For most homeowners, living in an historic district has little impact on the use and improvement of their property. Under State and local law, property owners must secure a Certificate of Appropriateness for external alterations to houses and structures.

Planning staff issue Certificates of Appropriateness for minor alterations. Major alterations, including demolitions and new construction, are reviewed by the Commission in public hearings that occur on the first and third Mondays of every month.

A Certificate is not required for items such as internal alterations, general maintenance, painting any portion of a building that has been previously painted, installation of sprinklers, or decks and landscaping that are not visible from the street. (BCC 2-18-09, BCC 2-18-12)