Planning a renovation, building a new home, or purchasing a property in Cottage Home? Start here to understand our Conservation District and how to get involved early in the process.
Understanding Our Conservation District
A Conservation District is a locally designated area where specific rules guide changes to buildings and properties to help preserve the area’s historic character.
Cottage Home’s Conservation Area Plan was adopted in 2008. It provides a framework for evaluating new construction, renovations, and other changes to properties within the district.
The goal isn’t to prevent change or discourage investment. It’s to ensure that new projects respect the architectural character, scale, and overall feel of our neighborhood while allowing Cottage Home to continue growing and evolving.
Cottage Home has a distinctive history and an important collection of historic buildings, including vernacular homes that reflect the neighborhood’s late-19th-century working-class roots and residences designed by the Indianapolis architectural firm Vonnegut and Bohn.
Our Conservation District designation helps protect the qualities that make Cottage Home unique, including its historic buildings, traditional development patterns, and architectural character.
The Conservation Plan gives property owners, designers, and decision-makers a shared framework for evaluating how new development and exterior changes fit within the neighborhood.
Not at all! We welcome investment, rehabilitation, and thoughtful new construction.
We simply ask that projects be designed with an understanding of Cottage Home’s history and in alignment with our Conservation Plan. Well-designed projects can honor the neighborhood’s historic character while bringing new life to properties that need it.
Our goal is thoughtful development that respects the past while contributing positively to Cottage Home’s future.
We encourage every property owner, developer, architect, and builder working in Cottage Home to read the plan before beginning a project.
- Read the Cottage Home Conservation Area Plan (PDF)
- Visit the Cottage Home Conservation District webpage
Please make sure your architect and builder have a copy of the plan, too. It should be part of the project from the beginning—not something reviewed after the design is complete.
Who Must Follow the Conservation District Rules?
Yes. The Conservation Plan applies to properties within the designated district, regardless of who owns them. The boundaries of the designated Conservation District are:
- North Border: 10th St.
- West Border: I-65
- East Border: Oriental St. / Arsenal Tech High School
- South Border: Michigan St.
Whether you’ve purchased a historic home to renovate or live in, an abandoned property to restore, or an empty lot for new construction, you should understand the Conservation Plan before beginning work.
Buying a property does not exempt it from the Conservation District’s requirements. We encourage prospective buyers to review the plan and understand the applicable review process before committing to a project.
Yes. New construction is an important part of the Conservation Plan’s scope.
Projects should be designed to complement the neighborhood’s established character. Depending on the proposal, relevant considerations may include:
- Building size, height, and overall scale.
- Architectural style, complexity, and design.
- Placement on the lot and setbacks from property lines.
- Orientation toward the street and relationship to neighboring buildings.
- Doors, windows, porches, rooflines, and exterior materials.
- How the proposed building relates to the surrounding streetscape.
These are examples of design considerations, not a substitute for the specific standards and guidance in the Conservation Plan.
They can. Exterior renovations, additions, and other changes may require IHPC review, depending on the nature of the work and the applicable requirements.
Before starting exterior work, check with IHPC to determine whether approval is required. We also encourage you to contact CHNA’s Conservation Committee early so we can help you understand how your project relates to the Conservation Plan.
Vacant lots and abandoned buildings are still part of the Conservation District.
A property does not lose its conservation requirements because a building has fallen into disrepair, has been vacant for years, or has recently changed ownership. New construction and redevelopment should still be evaluated against the applicable Conservation Plan and IHPC requirements.
No. They address different aspects of a project.
Zoning governs matters such as permitted land uses and applicable development standards. The Conservation Plan addresses the preservation and design considerations relevant to Cottage Home’s historic character.
Depending on the project, you may need to satisfy both zoning requirements and IHPC’s historic preservation review.
When in doubt, consult IHPC and the appropriate City of Indianapolis departments before proceeding.
What The Cottage Home COnservation Plan Governs
The Cottage Home Conservation Area Plan provides the framework for evaluating development and exterior changes in the district.
Its provisions and recommendations help guide decisions about how buildings relate to the neighborhood’s historic character.
Depending on the project and the applicable plan provisions, considerations may include:
Building scale and massing
Does the building’s size, height, and overall form fit its surroundings?
Architectural character
Does the design respect the neighborhood’s established architectural patterns, or does it introduce elements that feel out of place?
Setbacks and placement
Does the building sit appropriately on its lot and relate to neighboring properties and the street?
Exterior features and materials
Are the building’s doors, windows, rooflines, porches, materials, and other visible features appropriate to the district?
Relationship to the streetscape
Does the project contribute positively to the traditional street pattern and the character of the surrounding block?
The specific requirements applicable to any project should be determined by consulting the Conservation Plan and IHPC.
