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CERTIFIC OF APPROPRIATENESS PROCEDURES The Certificate of Appropriateness procedures is applicable to local Historic Landmarks and for all properties located within a local historic district in South Bend and unincorporated St. Joseph County as designated by the appropriate legislative council. Any major exterior changes involv- ing: architectural treatment, site development requirements and provisions concerning construction, reconstruction, alteration, demolition, or removal of any building, structure, or part thereof, shall require a Certificate of Appropriateness. The procedure to obtain one is as follows: 1. For a project that includes changes to the exterior of a designated property or the surrounding environment, the owner (applicant) must file a Certificate of Appropriateness (C of A) . a. For projects not requiring a building permit, the applicant shall apply directly to the Historic Preservation Commission. b. For those projects requiring a building permit, the applicant may choose to consult with the Building Department regarding any applicable zoning regulations or building codes. Then, the applicant shall apply directly to the Histe Preservation Commission. Note: A building permit will not be issued until a Certificate of Appropriateness has been approved by the Historic Preservation Commission. 2. A three dollar ($3.00) processing fee is required at the time of the application. A member of the Historic Preservation Commission Staff shall inspect the site and review the project. Proper documentation must be submitted to the Historic Preservation Commission for review. This documentation includes: sample materials, product literature, scale drawings, photographs, or other materials specifically requested. 4. a. If the project is a routine maintenance matter or complies with the established standards and guidelines, Staff may approve the Certificate of 5. Appropriateness. b. If the project is not in compliance or needs a Variance, the application shall be reviewed by the full Historic Preservation Commission or the Certificate of Appropriateness Committee; if applicable. Projects involving additions or new construction shall be reviewed by the full Historic Preservation Commission. 3. The Historic Preservation Commission meets monthly. A list of the meeting dates and meeting location is available in the office of the Historic Preser- vation Commission. Certificates of Appropri:--ss must be filed 10 days prior to the meeting for placement on the agenda. Late filings may be accepted at the discretion of the Staff. The applicant or designated representative is expected to attend these meetings to answer any questions. A Certificate of Appropriateness application will be tabled until the applicant has provided the documentation. The Certificate of Appropriateness Committee will meet as necessary at the request of the Staff. The applicant will be invited to attend the meeting to present his or her plans. The Committee will review the C of A and make a recommendation to the full Historic Preservation Commission at the next regular Commission meeting. Decisions regarding a Certificate of Appropriateness are rendered at scheduled Historic Preserva- tion Commission meetings. Decisions only requiring Staff approval are rendered once the appropriate supporting documenta- tion has been submitted. 6. A project may commence once the Certificate of Appropriateness is approved by the Staff or Historic Preservation Commission (and any other permits required by other departments are obtained). A copy of the approved C of A will be filed with the Building Department in order for the