By 
February 8, 2021
The Huntsville Historic Preservation Commission (HHPC) is ready to present a draft resolution to amend HHPC regulations in two major ways that will streamline the design review process. The amendments include the establishment of a six-month expiration date for Certificates of Appropriateness (COAs) as well as the creation of an Expedited Staff Review process for minor work and routine maintenance.
Since coming to work for the City of Huntsville, I have looked for ways we can improve the application process and better serve our historic property owners. To that end, we’ve held public meetings, circulated an online survey and found inspiration from other communities.
These amendments are the first draft response to the feedback we’ve received from historic district residents. At a March 8 public meeting, we will discuss the amendments and hear public comment. Watch the meeting live or catch the replay on HSV TV.
We’ve received wonderful expertise and guidance from our Commission members, including Chairman Frank Nola, Vice Chairman Dr. John Kvach and City Manager of Urban and Long-Range Planning Dennis Madsen. Throughout this process, we’ve enjoyed meeting with historic district organizations. We’re grateful for their questions, input and commitment to serve their neighbors.
Above all, we want to be responsive to the wishes of historic property owners, and the proposed regulation changes are a direct result of the feedback we’ve received.
COA expiration date
We propose establishing a six-month expiration date for COAs, with the option for staff to authorize a one-time, six-month extension. There’s currently no expiration date for COAs, and an expiration date of six months will bring the historic district design review process in line with other building practices in the city. This will only apply to applications submitted after the amended regulations are approved.
The expiration date will help property owners and design professionals schedule and plan projects by minimizing lengthy periods of time between approval and when work begins. Applicants are encouraged to apply when they are ready to begin work.
Expedited Staff Reviews
One of the top requests from the online survey was to create an expedited review process for minor work that could be approved by staff. The purpose of an expedited review is to make it easier for applicants to apply for approval to do minor work without having to wait to present an application at a monthly HHPC meeting. Applicants always have the option to submit a COA for review before the full HHPC, but we anticipate the expedited review will make it easier to carry out minor work in a timelier manner.
These amendments are the first draft response to the feedback we’ve received from historic district residents. At a March 8 public meeting, we will discuss the amendments and hear public comment. I hope each of you will read through the resolution and reach out to me if you have any questions.
While considering the proposed amendments, we will continue to find ways to improve and be responsive and available to our historic districts.
For more information, contact Historic Preservation Planner Katherine Stamps at 256-650-4779 or by email.
Frequently Asked Questions
Establishing a six-month expiration date for COAs, with the option for a one-time extension of six months, will bring the historic district design review process in line with other building practices in the City. The expiration date will help property owners and design professionals schedule and plan projects by minimizing lengthy periods of time between approval and when work begins. Applicants are encouraged to apply when they are ready to begin work.
No. The six-month expiration date will only apply to applications submitted after the amended regulations are approved.
Exterior routine repairs, painting, roofing, siding, rear and side fenestration, storm window removal, mechanical units, landscape elements, accessibility features, rear decks, gutters and demolition of non-contributing detached outbuildings. Please consult the amendment resolution for the full list.
The availability of staff and completeness of a submitted application will determine how long it will take to receive approval for an Expedited Staff Review application. To ensure your application is reviewed quickly, be sure to include all attachments at the time of submission.
If your Expedited Staff Review application is denied, you will receive a written reason for the denial and recommendation for changes necessary before the proposed work will be reconsidered. Within 30 days, you will have the option to submit the proposed work for reconsideration by staff or appeal the denial by submit a COA application for HHPC review at the next monthly meeting.
Expedited Staff Review applications will be reviewed using the same Design Review Guidelines established and applied by the Commission.
