Certificate of Appropriateness (COA)

A Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) is required for buildings within a Historic District or Landmark Site(PDF, 2MB) ,that are doing work to the exterior of the building or the site. 

When & Why to Apply

• For a complete list of projects with review needed, COA needed, and building permit needed, click here(PDF, 190KB) .
• Property owners and contractors are advised to apply for a COA in advance of finalizing construction drawings or ordering any construction materials. Building permits that require a COA review cannot be issued “over the counter” at the time of application. A separate COA application must be filed for review.
• A COA application for certain types of projects may be review and approved administratively by City Staff without being presented to the Historic Preservation Commission. For a list of these projects, see the COA Administrative Approval List(PDF, 114KB).

Review Criteria

The Historic Preservation Commission uses ordinance criteria to assess the effect of each project on the historic character of a specific building or site. The Zoning Ordinance directs the Commission to follow the Secretary of the Interior Standards for Rehabilitation, a list of guiding principles developed by the federal government to be interpreted and applied locally by the Commission.

The review criteria, along with other information regarding a COA review, can be found in the COA Application form(PDF, 396KB).

The complete Historic Preservation Ordinance can be viewed in the City Codebook.

The Commission has also developed Design Guidelines documents to assist property owners with planning projects.

Get Feedback

Property owners are encouraged to consult with the Historic Preservation Commission early in the design process to receive informal feedback and technical assistance. The Commission can direct you to resources that may save you time and money.

Contact Us

The Historic Preservation Commission meets the first and third Wednesday of every month, at 7:00 pm in the Council Chambers at the Municipal Center. If you would like to have your project reviewed informally by the Commission, or if you have other questions on the requirements for a Certificate of Appropriateness, please contact the Community Development Department at cd@stcharlesil.gov or (630) 377-4443.