Process for Obtaining a Building Permit for Projects within a Design District

Submit Applications

For Historic Preservation, submit the Historic Preservation Application (PDF) to the Planning Department and submit an application for a building permit to the Development Services Department.

For one of the Design Districts, submit an application (PDF) for a Certificate of Approval to the Planning Department and submit an application for a building permit to the Development Services Department.

Note: It's recommended to apply for a Certificate of Approval or Certificate of Appropriateness before applying for a building permit, but both can be submitted concurrently.

Obtain a Certificate of Approval or Certificate of Appropriateness

The Planning staff will inform you if your project can be Administratively reviewed by staff or must be reviewed by a Committee or Commission. The review process may take anywhere from a few weeks to months, depending on the information needed to complete the review, and meeting dates. 

Approved Projects

Once your project is approved, the Planning Department will issue a Certificate of Approval or Certificate of Appropriateness. Anyone may appeal an approved project within ten days of the decision. After the appeal period, you may obtain your building permit from the Development Services Department. 

Denied Projects

 If an application for a Certificate of Approval or Certificate of Appropriateness is denied by a staff or a Committee/Commission, you may revise and resubmit the application to the Planning Department or appeal the decision to the Board of Adjustment. Appeals to the Board of Adjustment decisions are made to the District Court. 

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