Design Review 

The Historic Preservation Commission is charged with protecting the historic character of Monticello through design review.  Design review consists of the evaluation of any proposed exterior work upon a property with a designated district.  Both minor and extensive projects must be reviewed and approved prior to beginning work.  The design review process is often triggered by a building permit application; however, building permits can not be issued until design review is complete.  Although some types of work projects, such as installation of a walkway or a satellite dish, may not require a building permit, design review is still required.

Properties Requiring Design Review 

All designated properties require design review.  Designated properties include all properties within historic districts.  Please note that design review covers both historic and non-historic properties in a historic district.  The Historic District Map shows all designated districts and properties.  A call to the City Hall can confirm whether or not a property is designated.

Work Requiring Design Review

All work involving a change to an exterior feature of a property located in a historic district requires design review.  Projects that physically alter the property include but are not limited to: changes in site or setting, repair or rehabilitation, new construction or additions, and relocation or demolition.  Neither interior alterations nor a change in the use of the property require design review.  The Historic Preservation Ordinance applies only to the external aspects of the property and regulates neither zoning nor land use.  The HPC does not review planting or repainting.  Ordinary maintenance does not require design review.  Further information about what types of work that require or do not require review can be found in the Monticello Design Guidelines.

Application for Design Review

When planning a work project, owners need to complete an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA).  Applications are available at City Hall or on-line.  The deadline for applications is ten days prior to the HPC's regular meetings.

Minor Works

The commission has designated a list of items considered minor works.  These items may be approved by commission staff provided they substantially meet the established guidelines.  If approved by staff these items do not have to be reviewed by the full commission.