any saved drafts and submission receipts will be e-mailed to the applicant's e-mail address shown below.