Historic Preservation Commission Work Session - April 22, 2026

The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) held a work session on April 22, 2026, at 6:30 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The primary purpose was to kick off the architectural standards update project. Commissioners heard from staff and consultants from Designing Local, discussed priorities for the new guidelines, and outlined next steps for public engagement. The meeting also served as a farewell to longtime staff planner Diane Gunther, who is retiring on April 30, 2026.

Staff Introduction

• Planning Director Sandra Pereira, along with development planners Dave Gentile and John White, were introduced as staff members who will work on the architectural standards update.
• Diane Gunther, development planner assigned to the HPC for 12.5 years, announced her retirement. She highlighted accomplishments including the downtown facade improvement program (36 buildings renovated, over $1 million invested), the selection of historic downtown as an APA Great Place in Ohio (2018) and America (2019), and processing approximately 400 certificates of appropriateness.
• Anna Kelsey (planning and zoning administrator) will take the lead on HPC projects moving forward.

Consultant Presentation (Designing Local)

• Josh Lapp (co-founder and principal), Megan Addernetto (historic preservationist), and Andrew Abley (urban planner) presented their firm's qualifications and project approach.
• Designing Local is a Columbus-based, certified women-owned business with experience in historic preservation, design review, and tax credit projects. They have previously worked in Delaware on Slocum Hall and the courthouse plaza.
• The project timeline: internal kickoff occurred two weeks prior; an in-person tour of the district took place the day of the meeting; community engagement will begin in 1–2 months; document development and review by the commission, council, and SHPO will follow.
• Goals: modernize and simplify the standards, make them visual and easily understandable for both commissioners and applicants, and allow for flexibility to accommodate modern materials while maintaining historic character.

Discussion Items

• Commissioner Priorities for New Standards:
  • Better organization to avoid jumping between sections (Commissioner Fagan).
  • Visual representations and diagrams to aid non-experts (Commissioner Smiles).
  • Clear enforcement teeth for violations (Commissioner Watts suggested reference to a fourth-degree misdemeanor).
  • Formal reports to council when a certificate is denied, explaining the commission's position (Commissioner Watts).
  • Include resources for finding appropriate materials and craftspeople (Commissioner Cardnell).
  • Allow modern materials that replicate historic appearance (e.g., DaVinci roofs, TimberTech composite porch boards, fiberglass windows) — commissioners noted insurance and availability challenges.
  • Update materials list to reflect products no longer available and include superior modern alternatives (e.g., standing seam metal roofs vs. asphalt shingles).
• Format and Accessibility:
  • Desire for a searchable electronic document, possibly with AI capabilities to help homeowners prepare applications (Commissioner Fagan).
  • The city is updating its website and domain (moving to .gov), which may enable integration of interactive features.
• Public Engagement:
  • Commissioners suggested asking the public about their awareness of the commission and standards, and their desired level of preservation (restrictive vs. flexible).
  • Use events like First Fridays and farmers markets (the city will have a booth); also engage the historical society, chamber of commerce, and board of realtors.
  • The online platform Map Chenair will be used for surveys and mapping.
• Boundary Review:
  • As part of the project, staff will review the historic district boundaries to potentially remove inappropriate properties and add eligible ones. This will be coupled with updating the zoning code chapter on the HPC.
  • Designing Local suggested making the standards applicable city-wide (adopt as architectural standards) and then designate where they apply (e.g., downtown district, future local landmarks), rather than limiting them to current geography.
• Subdistrict Approach:
  • Instead of geographic subdistricts (downtown core, transitional, residential), consider categorizing by structure type (e.g., commercial inline, standalone commercial, residential) to reduce variance requests.

Key Outcomes

• No formal votes were taken on substantive matters. Motions to excuse absent members (Councilman Ryder and Vice Chair Bolton) and to adjourn were approved unanimously.
• The architectural standards update is officially underway. Consultants will refine the engagement plan based on commissioner input and begin broader community outreach in the coming months.
• Staff will keep commissioners updated and provide drafts for review. Commissioners were encouraged to share ideas and examples of good design they encounter.
• The next regular HPC meeting is scheduled for May 27, 2026, and will include up to two cases and updates on this project.