What Is a Certificate of Appropriateness? A Guide for Historic Property Owners

If you own a home or building in a historic district, you may have heard that you need a Certificate of Appropriateness before making changes to the outside of your property. This guide explains what a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) is, when you might need one, how the process generally works, and the practical limitations you should keep in mind.

> Note: This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Every city and county has its own rules. Always confirm local requirements with your historic preservation office.

What Is a Certificate of Appropriateness?

A Certificate of Appropriateness is a formal document approving work on local landmarks or on properties located in historic districts, when that work is consistent with the applicable preservation standards [1]. In simple terms, it is a statement that the proposed changes are appropriate for the historic district and meet the criteria in the local city code [4].

The COA is designed to protect designated historic properties and districts from insensitive alterations and demolition [2]. Before you can make additions or changes to a building in a historic district, a historic preservation committee generally must issue this certificate [6]. According to the City of Ames in Iowa, a COA is the *initial approval* that enables a property owner to proceed with exterior changes on property designated as historic [5].

In some cases, the certificate also certifies that a proposed change is appropriate to the character of a specific building and to the historic district as a whole [3]. But the exact definition and scope can vary from one municipality to another.

When Is a COA Required?

A COA is typically required in two situations:

– Your property is a local landmark – that is, an individual building, structure, or site that has been formally designated as historically significant by your local government [1].
– Your property is inside a local historic district – a group of buildings or an area that has been zoned or designated as historic because of its shared character [1][2].

The city code in your jurisdiction defines the specific criteria that the proposed work must meet [4]. In most cases, the COA applies to exterior changes, such as replacing windows, changing siding, adding an addition, or making other alterations that affect how the building looks from the outside [5]. However, some local ordinances may also cover additions, demolitions, or other changes. You’ll need to check your local rules to know exactly what is covered.

How the Process Works

The exact procedure for getting a Certificate of Appropriateness is not the same everywhere. But based on examples from across the country, the process usually includes these steps.

1. Determine If Your Property Is Affected

Start by checking whether your property is a designated landmark or sits inside a local historic district. Not every old property is automatically in a designated district. The COA requirement applies specifically to designated landmarks and historic districts [1][2].

If you’re not sure, contact your city or county planning department. They can tell you whether a COA is needed and point you to the local historic preservation ordinance.

2. Prepare Your Application

Many cities have a checklist or submission packet. In Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, for example, the application must include a spec sheet for the work to be performed. This includes restoration work or replacement window specifications, material, size, and style [3]. The city instructs applicants to review the COA checklist of items to include in your submittal [3].

Be prepared to provide:

– A description of the proposed work.
– Drawings, plans, or photographs.
– Information about materials and finishes.
– A clear explanation of how the work will preserve or restore the building’s historic character.

The more complete and detailed your submission, the smoother the review is likely to be.

3. Submit for Review

The COA process usually involves a local review board or commission. In Gettysburg, the Certificate of Appropriateness is recommended by the Gettysburg Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB) and then approved by the Borough Council, acting as a Certified Local Government (CLG) [3]. In other places, a historic preservation committee may issue the certificate directly [6].

The review board’s job is to check your proposed work against the standards in the local code. The COA confirms that the work is appropriate to the character of the building and to the historic district as a whole [3]. If your proposal doesn’t meet the criteria, it may be returned to you for revision.

4. Get Your Initial Approval

Once approved, the COA is the initial authorization to proceed with the exterior changes [5]. It is not necessarily the only permission you’ll need. A COA is one part of the larger permitting process, so you may still need to file for a building permit or other local approval. Always ask your local office about any additional steps.

Practical Limitations

There are several important limitations to understand about the Certificate of Appropriateness.

– It is not the same as a building permit. The COA focuses specifically on whether the proposed work is *appropriateness* for a historic property. It is a separate approval that may be required in addition to other permits [5]. Don’t assume that a COA gives you the go-ahead for all construction. Check with your local building inspection department for the full list of required permits.

– There is no national standard. Every city and county writes its own historic preservation ordinance. The criteria, fees, timelines, and even the name of the document can vary. In one city, a COA may be issued by a review board; in another, it might be issued by a council or a preservation committee [3][6]. You must use your local rules as the authority.

– It may cover more than just repairs. A COA is meant to protect designated historic properties from insensitive alterations and demolition [2]. That means even certain maintenance or repair work could require a COA if the work changes the building’s appearance. Simple, routine maintenance (like repainting in the same color) may be exempt, but those exemptions are defined by local ordinance.

– Not every historic property needs one. Only properties that are designated as local landmarks or that lie within a designated historic district are subject to the COA requirement [1][2]. A property that is simply “old” or even listed on a local or state register may fall outside this local requirement. Confirm your property’s status before you begin.

– Denials are possible. The COA is only issued when the proposed work meets the criteria spelled out in the city code [4]. If your project would be inappropriate for the historic character of the district, the committee or board can deny your application. In some cases, they may suggest alternatives or require you to revise your plans.

Balanced Recommendations

If you are planning work on a historic property, here are a few practical recommendations to help you navigate the COA process.

– Start early. Contact your local historic preservation office before you commit to a contractor or buy expensive materials. They can tell you whether a COA is required for your project and give you a sense of what is likely to be approved.

– Read your local ordinance. The code is the main source of rules for your area. It will tell you which properties are covered, what constitutes “appropriate” work, and what the review process looks like.

– Submit a complete application. Use the checklist provided by your local office. As the Gettysburg example shows, detailed specifications—including window specs, material, size, and style—are important for a successful review [3]. Incomplete applications may delay your project.

– Think about the whole district. The COA process is not just about your building. It certifies that a proposed change is appropriate to the character of the building *and* to the historic district as a whole [3]. This means your neighbors and the street setting matter.

– Be open to revision. If your first proposal doesn’t meet the preservation criteria, the review board may tell you what adjustments they need. Working with them to modify your design can often get you an approval instead of a denial.

– Factor in additional permits. Remember that the COA is described as an *initial approval* [5]. You may still need a building permit, a zoning permit, or other approvals before construction can begin.

– Document everything. Keep copies of your application, the COA if issued, and any correspondence. This can help if questions come up later.

The Bottom Line

A Certificate of Appropriateness is a local government’s way of making sure that changes to designated historic buildings and districts are in keeping with the character that makes them historically significant [1][2][3]. For property owners, the COA is an essential step before carrying out exterior work on a protected property. The exact requirements are different in every city and county, so your first move should be to contact your local historic preservation office and read the ordinance that applies to your property.

While the process can seem like extra paperwork, it exists to protect the historic fabric of your neighborhood—and that can be a good thing for property values and community character.

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Sources

1. Certificate of Appropriateness Process – Texarkana, TX

2. Certificate of Appropriateness – Augusta, GA

3. Obtaining a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) – Gettysburg, PA

4. Certificate of Appropriateness – Plainview, TX

5. Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) – City of Ames, Iowa

6. What is a certificate of appropriateness? – HowStuffWorks