Opinion ID: 2099757
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: The Chicago Landmarks Ordinance

Text: The Chicago Landmarks Ordinance (Landmarks Ordinance) sets forth procedures for designating a building a Chicago landmark. This ordinance was amended on March 11, 1987, but the pertinent procedures appearing in the new ordinance (procedures set out in sections 21-67 through 21-73 of the Municipal Code of Chicago) are substantially similar to those in the former ordinance (formerly set out in sections 21-64(c) through 21-64(f) of the Municipal Code of Chicago). The ordinance creates a Commission on Chicago landmarks (Chicago Municipal Code § 21-63 (1987)), which is directed to familiarize itself with areas and structures in Chicago and to recommend to the city council designation of certain such areas and structures as Chicago landmarks (Chicago Municipal Code § 21-65 (1987)). In determining whether to recommend a particular site, the commission is to consider only certain enumerated criteria which relate primarily to the building's historical, architectural and cultural significance. (Chicago Municipal Code § 21-66 (1987).) Upon making a preliminary determination that a site should be deemed a Chicago landmark, the commission is to request a report from the commissioner of planning. (Chicago Municipal Code § 21-68 (1987).) In the report, the commissioner is to evaluate the relationship of the proposed designation to the comprehensive plan of Chicago and the effect of the proposed designation on the surrounding neighborhood. (Chicago Municipal Code § 21-68 (1987).) In the report the commissioner is also to make a recommendation of approval, rejection or modification of the proposed designation. After receiving the report, the commission is to notify the property's owner of the proposed designation and request his consent to the designation. (Chicago Municipal Code § 21-68 (1987).) If the owner does not consent to the proposal, then the commission, following proper notice, is to hold a public hearing. The ordinance provides for participation by various individuals and entities as follows: Any person, organization or other legal entity whose use or whose members' use or enjoyment of the area, district, place, building, structure, work of art, or other object proposed for designation may be injured by the designation or the failure of the Commission to recommend designation may become a party to a designation proceeding. Chicago Municipal Code § 21-71 (1987). Within 30 days following the hearing (if one is required), the commission is to determine whether to recommend the proposed landmark designation to the city council. (Chicago Municipal Code § 21-72 (1987).) The city council is then to consider the findings, recommendation and record of the commission and determine whether to (by ordinance) designate such place or object a Chicago landmark. In making this determination, the city council may, in its discretion, hold public hearings. Chicago Municipal Code § 21-73 (1987). The ordinance contains an additional provision which, in plaintiffs' view, is of critical significance to the outcome of this case. The provision is contained in section 21-76, and reads, any designation of an area, district, place, building, structure, work of art, or other similar object as a `Chicago landmark' shall only be amended or rescinded in the same manner and procedure as the original designation was made.