Q&A
Shanon Wasielewski, Historic Preservation Officer for the City answers some common questions regarding the historic preservation program:
1) What is a Certificate of Appropriateness and how can I get one?
Contact our Preservation Planner at (615) 550-6733 for more information.
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2) Would I need a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) to remodel my kitchen or bathroom?
No. Historic zoning regulations only pertain to exterior changes. Remodeling, renovation and all other interior changes are exempt from HZC review.
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3) My house has a few rotten boards in its wood siding. I cannot decide whether to replace the damaged clapboards or re-side the whole house with vinyl or hardipanel siding. If it were in the HP overlay, would I have to get a COA to do either?
If you decide to replace the damaged boards to match the existing wood siding, no COA would be required because this is in-kind repair and maintenance and is not a change is material or design. If you proposed to re-side your house with new material, an application to the HZC for a COA would be required. The guidelines recommend retaining the original wood siding on contributing historic structures
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4) What is a Historic Preservation (HP) Overlay?
An HP overlay is a classification that is added to a property in addition to the underlying zoning. An HP overlay does not change the underlying zoning and allowable uses of a property. It is an additional requirement that is "overlaid" on the property in order to preserve the character of historic properties important to the community.
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5) What is the difference between the National Register Historic District and the local HP Overlay?
The U.S. Department of the Interior awards the National Register Historic District designation. Although this status is very prestigious, it comes with no special protections unless federal funding is involved in a proposed project. The local historic district (HP overlay) is a special zoning overlay outlined in the local zoning ordinance. Once the HP district was established, the Historic Zoning Commission was created to review projects within the overlay. The commission is a city board made up of preservation specialists, historians, architects and ordinary citizens. The HZC reviews exterior changes in material or design that require a building permit, including demolition, additions, exterior rehabilitation and relocation. Before beginning any work requiring review, the applicant must apply for and receive a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) from the HZC. The commission will assess the proposed change for compliance with the Historic District Design Guidelines and the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation.
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6) If my house were included in the HP Overlay, would I be required to restore it to its original historic appearance?
No. Property owners inside a local historic district are not required to do anything to their houses. They can maintain them just as they are. Only exterior additions or alterations being proposed by the owner would require review and approval by the Commission.
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7) What if I wanted to paint my house?
A COA would not be required for repainting a house or other structure in the district unless the structure is previously unpainted brick. Painting a previously unpainted brick structure would require review, but the Commission does not review paint colors.
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8) I want to build a substantial addition to my house. If it were located in the HP overlay would I have to apply for a COA?
An addition to any structure in historic district would require a COA from the Historic Zoning Commission. The Commission will grant a COA if the design for an addition is compatible with proportions, style and design of the existing structure and with the design guidelines.
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9) What are some activities that would and would not require a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA)?
Examples of activities that would not require a COA:
- Interior modifications of any kind
- Repainting
- Landscaping, including gardens, shrubs, and trees
- Repairs to walks, driveways, fences and patios
- Repairs to siding, trim, railings, shingles, etc., that match existing materials
- Other routine repairs and maintenance
Examples of activities that would require a COA from the Historical Zoning Commission:
- Exterior changes such as additions, changes in siding material, style of windows, doors or architectural features Erection of new buildings
- Construction of garages
- Replacement outbuildings
- Demolition or removal of all or part of a structure
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10) Who is on the Historic Zoning Commission?
The Historic Zoning Commission is composed of nine (9) members consisting of a representative of a local patriotic or historical organization; an architect, if available; a member of the local planning commission at the time of such person's appointment; and the remaining members shall be appointed from the community in general. The Historic Zoning Commission shall be appointed by the chief executive of the municipality, subject to confirmation by the local legislative body.
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