Indiana Administrative Code Title 925 - MERIDIAN STREET PRESERVATION COMMISSION
1. What it is
The Meridian Street Preservation Commission is a local government body in Indiana, specifically tasked with preserving the historic and architectural character of the Meridian Street area. Meridian Street in Indianapolis is known for its historic homes, mansions, and cultural heritage, so this commission exists to protect that history.
Title 925 in the Indiana Administrative Code lays out how this commission is organized, its powers, and how it operates.
2. Purpose of the Commission
The main goals of the commission are:
Preservation of historic buildings: Ensuring that the architectural and historical integrity of homes and other structures along Meridian Street is maintained.
Review of changes: Overseeing renovations, demolitions, or new construction in the area to make sure changes fit with the historic character.
Promotion of heritage: Encouraging awareness and education about the historic and cultural significance of Meridian Street.
In short, it is about protecting the historic character while allowing the area to evolve responsibly.
3. Composition and Membership
The code defines who serves on the commission:
Typically, the commission consists of residents, experts, or officials familiar with architecture, history, or urban planning.
Members are appointed by the city mayor or local government.
Members usually serve for a set term (like 3 or 4 years), and sometimes they can be reappointed.
This ensures that the commission has people with the right knowledge and interest in preservation.
4. Powers and Duties
The commission has several legal powers:
Review and Approval of Projects
Any alterations, demolition, or new construction in the historic district may require commission approval.
They check if plans meet historic preservation standards.
Issuing Certificates
The commission can issue Certificates of Appropriateness (COA). This is an official approval showing that a project is consistent with preservation rules.
Recommendations
The commission can advise the city on policies or actions to protect the historic district.
Investigations
They can investigate violations of preservation rules and recommend enforcement.
5. Procedures
The code also explains how the commission works day-to-day:
Meetings: The commission meets regularly (e.g., monthly) to review proposals.
Public hearings: Before approving or denying a project, they often hold public hearings so neighbors can comment.
Voting: Decisions usually require a majority vote of members.
Record-keeping: All decisions, minutes, and documentation must be recorded and made available to the public.
6. Enforcement
If a property owner violates the preservation rules (e.g., demolishes a building without approval), the commission can refer the case to the local government for enforcement actions.
Penalties or fines may be applied under city ordinances.
7. Relationship with Other Laws
The Meridian Street Preservation Commission works in coordination with state and local historic preservation laws.
It ensures compliance with both local ordinances and broader Indiana preservation standards.
✅ Summary
In simple terms, Title 925 of the Indiana Administrative Code establishes a special commission to protect and oversee the historic character of Meridian Street. It covers:
Why the commission exists (preservation and protection of historic sites)
Who serves on it (members appointed for their expertise or residency)
What it does (review projects, approve changes, enforce preservation rules)
How it operates (meetings, public hearings, votes)
How it interacts with other laws (state and local preservation standards)
Basically, it balances historical preservation with responsible development in one of Indianapolis’s most historic areas.
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