Certificate of Appropriateness Process
Certificate of Appropriateness (COA):
A Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) application is required for all properties within the Historic Districts as well as local registered Landmarks. COAs must be submitted for any work done to the exterior of a building like repairing windows and siding, as well as site work like fencing, driveways and sheds. Once a COA is approved it is valid for 1 year and after work has begun, the COA will be valid for 5 years.
- File a new COA application
- 2026 COA Matrix: Learn which scopes of work qualify for Administrative review vs JHPC review
- Search for a past COA by address or COA number
- Fencing and Wall Guidelines for Local Historic Districts and Local Landmarks
- Door Design Guidelines for pedestrian/garage door installations and replacements
- Window Supplement for window installations and window replacements
- Window Survey Form for any window replacement
- Section 307.106: COA application procedures and criteria
The Historic District Design Guidelines give helpful direction for alterations, additions, new construction and demolitions while keeping the flow of the neighborhood intact, to facilitate changes over time.
- Springfield Design Guidelines
- Riverside Avondale Design Guidelines
Contributing / Non-Contributing Structures:
In 1985, buildings were surveyed and listed as either "Contributing" or "Non-Contributing" on unique district property lists. Some properties may be unlisted, in which case each structure is looked at independently for date of construction and architectural significance. Structures that are listed as "Contributing", contributing to the character of the Historic District and should be preserved as part of the unique charm of the neighborhood. Some modest Contributing properties may seem independently unimpressive, but each structure is valuable to the rich historic charm of each neighborhood and should be protected.