HPC of South Bend and St. Joseph County - Standards Update Draft

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City of South Bend and St. Joseph County Historic Preservation Guidelines 5 Introduction: How does the process work? When do I need a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) from the Commission? A COA is required for changes to any part of the building and site . Routine maintenance (repairing a part of a building with the same material and look) does require a COA, which can usually be approved by staff within 48 hours. How much does it cost? General repair and maintenance – no fee COA – $20 Retroactive COA – $20 – see here for further details about retroactive COAs . Payments can be made over the phone at: 574-235-9371 Do I have to have a contractor selected before applying? No . The best practice is to have a proposed project approved prior to finalizing, signing, and paying a deposit to a contractor. Sometimes the project may change during the review process . Apply for a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA). Complete a COA application and email, mail, or drop off the completed application with required information and payment . Email: hpcsbsjc@southbendin .gov Phone: 574-235-7478 Download: Application Mail: 227 West Jefferson Blvd. Suite 1400 S South Bend, IN 46601 What information is required for a COA Application? The Commission has a simple form to assist property owners in outlining their project and for the Commission members and staff to have enough information to complete a review. General information about the location and ownership of the property, contractor information, description of the work proposed, specifications of work and materials proposed, a site plan or other drawings and photographs are all required . Find an application with checklist here . What is the deadline for a COA Application? Two (2) weeks prior to the regular Commission meeting date, by end of business day . A list of meeting dates and deadlines can be found here . What happens after I apply? If you have not already met with a staff person, you will probably be contacted to answer any questions they may have and to schedule a site visit. Staff will prepare a report to the Commission detailing your proposed project, how it does/does not conform to the Standards . Your application will be part of the next Commission meeting agenda, where the Commission will review the staff report with your application and any supporting documents, photos, etc . There will be opportunity for you to speak about your project and answer questions the Commission may have before they vote to approve (or deny) . A decision is made at the meeting . What projects can be approved by staff and what projects must go to the full Commission? The Commission has approved a wide range of projects that can be approved administratively by the staff. This process was created to assist owners by keeping approval time to a minimum while meeting the legal responsibilities held by the Commission . If a project follows the Standards for the proposed project, staff may approve the project and you do not have to wait for a full Commission meeting . Throughout the Standards, examples of projects that may be administratively approved have been noted . Any projects that do not fall within the administrative approval overview must go to the Commission for their review for approval . Regular maintenance and repair projects where the same material and design are being installed as part of the repair require a COA but can usually be approved by staff within 24 hours of receiving a complete application . How does the process work? Do I need other building permits or variances? A COA is needed before the building department will issue a permit . However, a COA approval and these guidelines relate only to the historic elements of the District, site, and building . Other city building codes may also need to be followed . Find out information about other city codes here . Or contact: 574-235-9371 DRAFT