The goal is not to require every building to be identical or to prevent contemporary design.
Instead, the plan provides a framework for determining whether a design is appropriate for Cottage Home. New buildings can have their own character while still respecting the scale, proportions, placement, and architectural context of the neighborhood.
A successful project should feel like a thoughtful addition to Cottage Home—not a design that could have been dropped into any neighborhood without consideration for its surroundings.
No. We recognize that neighborhoods evolve and that responsible investment can bring new life to properties and strengthen our community.
Our goal is to encourage development that respects the character of Cottage Home and follows the applicable Conservation Plan and regulations. Sometimes that means discussing the scale, height, placement, materials, or design of a proposed project. These conversations are intended to help ensure that new construction and renovations fit thoughtfully into the neighborhood.
CHNA does not have the authority to approve or deny development. IHPC is responsible for decisions under the applicable preservation rules. Our committee provides feedback and represents neighborhood perspectives as part of that process.
We welcome developers who want to invest in Cottage Home and encourage them to contact us early. We are not opposed to development; we are advocates for thoughtful development that respects the place we all share.
How Cottage Home Works With IHPC
The Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission (IHPC) is the City of Indianapolis’s historic preservation authority. It administers historic preservation requirements and reviews projects within locally designated historic and conservation districts.
IHPC is the authority responsible for determining applicable requirements and making decisions on projects within its jurisdiction.
Learn more through the official IHPC website.
The Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission (IHPC) is the governing body responsible for administering Cottage Home’s Conservation District regulations. Depending on the proposed project, IHPC reviews plans and determines whether they meet the applicable requirements.
The Cottage Home Neighborhood Association (CHNA) does not issue permits, approve construction plans, or have the authority to stop or approve development. Our Conservation Committee helps interpret the Cottage Home Conservation Plan, shares neighborhood perspectives, and works with property owners and IHPC to encourage thoughtful development that respects the character of our neighborhood.
Our role is to help make the process more collaborative—not to replace or override IHPC. We encourage every property owner and developer to understand the
No. CHNA can provide feedback based on the Conservation Plan and the neighborhood’s perspective, but IHPC is responsible for administering the applicable requirements and making decisions within its authority.
Our committee can help identify potential concerns and suggest adjustments before a proposal advances. We cannot guarantee approval or substitute our interpretation for IHPC’s official guidance.
The Cottage Home Neighborhood Association is a volunteer-led neighborhood organization. Our Conservation Committee helps represent the neighborhood’s interests by reviewing proposed projects in relation to our adopted Conservation Plan.
Our role is to:
- Help property owners and design teams understand the Conservation Plan.
- Provide constructive feedback on proposed designs.
- Identify potential areas of misalignment and recommend adjustments.
- Communicate the neighborhood’s perspective to IHPC.
- Provide letters of support or opposition when appropriate.
CHNA does not have the final authority to approve or deny projects. IHPC retains the applicable review and decision-making authority.
Our intent is to serve as a helpful resource and a constructive voice for preserving Cottage Home’s character.
No. CHNA’s feedback and any letter of support or opposition represent the neighborhood association’s position. They do not replace IHPC’s independent review or determine the outcome of a project.
IHPC evaluates proposals under the applicable rules, plans, and procedures.
Not necessarily. That is one reason early engagement matters.
When CHNA has an opportunity to review a proposal and understand the design team’s intentions, we can offer meaningful feedback and communicate our perspective to IHPC.
Early communication also gives developers an opportunity to address potential concerns before plans are finalized.
How to Engage The Neighborhood For Your Project
Cottage Home’s Conservation District status can significantly affect what an owner may do with a property. This is particularly important for buyers considering demolition, major renovations, additions, or new construction on a vacant lot.
Please help buyers understand the district before they make an offer or commit to a development plan.
We encourage realtors to:
- Inform prospective buyers that the property is within Cottage Home’s Conservation District.
- Direct buyers to the Cottage Home Conservation Plan and IHPC resources.
- Encourage buyers to verify applicable requirements before assuming a property can be demolished, substantially altered, or redeveloped in a particular way.
- Recommend that buyers contact IHPC and CHNA’s Conservation Committee early in their due diligence.
For buyers and developers, please do your research before purchasing. Do not assume that a property’s current condition, vacancy, age, or ownership history means that preservation requirements do not apply.
If you are unsure what restrictions or review requirements may affect a property, contact IHPC directly and reach out to CHNA at CHNAConservation@gmail.com.
Welcome! We’re glad you’re investing in our neighborhood.
We recommend following these steps:
We recommend following these steps:
Step 1: Read the Conservation Plan.
Start with the Cottage Home Conservation Area Plan. Familiarize yourself with the plan’s goals and the guidance relevant to your property and proposed work.
