Follow these steps to apply for a Certificate of Appropriateness:

1. Review the Historic Design Guidelines. On this page, you’ll see the different chapters listed, as well as Guidelines Policy Documents, and guidelines for specific districts. The Guidelines are broken up into chapters on maintenance (roof, windows, siding, etc.), additions, new construction, site elements, and siding. Also, there is a chapter dedicated to describing all of the different historic districts and what is character-defining about them. The last chapter lists the architecture styles in SA and each style’s characteristics.
   
   
2. Review the COA process by looking over the Historic Homeowner Handbook. Feel free to call an OHP case manager that’s assigned to your area of town.
   
   
3. Gather your application materials. Look at example application materials on the Design Resource Center on Pinterest.
   • Gather photos of existing conditions. This includes current, color photos of all sides of the structure. Google images are not accepted. Photos should show the entire side of a building, corner to corner. If this isn’t possible, please provide as many photos as necessary to show a complete side.
   • Not all requests will require the following documents. Gather documents that show what is proposed so that anyone can confirm what’s been repaired, built, or modified matches what was proposed in the application.
   • Note there are no fees for residential applications. There are fees for applications for work at commercial properties or for any type of signage.
     
     
4. Submit the application.
   • All applications must be submitted online through the User Portal.
   • Once the application is submitted, you’ll receive a confirmation email that the application has been received.
   • Expect an update from OHP within 48 hours. They’ll let you know if your application is complete or not, if any other information is needed, and whether the request:
     • Can be approved administratively* or
     • Requires a public hearing (Which Commission Will Review My Project?)
   • *Eligibility for administrative approval is determined by the UDC and requires compliance with all applicable design guidelines and standards.

If you need further assistance, speak with a member of OHP staff by dialing 210-207-0035.