Applications & Commission Review

Any changes to the exterior of a building or site located within a Local Historic District requires Historic District Commission (HDC) approval. There are three types of applications the Commission may issue: a Certificate of Appropriateness, a Certificate of Non-Applicability, or a Certificate of Hardship.

• Certificate of Non-Applicability
  • A CoNA is issued for work done in kind (work which matches existing conditions exactly), interior alterations, alterations not visible from any public way, and any other work which does not require review by the Commission. 
• Certificate of Appropriateness 
  • A COA is issued for alterations which are deemed to be in keeping with the character of the property.
• Certificate of Hardship 
  • Occasionally, a COH is issued for work which is not otherwise appropriate if the Commission determines that failure to approve an application would entail a substantial hardship, financial or otherwise, and that the work would not be a significant detriment to the district.

One of these certificates is necessary to obtain a building permit for work in a locally designated district. Applications will be reviewed by the Commission at a formal public hearing. 

The HDC holds public hearings for projects located within a District to determine the appropriateness of such alterations and issues Certificates of Appropriateness to those projects that meet the Commission's Design Guidelines (PDF). The Design Guidelines outline the type of certificates the Commission grants: Certificate of Non-Applicability, Certificate of Appropriateness, or Certificate of Hardship.

The Application Form and all accompanying materials are required to be submitted to the Office of Planning and Building prior to the Application Deadline to ensure completeness. The HDC strongly encourages applicants to review the Application Requirements (PDF) and Application Process (PDF) prior to submitting an application. Applicants are also encouraged to meet with HDC representatives to review their project prior to submitting their application.

The Commission will gladly offer advice to those property owners who are considering making alterations to their historic properties prior to submitting an application. Please contact the Office of Planning and Building to arrange a meeting.