Step 2: Share the plan with your architect and builder.
Make sure everyone on your project team understands that the property is located in a Conservation District.
The Conservation Plan should inform the design process from the beginning. Incorporating it early is much easier than making substantial design changes later.
Step 3: Contact CHNA’s Conservation Committee before submitting your project to IHPC.
Email CHNAConservation@gmail.com to introduce your project and initiate a conversation.
Please reach out as early as possible—even if your plans are still preliminary. Early discussions are often the most productive because there is still time to explore alternatives and make adjustments.
Step 4: Meet with the Conservation Committee.
Our Conservation Committee meets monthly and works to help property owners and project teams understand the Conservation Plan.
We’ll review the information you share, discuss how the proposal relates to the plan, and provide feedback or recommend adjustments where appropriate.
Step 5: Refine the design and coordinate with IHPC.
Use the feedback to evaluate potential revisions to your plans. We encourage you to coordinate directly with IHPC staff to understand the formal application, review, and approval requirements.
CHNA’s review is a neighborhood engagement step, not a replacement for the official IHPC process.
Step 6: CHNA communicates its position when appropriate.
Depending on the proposal’s alignment with the Conservation Plan, the feedback process, and the project’s willingness to address identified concerns, CHNA may provide IHPC with a letter of support or opposition.
Our goal is to encourage projects that meet applicable requirements and respect the character of Cottage Home.
Because early conversations can save time and help everyone work toward a better outcome.
If a proposal raises concerns about building scale, setbacks, architectural design, or other elements addressed by the Conservation Plan, identifying those issues early gives your team an opportunity to consider adjustments before investing further in detailed plans.
It also helps ensure that the neighborhood’s perspective is understood as the project moves through the review process.
Please don’t wait until your plans are final or an IHPC hearing is scheduled to introduce yourself. We are much better positioned to help when we can engage early.
A brief introduction is perfect. To help us prepare for the conversation, please include:
- The property address.
- Your name and your role in the project.
- A brief description of the proposed work.
- Any preliminary drawings, elevations, renderings, site plans, or other materials available.
- Your anticipated project timeline and any known IHPC deadlines.
If you don’t have complete plans yet, that’s fine. Please reach out anyway.
Contact: CHNAConservation@gmail.com. You may ‘cc’ CottageHomeNeighborhood@gmail.com.
The Conservation Committee meets monthly.
Email us to introduce your project, share your materials, and ask about the next meeting. We can help determine the best way to bring your proposal to the committee’s attention.
Please allow adequate time for discussion and potential design revisions before any formal IHPC deadlines.
We’ll do our best to provide clear, constructive feedback based on the Conservation Plan.
If we identify areas of concern, we’ll explain those concerns and, where possible, suggest adjustments that could bring the proposal into better alignment with the plan.
Our intent is to make the process collaborative and useful—not to create unnecessary obstacles for property owners or developers.
However, CHNA’s feedback is advisory. IHPC remains responsible for determining the applicable requirements and making formal decisions.
We evaluate each project individually.
When a proposal aligns with the Conservation Plan and the concerns raised during neighborhood review have been appropriately addressed, CHNA may provide a letter of support to IHPC.
If significant concerns remain, we may provide a letter of opposition explaining our position and its relationship to the Conservation Plan.
A letter of support is not a guarantee of IHPC approval, just as a letter of opposition does not determine the final outcome.
We welcome respectful discussion.
Our committee’s goal is to explain the neighborhood’s perspective and identify opportunities to improve a proposal. If you disagree with our interpretation or recommendations, we encourage you to discuss your concerns with us and consult IHPC staff regarding the applicable requirements.
Ultimately, IHPC makes the formal decisions within its authority.
Cottage Home’s Conservation District requirements are not optional. Certain projects—including demolition and qualifying new construction—may require review and approval by IHPC before work begins. The specific requirements depend on the property, the proposed work, and the applicable rules and plan.
Beginning work without required approval can have serious consequences. Depending on the circumstances, the City may issue a stop-work order, and violations may lead to enforcement action or penalties.
Do not assume that a vacant, abandoned, or deteriorated property can be demolished or substantially altered without review. The condition of a property does not, by itself, eliminate applicable preservation requirements.
Before beginning demolition, site work, or construction:
- Confirm which preservation requirements apply to your property and project.
- Contact IHPC to understand the required review, approvals, and permits.
- Review the Cottage Home Conservation Plan.
- Contact CHNA’s Conservation Committee early to discuss your plans and neighborhood considerations.
If you are unsure whether a project requires approval, confirm the requirements with IHPC before beginning work. Do not rely on assumptions or proceed while waiting to find out.
