All Other Project Types

Landmark Preservation reviews applications for exterior projects on all individual landmarks and properties within a historic district that require a building or zoning permit to ensure consistency with the appropriate design guidelines.

Types of review

Landmark quick review projects

Landmark Preservation staff review minor work that has little or no visible change to a historic structure or property through the landmark quick review and approval process. Quick review applications are typically processed within a few business days.

The following project types may qualify for Landmark quick review if applicable design guidelines and standards are met:

  • Rear-yard decks and porches (must demonstrate no change in size, height, materials and ornament)
  • New and replacement fences
  • 1-2 flat profile skylights on rear- or side-facing roofs
  • Sheds that are not on foundations, are less than 250, and are less than 10'-6" tall
  • Exterior mechanical work
  • Exterior electrical

Alterations affecting a façade that is not visible from street

External alterations that are not visible from public streets (public alleys excluded) may be approved administratively by Landmark Preservation staff if the alterations do not impact the form of the structure or significant architectural details, and the project clearly meets the design guidelines. 

These projects include:

  • New or altered rear or side porches not visible from the street
  • New decks and balconies not visible from street
  • Alterations and additions to garages and secondary structures

The Landmark Preservation Commission and the Lower Downtown Design Review Commission also review any projects that are not visible from the public street but that do not meet the design guidelines.

Alterations affecting a façade that is visible from street

Alterations that are visible from public streets (public alley excluded) require review by the Landmark Preservation Commission or the Lower Downtown Design Review Commission.

Design Guidelines

Landmark Preservation staff, the Landmark Preservation Commission (LPC), and the Lower Downtown Design Review Commission (LDDRC) use design guidelines to review exterior changes to a historic property. Site specific conditions determine how well the proposed work fits the surrounding historic context. For more information about applicable design guidelines, visit the Landmark Preservation design guidelines webpage.

E-permits Application

Submit your application materials via E-permits:

  • Create an account or log in to an existing account
  • Click the "Development Services" tab
  • Click "Apply for a Permit"
  • Select "Landmark Certificate of Appropriateness" and follow the instructions.

For assistance with e-permits, visit the FAQ page.

Required documents

Design review applications must adequately describe the project and provide sufficient information to evaluate the proposal. Documentation must clearly illustrate the existing conditions as well as any proposed work.

All applications for general design review must include the following information:

  • A completed Landmark design review application and checklist or Landmark quick review application and checklist, if applicable.
  • Current color photographs of the area of project scope and street fronting façade(s)
    • Photos must be at least 300 dpi or at least 4” X 6”
    • Photographs must be labeled with the cardinal directions (ex. north, south, east, west). Photographs labeled front, side, and rear will not be accepted
    • Photos must be included as a page or pages within the drawing set or attached as jpeg or pdf. (Thumbnail photos, photos embedded within emails, and photos linked to a file sharing system will not be accepted) Roof Plans that include existing, if applicable, and proposed roof. Plans to be scaled and dimensioned with roof pitch(es) noted.
  • Existing and proposed site plans that include:
    • Address with street name
    • Scale and dimensions (at least 1”=20’)
    • Zone lot and Property lines (include both if different)
    • Zone lot depth (e.g., 65/35 or 80/20)
    • Orienting features such as streets, alleys, sidewalks, and adjacent structures
    • Location of hardscaping elements such as fences, site walls, patios, exterior stairways, driveways, etc.
    • North direction arrow
    • Zoning setback requirements
    • Original grade elevation at intersection of side interior zone lot lines and minimum setback to primary setback
    • Identify all proposed and existing site elements that violate zoning regulations for which you will be seeking relief through the Administrative Adjustment process

Additional information is required for these specific project types:

  • Mechanical work:
    • Dimensions of the existing and proposed mechanical units
    • A manufacturer’s cut sheet with the exact model indicated
    • An elevation drawing or marked up exterior photograph showing the location of new exterior units, vents, louvers, all line sets, and other associated elements.
  • Electrical work:
    • An elevation drawing or marked up photograph showing location of proposed exterior electrical work, conduit, and other associated elements.
  • Skylights:
    • A dimensioned roof plan indicating skylight location(s) and size(s)
    • Manufacturer’s cut sheet of proposed skylight(s) including curb height
  • Sheds:
    • Dimensioned elevation drawings of the proposed shed labeled indicating all materials. If the shed is pre-fabricated, the manufacturer’s product images indicating dimensions and materials is sufficient.
  • Other alterations:
    • Existing and proposed building elevation drawings that include:
      • Scale and dimensions (at least 1”=20’)
      • Overall height of building from base planes
      • Height of additions/new structure, if applicable, from base plane
      • Window and door dimensions, if applicable
      • Porches, awnings, other façade and elevation details
      • Location of all existing and new vents louvers, electrical boxes, lighting, etc.
      • Bulk plane and height
      • Material legend and notes
      • Elevations labeled with the cardinal directions (front, side, and rear labels will not be accepted)
      • Identify all proposed and existing building elements that violate zoning regulations for which you will be seeking relief through the Administrative Adjustment process

Ready to apply?

View design review application instructions

Visual Examples

general design review examplegeneral design review examplegeneral design review example

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