PURPOSE: To promote the educational, cultural, economic, and general welfare of the City through an effective preservation program

MEMBERS: Eleven (11) regular members appointed by the Mayor, plus non-voting associate members appointed by the Preservation Commission.

QUALIFICATIONS: Each of whom shall reside in the city and shall have demonstrated interest, knowledge, ability and experience or expertise in preservation, architectural restoration, rehabilitation, or neighborhood conservation or revitalization.

TERM: One full term = 3 years. Commissioners shall not be eligible to serve more than two (2) consecutive full terms.

MEETING DATE: 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. (Subject to change as needed)

PLACE: 2100 Ridge Avenue - Lorraine Morton Civic Center

REPORTS TO: Planning and Development Committee

RULES OF PROCEDURE: Evanston Preservation Commission Rules & Procedures

PROVIDE COMMENT OR SIGN-UP TO SPEAK: Public Comment Form

CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS APPLICATION: Application

Agendas and Minutes

Certificate of Appropriateness Reviews

Preservation review in Evanston recognizes change as an important indicator of a healthy, vibrant community but also aims to ensure that proposed exterior changes to landmark structures or properties in the historic districts will not have adverse impacts on landmarks or the district as a whole. The Historic Preservation Ordinance of the City Code establishes the preservation review process to assist in shaping change that maintains and enhances the uniqueness of a historic district’s assets and the integrity of a landmark, whether located within or outside of such a district.

Any alteration where there is change in the exterior design, materials, or general appearance, addition or new construction, demolition or relocation of any landmark structure or of a property, structure, or site or object within a historic district receives a review by the Preservation Commission. A Certificate of Appropriateness is issued indicating review and authorization of the plans for the proposed project by the Commission.

Certificates of Appropriateness are required for exterior projects that can be seen from the public way (city street, alley, public sidewalk, or other space permanently appropriated for use by the public). The Preservation Commission has no purview over interior projects except where the work may affect the exterior of the building. 

Building permits are not issued unless a Certificate of Appropriateness is approved by the Commission in a public hearing, or by the Preservation Planner by administrative review. If a proposed project involves applications for a planned development, major zoning variances, and special uses that affect the exterior of designated landmarks structures and structures in historic districts visible from the public way, the Preservation Commission reviews and may make recommendations to the Land Use Commission and/or City Council. 

Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) Application

In May of 2024, the Preservation Commission adopted a single amended COA Application that replaces the previous three individual applications for major, minor, and window replacement scopes of work. Previous COA applications will not be accepted. It is encouraged, but not required, to meet with staff  to review submittal requirements prior to submitting. To set up a meeting or to answer any questions as to which requirements apply to your project, please contact Cade W. Sterling at (847) 448-8231 or email: csterling@cityofevanston.org

Routine Maintenance

Routine maintenance projects include repair or replacement where there is no change in the design, materials, or general appearance of the structure or grounds and when a building permit is not required. A Certificate of Appropriateness is not necessary for routine maintenance. 

Additional Applications

Following a denial of a request for Certificate of Appropriateness, applications for Special Merit, Economic Hardship, or Appeal may be requested by contacting the Commission's staff liaison or emailing preservation@cityofevanston.org. Complete applications for appeal must be received no more than 30 days following the date of denial. 

The application for Landmark Nomination may be found here

Annual Reports:

2023 Annual Report

2022 Annual Report

Additional Resources: 

• Frequently Asked Questions
• Procedural and Design Guidelines
• 29-O-18 Historic Preservation Ordinance
• Rules and Procedures
• Matrix of Major vs Minor Work
• Sample Supplemental Window Drawings
• Windows: A Guide to Restoration vs Replacement
• Sample Best Practice Window Replacement Submission
• Standards For Review of Certificate of Appropriateness
• Solar Panel Guidelines
• Public Comment Guidelines