Certificate of Design Compliance
A Certificate of Design Compliance (CDC) is a permit issued by the Historic and Architectural Review Commission intended to protect the historic resources of the Downtown Overlay District (DOD) so valuable to our heritage. A Certificate of Design Compliance (CDC) is required for any exterior change in the DOD.All exterior changes are required to comply with the Design Guidelines of the Downtown Overlay District. Georgetown's staff architect reviews the CDC applications. The Historic and Architectural Review Commission (HARC) has the authority to approve or deny any CDC.
Applicability
All of the following changes require a CDC:
- alteration of existing condition of the land,
- alteration to structures, including new windows or dormers,
- alteration or addition of signs, landscaping, and lighting,
- addition of, or changes to, awnings or canopies, . demolition of all or part of a structure,
- application of a different material, including siding and roofing, . change in exterior colors, including siding and roofing,
- creation of a new driveway or parking facility,
- addition of a satellite dish,
- construction of a deck, fence or garage, and
- enclosure of a porch.
Application Submittal Requirements
- Signed affidavit on the Pre-Application form
- Master Application form
- Certificate of Design Compliance form
- Ten copies of all detailed information
- No filing fee is required for a CDC Please refer to the Development Manual and the Certificate of Design Compliance form for more information.
Review Process
- Submit a Pre-Application Conference Request. You will meet with the City's staff architect and other pertinent staff to review your proposed project and identify any issues requiring special attention or revision, and assist you in assembling a complete application
- Submit the Master Application form and the Certificate of Design Compliance form with all the submittal requirements
- Please be patient while staff reviews your application. If we need any further information we will contact you
- Staff will write up an Agenda Item Cover Sheet for your case. The cover sheet outlines the application and it's compliance and/or non-compliance with the Design Guidelines for the Downtown Overlay District. Copies of the application and other submittal requirements will be attached. Then the cover sheet will be distributed to the HARC commissioners the week before the HARC meeting
- At the HARC meeting the staff architect will present the case, then the applicant may present their case. Public comment for or against the application is heard at this time. The HARC commissioners ask questions and openly discuss the case. The commissioners then vote to approve the application, approve with changes/amendments, deny, or delay the case to a future meeting pending additional information.
General Review Time
- CDC applications (for everything except signs) are due by the 2nd Thursday of the month
- CDC applications for signs are due by the 3rd Monday of the month
- HARC typically meets the 4th Thursday of the month. Please check for meeting time and location
- Come to the HARC meeting and present your case. Bring photographs, material samples, or anything else that might help you make your case. The commissioners will either approve or deny your application.
Expiration / Appeal
- There is no time limit on complying with the CDC
- If the CDC application is denied, the applicant may submit the same application after 180 days. The applicant may submit a revised design that substantially responds to the reasons for denial at any time
- A person aggrieved by a final action on a CDC may appeal to the Zoning Board of Adjustment within 30 days of final action.