On September 20, 2022, the Village of Hinsdale established a Historic Overlay District to assist property owners with the preservation, restoration, and rehabilitation of historically significant properties throughout the Village. Owners of properties included on the Historically Significant Structures Property List may be eligible for the following voluntary preservation incentives to help with exterior improvements or other historic preservation projects:

1. Alternative Bulk Zoning Regulations – Properties on the Historically Significant Structures Property List, and located in the R-1, R-2, R-3, and R-4 Single Family Residential Districts, may be eligible for alternative zoning regulations subject to submittal of an application and approval. Alternative bulk zoning regulations are intended to help create design flexibility to help families modernize their historic homes by constructing building additions or other exterior improvements. A property owner constructing an addition may be eligible for zoning relief that they otherwise would not be able to take advantage of if pursuing demolition and new construction. Additionally, bulk regulations are available through an expedited process granted in lieu of the full variation process required by the Zoning Boards of Appeals and Village Board.
2. Fee Waivers – Fees may be waived for building permits, landmark or historic district designation applications, Certificate of Appropriateness applications, and other zoning applications.  Please note some fees are not eligible to be waived, including bonds and fees by outside consultants.
3. Expedited Processes – Expedited processing of building permits and applications for landmark designation, historic district designation, and other zoning approvals may be provided for certain projects.
4. Property Tax Rebate – Property owners may be eligible to receive a rebate for the Village portion of their property tax bill in exchange for substantial exterior alterations, rehabilitation, or restoration work over a maximum five (5) year period. Benefits may be transferred to subsequent property owners. To be considered for this incentive, a minimum investment of $50,000 is required on eligible costs, which could include construction costs for exterior improvements and costs for architectural, planning, engineering, design services, and historic preservation services. The Village would provide a rebate to the property owner at the end of each year after an approved project is completed, final inspections are passed, the property tax bill is paid in full, and a Property Tax Rebate Reimbursement Request is submitted to the Village.
5. Historic Preservation Fund Matching Grants – Funding may be available for 50% of eligible project costs, up to a maximum of $10,000 per project provided by the Village, with a minimum investment of $20,000 required by the applicant. Funding can be approved for exterior improvements or other projects that further preservation efforts, such as hiring a historic preservation specialist to complete surveys, historic assessment reports, feasibility studies, National Register nominations, and tax credit applications. The program can also fund Village-led initiatives and special projects such as signage, preservation plans, or design guidelines. Available funds for the Historic Preservation Fund are determined by the Village Board of Trustees as part of the annual budget process. Gifts and donations from private or public sources and fundraising efforts can also provide funding. Funds are reimbursed  after all work is completed, inspected, and approved by the Village, and after all contractors have been paid by the applicant.

The Village is currently working to finalize program details and will post additional information on its website in the coming months. If you are interested in listing your house on the Historically Significant Structures Property List or would like additional information about the program, please contact Bethany Salmon, Village Planner, at 630-789-7030 or bsalmon@villageofhinsdale.org.