KENOSHA HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
THE REVIEW PROCESS FOR CERTIFICATES OF APPROPRIATENESS

SCOPE OF REVIEW

The Historic Preservation Commission is obligated under the City Zoning Ordinance to review certain work on historic structures, sites and districts for the purpose of offering technical assistance and design guidance which will foster preservation. The following will guide you through the review process.

STEP #1 CHECK TO SEE IF YOUR PROJECT NEEDS TO BE REVIEWED

STEP #2 PROCEED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF CITY DEVELOPMENT (ROOM 308, MUNICIPAL BUILDING) IF YOUR PROJECT REQUIRES A REVIEW

Consult with the Department of City Development to verify whether you need a review. You may also consult with the Department of Neighborhood Services and Inspections for assistance in applying for a Certificate of Appropriateness.

You may apply for a Certificate of Appropriateness before applying for a building or demolition permit, or at the same time. However, it is recommended that you receive a review before you start the permit process.

Once a complete application for a Certificate of Appropriateness is submitted, including required documentation, your application will be placed on the Commission agenda. There is no fee for the Commission review unless the review is scheduled as a special meeting. You will not be granted a building or demolition permit without going through the required Commission review. You may not begin project work without a required Commission review. A Certificate of Appropriateness does not relieve the applicant of the obligation to obtain other permits and applications required by the City Zoning and Code of General Ordinances, such as but not limited to building permits, occupancy permits and demolition permits.

STEP #3 PREPARING FOR THE REVIEW

To enable the Commission to make a proper determination in a timely fashion, please provide the following documentation according to project type. Necessary documentation must be submitted to the Department of City Development in order for the application to appear on the Commission agenda. You may seek clarification from the Department of City Development with respect to what documentation is required.

STEP #4 REVIEW BEFORE THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION

You will be notified by the Department of City Development when the Commission meeting is scheduled. The Commission applies the U.S. Secretary of the Interior's Guidelines for Rehabilitation. The guidelines call for maintaining the historic character of a property when undertaking a building project. Further details on these guidelines are available at the Department of City Development.

STEP #5 AFTER THE COMMISSION REVIEW

The Commission review will result in a Certificate of Appropriateness being issued or denied. While the review is required, the Certificate is advisory. Where a Certificate respecting demolition is denied, the applicant and Commission have an obligation to work with each other in good faith for a period up to six months to attempt to preserve the property. With respect to demolition, the Commission decision may be appealed to the Zoning Board of Appeals.