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City of South Bend and St. Joseph County Historic Preservation Guidelines 6 <br />Introduction: How does the process work? <br />When/where does the full Commission meet? <br />The Commission meets on the third Monday of each month . Meetings begin at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers on the 4th Floor of the County–City Building, unless otherwise noted . <br />Will I be notified and how does the Commission let me know about the meeting and decision? <br />A copy of the agenda, including your COA application, along with the time and place of the meeting will be emailed to you . If you prefer, a paper copy can be mailed to you, upon request . <br />Do I have to attend the meeting? Can I send someone else? Can I call in? Who can comment? <br />It is important that you and/or your representative attend the meeting to answer questions . COA applications can be denied for lack of information or representation . Telephone participation is generally not allowed. The public is also offered an opportunity to comment in support or against your project during the meeting . <br />Retroactive COAs—I already did the work but did not get approval now what? <br />Applications for the approval of work already completed, known as retroactive applications, can be heard by the Commission . As the Commission does not favorably consider retroactive applications, an additional fee may be charged . <br />Who makes up the Commission that reviews the projects? <br />The Commission is a group of 9 community members, appointed by the legislative and executive branches of South Bend and St. Joseph County governments, two (2) by the County Commissioners, two (2) by the South Bend Common Council, two (2) by the County Council, and two (2) by the Mayor of South Bend . Each body appoints one Democrat and one Republican . The ninth member is the Architectural Historian and is appointed by the Historic Preservation Commission . . <br />Commission members are all volunteers who have interest and experience working with historic buildings . <br />My COA was approved—what happens next? <br />Certificates Of Appropriateness will be filed with the Building Department of South Bend and St . Joseph County when the applicant also is required to obtain a building permit, or other such permit issued by that department . When no building or other permits are required from the Building Department, the Certificate can be mailed or emailed directly to the applicant . <br />How long is a COA valid? Can it be extended? <br />One (1) year. Certain circumstances may qualify for extension. <br />What if I do not agree with a Commission decision? <br />Owners may appeal the decision of the Commission . In such a situation, the applicant must submit the appeal to 1) the Common Council of the City of South Bend for designated landmarks or properties within historic districts within the city limits, or 2) the St. Joseph County Council for designated landmarks in unincorporated St . Joseph County . <br />Return to the Table of Contents