Laserfiche WebLink
City of South Bend and St. Joseph County Historic Preservation Guidelines 5 <br />Introduction: How does the process work? <br />When do I need a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) from the Commission? <br />A COA is required for changes to any part of the building and site . Routine maintenance does not require a COA . <br />How much does it cost? <br />General repair and maintenance – no fee <br />COA – $20 <br />Retroactive COA – $20 – see here for further details about retroactive COAs . <br />Payments can be made over the phone at: 574-235-9371 <br />Do I have to have a contractor selected before applying? <br />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 . <br />Apply for a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA). <br />Complete a COA application and email, mail, or drop off the completed application with required information and payment . <br />Email: hpcsbsjc@southbendin .gov <br />Phone: 574-235-9371 <br />Download: Application <br />Mail: 227 West Jefferson Blvd. Suite 1400 S South Bend, IN 46601 <br />What information is required for a COA Application? <br />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 . <br />What is the deadline for a COA Application? <br />Two (2) weeks prior to the regular Commission meeting date, by end of business day . <br />A list of meeting dates and deadlines can be found here . <br />What happens after I apply? <br />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 . <br />What projects can be approved by staff and what projects must go to the full Commission? <br />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 . <br />Throughout the Standards, examples of projects that may be <br />administratively approved have been noted . Any projects that do <br />not fall within the administrative approval overview must go to the <br />Commission for their review for approval . <br />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 . <br />How does the process work? <br />Do I need other building permits or variances? <br />A COA is needed before the building department will <br />issue a permit . However, a COA approval and these <br />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