Certificate of Appropriateness
What is a Certificate of Appropriateness?
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Certificate of Appropriateness is a document that you receive from the HPC stating that specific work has been approved by the Commission. A Certificate of Appropriateness is required before most exterior work begins and before a building permit can be issued. Changes involving new construction, reconstruction, alteration, demolition, major maintenance, exterior color changes, and the introduction of fences, walls, lighting fixtures, permanent landscaping, etc. require a Certificate of Appropriateness.
For Certificate of Appropriateness Application, click HERE
For Design Guidelines, click HERE
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CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS PROCESS
The first thing an applicant must do is determine the scope of the work to be completed. This should be a detailed list of all work the applicant wishes to complete. After the scope of work is determined, the required type of approval can be determined by consulting the HPC Guidelines Handbook (available at the HPC office in the Division of Community Development) or by contacting the HPC staff at (260) 427-1127.
If the type of work being considered requires a Certificate of Appropriateness, an application can then be filed with the HPC staff. The application is a one-page form which is available online or at the HPC office located in the City of Fort Wayne's Community Development Division. Although contractors, lessees, or other interested parties can submit project proposals for approval, applications must be signed by the fee simple owner of the property or parties who can adequately document their responsibility to a property, such as a management agreement or a recorded land contract. Documentation, which completely and effectively explains and illustrates the proposed changes, such as photographs, drawings, site plans, and sample materials or colors should be submitted with the application. There is no fee or charge for filing a Certificate of Appropriateness application.
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A Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) is approved in two different ways depending on the type of work proposed. The two approved types are: staff approval and Commission Approval.
Staff Approval - No Commission Review
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No public meeting or public notice is required.
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Submit application with required documentation to HPC staff
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The certificate will be issued when the staff determines that the proposed work complies with Commission guidelines. Staff can set any conditions on an approved application to ensure compliance with the adopted guidelines. If the proposed work is approved, the Certificate of Appropriateness will be issued, generally within one to three business days. Most certificates are issued at the time the application is submitted.
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If it is determined that an application does not comply with the adopted guidelines, staff shall provide technical assistance to the applicant to ensure compliance. If an applicant is unwilling to make changes to the submitted proposal, the application shall be forwarded to the Commission for consideration in accordance with the procedures for Commission review.
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The owner or applicant obtains any other necessary permits
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During construction, display the certificate where it is visible from the street.
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Certificate expires in one year but may be renewed, if necessary.
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Contact HPC staff immediately if plans change during construction. Changes can often be accommodated by staff.
Commission Approval - Monthly Public Meeting
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Meetings are conducted on the fourth (4th) Monday of every month at 5:30 pm in the OMNI Room (2nd Floor) of the City-county Building (date and location are subject to change).
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Schedule an appointment with a HPC staff person to discuss project before submitting an application.
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HPC staff will determine what documentation will be required.
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Submit application with required documentation to HPC office. Applications must be submitted with all pertinent documentation, by the first (1st) working day of the month to be considered at the regularly scheduled meeting. Applicants submitting cases for Commission review in excess of 30 days prior to a scheduled meeting must file a statement agreeing to the date of review. If an applicant does not agree to the scheduled review date in these cases, applications will be subject to denial by staff.
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The application will be scheduled for HPC review.
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Written comments and recommendations for action will be prepared by staff. Case reviews will be routed through Community Development to request comments pertaining to other regulations or ordinances which might apply.
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Copies of case reviews will be sent to applicants, neighborhood associations, and any interested parties prior to Commission review.
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Attend the Commission meeting to present your case to the HPC. If you are unable to attend the meeting, a representative may present the case for you.
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The HPC may approve, deny or continue your case.
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If the HPC finds that the documentation submitted is inadequate to take appropriate action on any case, the HPC reserves the right to defer approval or denial for no more than 60 days. The Commission shall request an applicant to provide any additional information it finds necessary to make a fair and equitable decision.
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If an application is denied, the Commission shall state its reasons for denial, which shall be provided to the applicant in writing. Reconsideration requests on any case denied by the Commission shall be accepted no sooner than 12 months from the date of Commission action. Such requests for reconsideration must be submitted in written form.
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If an application is approved, a Certificate of Appropriateness shall be issued. The HPC has the authority to set any conditions on an approved application to ensure compliance with the adopted guidelines.
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The owner or applicant obtains any other necessary permits.
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During construction, display the certificate where it is visible from the street.
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Certificates expire in one year but may be renewed, if necessary.
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Contact HPC staff immediately if plans change during construction. Changes can often be accommodated by staff.
Helpful Hints for an Easy Approval
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- Clearly determine the scope of the project.
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- Talk with the HPC staff early in the process.
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- Make an appointment to ensure staff has adequate time to assist you.
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- Find out from staff if a full Commission review will be required.
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- Provide thorough documentation.
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Introduction
Historic districts illustrate the character and workmanship of our community's past. It is the goal of the HPC to maintain this historic integrity for present and future generations through the process of design review.
The Fort Wayne Historic Preservation Commission is responsible for developing and enforcing design guidelines for local historic districts. These guidelines provide direction in preserving the unique historic character of each area and they provide the framework for neighborhood revitalization. This is accomplished through a review process for all exterior modifications, new construction, site improvements, and demolition within the designated areas. The HPC has jurisdiction over all buildings, sites, structures, and districts designated as local historic landmarks. It reviews proposed exterior changes to those properties to ensure that the character-defining historic features remain intact. The Commission's objective in reviewing applications for approval is the preservation of historic fabric and enhancement of those features which caused the historic area or property to be designated.
The Commission views each building and site within an historic area as unique. It also recognizes that the value of each district equals the sum of its individual parts, both new and old. For this reason, all existing buildings and all new development are deemed to contribute to the architectural character of the area and all are subject to the review process.
What is Design Review?
Design review is simply the procedure of obtaining a Certificate of Appropriateness. The HPC has two types of approval procedures: 1) staff approval and 2) HPC review. The procedure that applies to an application will depend on the type of work proposed. In all cases, an applicant will fill out an application and provide any necessary documentation.
What is the Purpose of Design Review?
The purpose of design review is to protect and preserve the existing historic character of both the individual properties within a district and the district as a whole. Some examples of what design review may include are: changes to existing, roofing, fencing, exterior light fixtures, windows and doors, porches, sidewalks, driveways, trees and landscaping, siding, masonry, paint colors, exterior mechanical equipment, and new construction.
It is imperative that all exterior changes or additions to individual properties be reviewed prior to commencement of construction to ensure compatibility with the district's historic character. A Certificate of Appropriateness is required by law. Work done prior to obtaining a Certificate of Appropriateness is in violation and may result in delays and/or the need to make expensive changes.
What is the Design Review Process?
The HPC, in determining the appropriateness of any proposed new construction, reconstruction, alteration, or relocation will consider a number of factors. Most importantly, the proposed work should be appropriate in relation to the adopted historic district Guidelines and the character-defining characteristics of the property and surrounding district. This can be determined by color, scale, materials, details, texture, visual compatibility, and general design arrangement.
In determining the appropriateness of any proposed demolition, the Commission considers, in addition to any other pertinent factors, the character and significance of the subject structure in relation to other structures and the historic area as a whole.
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