The Historic Preservation Commission's mission is to promote the educational, cultural, and general welfare of the citizens of Evansville, as well as to ensure the harmonious and orderly growth and development of the municipality.

Specifically, local preservation ordinances give the Common Council power to place areas and buildings under the oversight of the Historic Preservation Commission. In addition, ordinance allows for the creation of guidelines and procedures to direct and assist property owners in maintaining the character of designated districts or buildings during the process of rehabilitation or new construction.

The District Guidelines and Procedures promote the restoration and preservation of historic areas and buildings. Such measures, as detailed within this document, are achieved through sensitive maintenance, repair, and replacement. As much as possible the Historic Preservation Commission seeks to insure compatibility and appropriateness regarding style, form, proportion, texture, and material as they relate to the historic buildings and neighborhoods.  It is the intent of the City through the Historic Preservation Commission to preserve and protect historically and architecturally significant buildings, structures, sites, monuments, streetscapes, streetwalls, and neighborhoods.  Consideration will be given to what is feasible, affordable, and energy efficient.

The Historic Preservation Commission primarily accomplishes these goals and objectives through a review process for all exterior modifications, site improvements, and land use changes within the locally designated historic areas and/or sites. 

Please click here to download a pdf containing the District Guidelines and Procedures for the Riverside Preservation Area and Lincolnshire Historic District.

Below one will find a list of standard projects and tiers of reviews (Staff Letter Documenting that No Certificate Necessary, Application for Staff Level Certificate of Appropriateness, or Application for Commission Level Certificate of Appropriateness).

Reviews are performed based on the district and oversight authority within each district.

• Awnings and Canopies
• Demolition and Removal
• Fences, Gates, and Walls
• Handicapped Access
• Landscaping and Site Improvements
• Lights
• Mailboxes
• Masonry
• New Construction
• Paint
• Parking Areas
• Porches and Decks
• Public Infrastructure
• Relocation of Structures
• Roofs, Gutters, and Soffits
• Scaffolding
• Security
• Signs
• Storefronts
• Streets, Sidewalks, Steps, and Driveways
• Trim and Ornament
• Utilities, Mechanical Systems, and Communication Equipment
• Windows and Doors
• Wood Siding

If you have any questions about work and any associated review, please do not hesitate to contact the Historic Preservation Officer.  Our staff is here to answer any questions and to provide technical guidance and assistance.