The Columbus Historic Preservation Office welcomes you to the historic preservation community.  Ownership of a designated historic building makes you a steward of Columbus history.  The Certificate of Appropriateness review process is designed to preserve the distinct character of Columbus’ designated historic properties and the integrity of its older neighborhoods.

What is a Designated Historic Property?

A designated historic property is one that is listed on the Columbus Register of Historic Properties, individually or as part of an historic district, or is located within districts defined by Columbus City Code chapters 3116-3120 inclusive.

Architectural Review Commissions

There are five architectural review commissions in Columbus:  Brewery District, German Village, Historic Resources Commission (HRC), Italian Village, and Victorian Village.

Certificate of Appropriateness Application

All owners of designated historic properties in Columbus are required to obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness before making any exterior changes to their property.  Completed Certificate of Appropriateness Applications must be received by the city’s Historic Preservation Office at least two weeks prior to the scheduled commission meeting in order to be placed on the agendas.

Standards and Guidelines

The architectural review commissions use the Standards specified in Columbus City Code Chapter 3116, as well as their architectural guidelines, to determine the appropriateness of proposed exterior changes to the buildings and sites under their jurisdiction.  The specific architectural guidelines are consistent with the City Code to provide additional recommendations for appropriate exterior changes to historic properties.  A copy of the city Code and/or your district guidelines can be obtained by calling the City’s Historic Preservation Office at (614) 645-8620.

Where to Begin

1)  Contact the Historic Preservation Office staff in the City of Columbus Development Department, Neighborhood Services Division (614) 645-8620.  The Historic Preservation Office staff can answer questions regarding commission procedures and the Certificate of Appropriateness Application, as well as provide technical assistance.  Applicants can make an appointment to meet with the Historic Preservation Office staff weekdays from 8 am to 5 pm to discuss their projects or applications prior to commission review.  It is strongly recommended that appointments be scheduled well in advance of the application deadline.

2)  Obtain a copy of the architectural guidelines for your district and read them carefully.

3)  For new construction, additions, and garages complete the Historic Zoning Review Worksheet.  Complete instructions are located on the worksheet.

4)   Complete all sections of the application which pertain to your proposed project and sign the application.

Where to Send Completed Applications:

City of Columbus
Neighborhood Services Division
Historic Preservation Office
109 N. Front Street/Ground Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215

  Or, if there is no additional documentation required for the application, fax the application to 614-645-2487.

Certificate of Appropriateness

When the architectural review commission approves your proposal, a Certificate of Appropriateness will be issued.  The Certificate is not a permit for work.  The Certificate and stamped drawings must be taken to the Building and Development Services at 757 Carolyn Avenue (614-645-7433) in order to obtain the proper permits and fees for building, signage, demolition, etc. 

Need an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness?

Follow this link to obtain a copy of the Certificate of Appropriateness application in pdf format.  You must have Adobe Acrobat installed on your PC to view this document.  If you do not have this software, use this link to download Acrobat Reader.

For additional information please contact the Historic Preservation Office at (614) 645-8620 or email HPOInfo@columbus.gov.