SB 116 Summary

• Establishes the exclusive legal method for removing historic district designations in Indiana by petition to the legislative body.

• Allows petition filing by: (1) owners of single-site historic districts, or (2) at least 51% of property owners in multi-parcel historic districts.

• Requires historic preservation commission to hold public hearing within 60 days, make findings on four specific criteria, and submit recommendation within 10 days of hearing.

• Requires legislative body to vote on petition within 45 days: majority vote needed if commission recommends approval, two-thirds vote needed if commission recommends denial.

• Historic district designation is removed upon recording the removal ordinance with the county recorder; if legislative body fails to act within 45 days, petition is automatically granted or denied per the commission's recommendation.