Alteration review process
The process to get approval to alter or demolish a historic property can take many weeks.
Process
Getting started
Contact our office
We will:
- Listen to your request
- Identify which application(s) you need to submit
- Set up a pre-application meeting, if needed
- Review the application and review process with you
- Guide you through the process
See historic preservation applications
Application review
City staff review the application
When we receive your application
- We'll review it and email you within 15 days.
- If your application is incomplete, we'll ask for more information.
- If your Certificate of No Change application is complete, we'll email your approval.
- If your Heritage Preservation application is complete, we'll schedule your item for public hearing.
Public hearings are required if you apply for
- Certificate of Appropriateness for major alterations, such as:
- New construction
- Building additions
- Major rehabilitation projects
- Demolition of Historic Resource
- Historic Variance
The Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) conducts the hearings.
Before the public hearing, we will
- Send a notice to property owners within 350 feet of the project
- Prepare a staff report with recommendations
Public hearing
HPC reviews and decides on your application
Members of the public can speak for or against the project.
After the hearing
- If your application is approved, proceed to the final step.
- Any member of the public can appeal the decision.
Appeal period
You have ten days to appeal a decision
If you disagree with the HPC's decision, you can file an appeal.
How to appeal
Submit the Heritage Preservation Appeal application, along with:
- $350 application fee
- $25 to publish the notice
- A postage fee so we can notice property owners with 350 feet
See the Heritage Preservation Appeal application
City Council committee review
A council committee reviews the appeal with a public hearing.
The City Council's Business, Inspections, Housing and Zoning Committee:
- Discusses your appeal
- Submits a recommendation to the City Council
Read about the Business, Inspections, Housing and Zoning Committee
Final decision
City Council makes its final decision
The City Council:
- Approves the appeal, or
- Denies the appeal
Next steps
When the decision is final, City staff issue a final action letter
- If your application is approved, you can apply for building permit approval.
- If your application is denied, contact us.