As we build our economy and engage with our neighbors, we respect our diversity and acknowledge its strength. Our neighborhoods are communities of change. Through their character, they demonstrate how we have evolved over time, how we are moving forward, and how each layer of history enriches our sense of who we are. As we grow and adapt, we value sense of place and work to embrace the qualities of our past with those of our future.
We uphold guidelines to protect the architectural heritage of these storied neighborhoods, ensuring their unique character is maintained. Our team supports historic preservation by working closely with the Historical Architecture Review Board (HARB) when exterior building alterations are proposed within a Historic District.
Certificate of Appropriateness Application Reviews
Property owners planning alterations to the exterior of their building are required to complete a Certificate of Appropriateness application. The application may require the following information, depending on the scope of work:
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- Current photographs of the property, including:
- Primary facades
- Areas within the scope of work
- Visibility of the work area from any public rights-of-way
- Surrounding context.
- Architectural plans and/or other graphic documentation detailing the proposal. Plans must accurately reflect both the existing and proposed conditions, be legible, dimensioned, accurately scaled, and annotated.
- Copies of any historic documentation justifying the project, if applicable, for example, historic maps, photographs, or insurance surveys.
- Material samples or specifications of new materials or features.
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Once received, the application will be evaluated by the Planning Staff to determine the level of review:
- Some applications can be reviewed by staff
- Most applications are referred to the HARB for review.
Property owners should contact the Planning Office with questions.
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