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1. What purpose do these guidelines serve?

The purpose is:

• To develop a unified spirit of cooperation (door to door and block to block) to present the best Historic District image to our neighbors and visitors. We want to develop a unified practice of cleaning and maintaining all the exterior spaces that are open to the view of others, and to present an attractive image.
• To present a clean and uncluttered Historic District in keeping with the historic period that is a valuable attraction to visitors and shoppers. To present a memorable and positive image that will lure each visitor to return, and speak well of our “St. Charles Historic District.”
• To protect the status and value of our unique district as an attraction. To protect the huge investment of our labor and money spent to save and restore the architectural assets that make the district attractive.
• To cooperate in a helpful spirit among ourselves to continue to enhance the Historic district. To cooperate by joining the initiative to self-police the exteriors of our individual properties. To cooperate by learning and employing the “19th Century Test” for appropriateness.

2. How is appropriateness judged?

Appropriateness is judged by the use of the 19th Century Test.

3. Who will judge the appropriateness?

The unified district neighborhood should be the judge.

4. What is the 19th Century Test?

The 19th Century Test is a simple method of judging appropriateness for exterior display. The 19th Century Test (1800-1899) allows a generous array of choices for benches, planters, colors, materials, decorations and themes that are appropriate for our Historic District. The 19th Century Test would limit, among other things, some lighting, some fencing and seating, etc. One simple example of inappropriateness would be plastic. Obviously, any items made of plastic would not pass the 19th Century Test.

The goal of the 19th Century Test is to enhance the district by avoiding the display of anything contemporary.

5. What about advertising devices and sidewalk merchandising?

Advertising devices and sidewalk merchandising is strongly discouraged and is in some cases specifically prohibited by St. Charles city ordinances. Each property owner and merchant should acquaint themselves with these city laws. Beyond the limits of city ordinances, the primary purpose of this guideline is to establish a simple self-policing process that will avoid the likelihood of a city prohibition of exterior display. Successful self-policing will allow us to avoid the process of appeals, presentations, petitions, and the expense of permits or the frustration of denials.

6. Where do I go for information if I am in doubt about what I’m doing or thinking of doing in regard to outside display?

• Ask a neighbor who has been here long enough to know the district and whose property exhibits the character of a well-kept and appropriate appearance.
• Call the Department of Community Development at 636-949-3222. Their representatives will be glad to answer questions, particularly those dealing with city ordinances. This is the place to go for information on all matters relating to any change of exterior including building alteration, additions, signage, fences, painting, etc., all of which require approval by the Historic Landmarks Preservation and Architectural Review Board.
• Dan Satterfield, a member of the committee and graphic designer who is a resident of South Main, has agreed to field questions regarding appropriateness. He may be reached at 636-946-3467.