[Ord. No. 96-2, § V C., 1-22-1996; 8-28-2023 by Ord. No. 23-08]
For the purpose of this chapter, landmark, landmark site, or historic district designation may be placed on any site, natural or improved, including any building, improvement or structure located thereon, or any area of particular historic, architectural or cultural significance to the City of Lake Geneva.
Properties or groupings of properties in Lake Geneva are historically significant and eligible for landmark designation if they meet any of the following criteria:
(1) 
Reflects the cultural, political, economic or social history of the community, state or nation;
(2) 
Is associated with the productive life of historic personages or important events in national, state or local history;
(3) 
Embodies the distinguishing characteristics of an architectural type or specimen inherently valuable for a study of a period's style, method of construction, or of indigenous materials or craftsmanship;
(4) 
Is representative of the notable work of a master builder, designer or architect who influenced his age; or
(5) 
Has yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important to prehistory or history.
[Ord. No. 96-2, § VIII, 1-22-1996; 8-28-2023 by Ord. No. 23-08]
(a) 
Plan analyses and objectives. Each historic district plan approved by the Historic Preservation Commission shall include a cultural and architectural analysis supporting the historic significance of the area, the specific guidelines for development and a statement of preservation objectives.
(b) 
Design criteria. Design criteria to be considered in the development of historic district plans are as follows:
(1) 
The gross volume and height of any new structure shall be visually compatible with the buildings and environment with which it is visually related.
(2) 
In the street elevation of a building, the proportion between the building and environment with which it is visually related shall be considered.
(3) 
The proportions and relationships between doors and windows in the street facade should be compatible with the buildings and environment with which it is visually related.
(4) 
The rhythm of solids to voids, created by openings in facade, should be compatible with buildings and environment with which it is visually related.
(5) 
The existing rhythm created by existing building masses and spaces between them should be preserved.
(6) 
The materials, texture, colors and patterns used in the final facade should be compatible with the buildings and environment with which it is visually related.
(7) 
The design of the roof should be visually compatible with the buildings and environment with which it is visually related.
(8) 
The landscape plan should be sensitive to the individual building, its occupants and their needs and be compatible with the buildings and environment with which it is visually related.
(9) 
The street facade should blend with other buildings via directional expression. When adjacent buildings have a horizontal or vertical expression, this expression should be carried over and reflected.
(10) 
Architectural elements should be incorporated as necessary to relate the new with the old and to preserve and enhance the inherent characteristics of the area.
[Ord. No. 96-2, § V, 1-22-1996; 8-28-2023 by Ord. No. 23-08]
The Commission may, after notice published as a Class 1 notice and public hearing, as well as due notice to the parties in interest and adjacent property owners, recommend historic districts, or rescind such designation or recommendation,
Procedures for the designation of historic districts are as follows:
(1) 
Submission of recommended area to Planning Commission. The Commission may upon its own initiative submit to the Planning Commission for public hearing and recommendation to the City Council, areas to be designated as historical districts.
(2) 
Public hearing; recommendations to City Council. The Planning Commission, upon receipt of the proposed designation of historical districts, shall hold a public hearing on the proposed district and pursuant to the criteria in Section 34-61, and shall make their recommendations to the City Council within 60 days.
(3) 
Notice of hearing. Notice of such hearing shall be published as a Class 1 notice under W.S.A. § 985.06(2) pursuant to W.S.A. § 62.11. In cases of designation of historic districts, notice of the time, place and purpose of the public hearing shall be sent by the Commission to the Alderpersons of the Aldermanic District or Districts in which the historic district is located.
(4) 
Notification of owners of record. In the matter of the designation of historic district, the City Council, upon review of the recommendation from the Planning Commission, shall notify the owners of record, who are owners of property, in whole or in part, situated within 100 feet of the boundaries of the property affected or within the boundaries of the proposed historic district. For the purpose of this chapter owners of record are those listed in the office of the City Assessor.
[Ord. No. 96-2, § V B, 1-22-1996; Ord. No. 07-02, § 1, 2-12-2007; 8-28-2023 by Ord. No. 23-08]
(a) 
Nominations by the Commission. Commission nominations for local City-owned landmarks shall be referred to the Planning Commission for public hearing and recommendation to the City Council of Lake Geneva.
(b) 
Acceptance of nomination; plaque. When the nomination of a landmark or landmark site has been accepted, the Commission, in cooperation with the property owner, may cause to be prepared and erected on such property, a suitable plaque provided by the City of Lake Geneva.
(c) 
Application by owner. Lake Geneva residents who feel a property may meet the criteria to qualify as a landmark structure or landmark site under this chapter may apply to the Commission in writing for nominations as a landmark structure or landmark site. Acceptance by the Commission of any such application will be made by the Commission pursuant to its rules and the criteria established and set forth in Sec. 34-61.