Why is a Certificate of Appropriateness needed?

A Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) assures that your historic property maintains its historic integrity and that structures within the Historic Overlay District respect the historic character of the area.

A COA serves a two-fold purpose for historic properties. First, it helps ensure that the proposed work maintains the property's historic integrity and will evaluate the proposed work’s impact on the historic building. The qualities that make your property either architecturally or historically notable can only be maintained or enhanced when alterations are made according to universally accepted historic preservation practices. Second, it helps ensure that all structures within the “H” Overlay District respect the historic character of the area. That means that even brand-new construction needs a COA to ensure compatibility with the historic neighborhoods.

Show All Answers

1. What is a Certificate of Appropriateness?
2. Is there a fee for a Certificate of Appropriateness?
3. Why is a Certificate of Appropriateness needed?
4. When is a Certificate of Appropriateness needed?
5. How do I obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness?
6. What needs to be included when submitting a Certificate of Appropriateness?
7. What happens to my application after it is submitted?
8. May I paint my house any color I want?
9. Do I need permission to perform ordinary maintenance?
10. Does every change to my property require a Certificate of Appropriateness?
11. May I put an addition on my historic property?
12. Where can I receive help designing an addition for my house?
13. Are there economic incentives for improving property in the historic district?
14. How do I submit photos if the CSS Portal won't let me upload them?
15. If I have more questions, whom should I contact?