How do I apply for Commission approval?

When planning alterations to your property, be prepared to apply for approval well in advance of the date you wish to begin any exterior work. No work can commence until a Certificate is issued. It is suggested that the property owner call or visit the Com-mission representative at the DPCD to discuss proposed alterations and to determine the category of the application (Appropriateness, Non-Applicability or Hardship). Applications are available at the DPCD. Your application for a Certificate of Appropriateness or Hardship, along with required support materials (e.g. photographs, scaled drawings, paint chips etc.), must be received by 3:00 p.m. on the Monday 16 days before a meeting in order to make the meeting agenda. An application for a Certificate of Non-Applicability may normally be added to the agenda up to the day of the meeting. In some cases, a Certificate of Non-Applicability may be issued by the Clerk, without review by the full Commission, after 24 hours have past from an e-mail notification to the Commission of the application’s receipt. The Clerk can also get an expedited approval for the change of an asphalt roof from any color to black or charcoal gray.

An application will not be considered complete unless all work items are thoroughly described in sufficient detail to allow the Commission to make an informed decision. The more specific, the less chance that the application will be continued to the next meeting pending additional information. Whenever possible, catalog cuts, photographs and scaled drawings can be used to illustrate the project specifications (dimensions, materials, etc.) needed for the Commission to visualize the changes in order to make a determination. Applications for paint colors require a paint chip or chart. The following items should be included in your drawings as applicable: site plan showing location of improvements; elevation drawings of the specific improvements; details/profiles (i.e. moldings, fence caps, cornices, vents, etc.); catalog cuts of window specifications; materials (i.e. wood, brick, etc.); dimensions (i.e. size of trim); and the locations and descriptions of transformers, heat pumps, condensers, electrical conduits and entry units, meters, lamp posts, air conditioning units (except the window type), vents and stove pipes. All applications must include three to four 35mm photographs of existing conditions. There is no fee for any applications.

All applications for Certificates of Appropriateness or Hardship require a public hearing. Notice of the hearing must be posted with the City Clerk 14 days before the hearing and abutters must be notified in writing. Commission staff will handle these procedures. A public hearing is not required for a Certificate of Non-Applicability. All meetings are open to the public and any person is entitled to appear and be heard on any matter before the Commission before it reaches a decision.

At the hearing, the Commission will discuss the application with the applicant or his representative, hear from the public and take a vote. Owners hiring professional consultants such as architects or contractors are urged to have them be present at the hearing. If the application is approved, a Certificate will be issued, mailed to the applicant and copies will be sent to the City Clerk and Building Inspector. Please note that the application can be continued until the next meeting if the Commission deems necessary (i.e. for reasons of incomplete drawings, to perform a site visit, etc.). In any case, the Commission must make a determination within 60 days from the date the application is received, unless the applicant waives that requirement in writing.

In addition, remember to get any other permits required to undertake work (e.g. Building Permit, permit from the Health Department to do paint removal, etc.). Finally, the Commission reserves the right to inspect the project to determine compliance with the conditions set forth in the Certificate issued.