How Neighbors Can Get Involved and Have a Voice
We welcome neighbors who are interested in historic preservation, thoughtful development, and the future of Cottage Home!
There are several ways to get involved:
- Attend a meeting: Any neighbor is welcome to attend our monthly Conservation Committee meetings and learn more about proposed projects and the Conservation Plan.
- Become a CHNA member: Annual membership is just $10 and helps support the work of the Cottage Home Neighborhood Association.
- Join the Conservation Committee: Neighbors interested in taking a more active role can seek Board approval to become a committee member.
Want to have a vote on committee matters? You must be a current, dues-paying CHNA member ($10/year) and be approved by the CHNA Board as a member of the Conservation Committee.
To learn more or express interest in joining, email CHNAConservation@gmail.com.
Absolutely! All neighbors are welcome to attend our monthly meetings, listen to discussions, and learn more about proposed projects and the Conservation Plan.
Attendance is open to everyone, but voting rights are reserved for current, dues-paying CHNA members who have been approved by the CHNA Board as members of the Conservation Committee.
We encourage neighbors to attend, ask questions, and learn how they can help preserve the character of Cottage Home.
Email CHNAConservation@gmail.com to ask about our next meeting.
IHPC publishes information about public hearings, including notices, agendas, and staff reports.
Visit the City’s official IHPC Public Notices, Hearings and Staff Reports page to find the relevant resources. You can also visit the IHPC website for information about the commission and its review process.
We encourage neighbors to review available materials and attend relevant hearings when they want to learn more about a project or share their perspective.
Check the official notice for the hearing date, time, location, participation procedures, and any deadlines for submitting comments.
You may.
Depending on the application and applicable notification requirements, nearby property owners may receive notices about a proposed project or an upcoming IHPC hearing.
However, do not assume that you will automatically receive a notice for every project that could affect your block or the neighborhood. Notification requirements vary, and not every project follows the same process.
We encourage neighbors to stay connected with CHNA, participate in Conservation Committee meetings, and check IHPC’s public notices and hearing information.
Absolutely.
You can participate in neighborhood discussions, attend relevant IHPC hearings, and follow the official procedures for submitting comments or other input.
If you have questions about a proposal or concerns about how it relates to the Conservation Plan, you can also contact the Conservation Committee.
We encourage neighbors to focus on the adopted plan, the project’s design, and its relationship to Cottage Home’s historic character. Specific, constructive feedback helps make the discussion more productive.
You can still make your voice heard.
Email CHNAConservation@gmail.com to share your concerns or ask about an upcoming project. You can also consult IHPC’s official hearing notices for instructions on submitting comments.
Please share specific concerns and, when possible, reference the relevant provisions or goals of the Conservation Plan.
We understand that neighbors care deeply about Cottage Home. A deteriorating house, a proposed demolition, or a new building that feels out of character can raise understandable questions and concerns.
We encourage neighbors to channel those concerns into constructive, informed participation rather than unproductive arguments on social media or through lengthy email exchanges.
Here are some productive ways to get involved:
- Learn the facts. Review the Cottage Home Conservation Plan and available IHPC project information before drawing conclusions about a proposal.
- Ask questions respectfully. If you have questions about a project, contact the Conservation Committee or the appropriate IHPC staff.
- Attend a Conservation Committee meeting. Meetings provide an opportunity to learn about projects, hear different perspectives, and understand how the process works.
- Participate in the official review process. When a project is scheduled for an IHPC hearing, neighbors can learn about the proposal and participate through the applicable public process.
- Share specific, constructive feedback. Comments that explain how a proposal relates to the Conservation Plan are more useful than personal attacks, speculation, or assumptions about a property owner’s intentions.
CHNA cannot adjudicate every neighborhood disagreement or compel a property owner to make a particular decision. Our Conservation Committee focuses on the Conservation Plan, the applicable review process, and opportunities for productive engagement.
We welcome good-faith questions and respectful disagreement. Our shared goal is to preserve Cottage Home’s character while ensuring that concerns are raised through channels where they can be meaningfully considered.
Cottage Home’s character is the result of generations of residents, property owners, and community members who have invested in the neighborhood and cared about its future.
We want to welcome new investment, encourage thoughtful design, and help property owners navigate the conservation process with confidence.
Whether you’re restoring a historic home, building on a vacant lot, planning an addition, or simply interested in preserving the neighborhood’s character, we encourage you to start a conversation with us.
Read the plan. Engage early. Work collaboratively. Help us preserve what makes Cottage Home special.
Ready to discuss your project?
Contact the Cottage Home Neighborhood Association’s Conservation Committee:
Email: CHNAConservation@gmail.com
Read the Cottage Home Conservation Area Plan
We look forward to working with you!