Historic Review Board Approval Process

If the proposed change meets the Historic Review Board (HRB) Policies, it is reviewed at the staff level and does not require an additional permit or fee. If the proposed change does not meet the HRB Policies or requires HRB approval, follow the steps below:

1. Pick up a land use application and historic review checklist at 695 Warner Parrott Road, or visit the Historic Application Forms page.
2. Consult with the Historic Preservation Staff. If there is a question, consult with the Historic Preservation staff person. Ask whether a building permit or zoning approval may also be necessary for the work you wish to do. Ask for any historic design guidelines that apply to the kind of work you are planning. Other technical assistance materials are available on many topics. For additional questions, please email Planning.
3. Fill out the application. Address the applicable guidelines. This includes a complete description, drawings, photos, materials lists, and building materials brochures or samples, which will help the Historic Review Board to understand what you plan to do. The forms and checklists can be found on the Historic Application Forms page.
4. Submit the application online by visiting the Online Submittal Of Land Use Applications page. You will then receive an invoice with the appropriate fee If the application will go for review by the Historic Review Board, you will be notified of the date of the next meeting (the Fourth Tuesday of each month, at 7 pm). Applications normally must be submitted at least 30 days before the meeting at which they will be considered. An application for alterations or additions to a historic building has a $50 application fee. Demolition and New Construction permits are valued differently. Contact the preservation planner for those fees or see the Fee Schedule page.
5. The staff prepares a report and recommendation. Staff will share the recommendation with you at least a week before the public hearing.
6. Historic Review Board public hearing. It is very helpful for the applicant or a knowledgeable representative (such as a contractor or architect) to be present. The Board wants to avoid delays whenever possible. When a representative is present, questions can be answered which will likely allow a decision to be made immediately. If there is a problem, it is often possible for the Board and the applicant to agree on a change in the proposal which will lead to approval. Otherwise, applications often have to be tabled with a request for more information.
7. A Notice of Decision will be issued. The decision made at the public hearing by the HRB is written and mailed to the applicant. There is a 14-day appeal period following the notice of decision.
8. It is possible to appeal a denial to the City Commission. There are few appeals because most concerns can be resolved between the Board and the applicant with some modifications of the proposed changes. Consult with staff on the procedures for reconsideration by the HRB or an appeal to the City Commission.
9. Construct your project according to your Historic Review Board approval. Staff will perform an inspection at the end of your construction process to determine whether the final construction is what was authorized by the Historic Review Board. It is important to pay attention to the conditions of approval that the Historic Review Board placed on the project and ensure they are met.