How to Apply
Submit the online Historic Preservation Applications
PRE-APPLICATION MEETING
Owners or potential owners of property in locally designated historic districts who are considering renovations or alterations are encouraged to contact the Historic Preservation Planner to what type of historic permits and procedure will be required for their project. It is imperative and any alterations be consistent with JHPC standards.
Design Guidelines
Rehabilitation projects should adhere to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation as well as any local Design Guidelines created specifically for local Historic Districts. The Farish Street Historic District and the Belhaven & Belhaven Heights Historic District each have individual Design Guidelines which are available from staff.
Certificate of Appropriateness Application
Following the pre-application meeting, the applicant should submit an online application for a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA). Once accepted, the application will require a payment for $40, plus $40 per additional 5000 sq ft. Depending on the type of work proposed, certain supporting documentation is required which should include any of the following items necessary to explain and illustrate the project:
- Photographs
- Material Samples
- Manufacturer’s Specifications
- Plans, Elevations, Section Drawings
- Site Plan or Plot Plan
- Related City Permits
- Any Additional Material Needed.
Applications must be filed on or before the designated deadline, and a legal ad must be run at least 15 days prior to the Public Hearing.
Compliance Agreement Application
Routine maintenance on historic properties or properties within a historic district may not require review from the Historic Preservation Commission. Replacement of roofs, fascia boards, and a small amount of replacement siding with identical sizes and types of material is an example of routine maintenance. A determination will be made following the pre-application meeting. If is determined that a Certificate of Appropriateness is not warranted, the applicant should submit an online application for a Compliance Agreement (CA). Once accepted, the application will require a payment for $15.
Compliance, Reconsideration, and Appeal Process
If an application is denied by the HPC and the applicant subsequently complies with the reasons for denial within six months after the decision is made, A COA may be granted. An aggrieved applicant may appeal to the City Council within ten days after the HPC action. A second legal ad is run fifteen days prior to the City Council hearing. The City Council may grant or deny the COA or remand the matter back to the HPC.