Any proposed changes to the exterior and appurtenant features of a building in a historic district or to a designated local landmark that involves a change in design, material, or outer appearance other than ordinary repair, maintenance, and painting must receive a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC). Requests for Certificates of Appropriateness are required regardless of the need for a Building / Sign Permit and are considered at a public hearing. At the public hearing, the HPC will either approve as submitted, approve with specific conditions, or deny a request. A request that has been denied can be appealed to the Zoning Board of Adjustments (ZBOA).
Examples of requests for a Certificate of Appropriateness include change in exterior windows, construction of accessory structures, construction of an addition to the building, exterior signage, fences, etc.
Approval Process
The Certificate of Appropriateness must be approved before any other permits will be issued. The HPC meets monthly on the first Thursday of every month. Once the Certificate of Appropriateness is approved, it is valid for two years from the date of approval. If the work is not started within one year of approval, the Certificate will expire and an extension request must be processed and approved by the HPC. If the approved work is not completed within 2 years, approval of a new Certificate must be obtained to continue the work.