Design Review
Design Review Process
The Historic Preservation Ordinance sets forth the design review process. Property owners proposing changes within the historic district, or to other designated properties, are required to apply for a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA).
Please Note: City of Madison Building & Inspection can not issue permits for any work until a Certificate of Appropriateness has been approved.
Code of Ordinances, Chapter 42 - Historic Preservation
COA Application (PDF)
Design Standards
To guide design review decision-making, the Historic Preservation Commission utilizes the National Park Service, Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties - most frequently referencing those standards and guidelines for Rehabilitation. For a more customized review taking into consideration the unique character of the region, state, area, and specifically this community and its resources, the following design standards were researched and adopted to guide HPC decisions.
The Madison Historic Preservation Manual
1990, William Chapman / HPC Illustrated handbook for extensive information on historic district and individual character as well as suggested measures for protection and maintenance
- Table of Contents & Introduction (PDF)
- Chapter 1: Town History & Development (PDF)
- Chapter 2: Town Character & Resources (PDF)
- Chapter 3: Understanding & Preserving Historic Resources (PDF)
- Chapter 4: Guidelines for New Construction & Alterations to Historic Buildings (PDF)
- Chapter 5: Recommendations for Repair & Maintenance (PDF) (PDF)
- Appendix (PDF)
~ National Trust for Historic Preservation
Award-Winning Preservation Guidelines ~
~ Reprinted as Certified Local Government
Historic Preservation Fund Grant Project [2001] ~
Design Criteria
1998, HPC (& later updates)
Abridged set of guidelines - for most commonly proposed changes - to update, clarify, and supplement
the original preservation manual
Design Criteria Booklet (PDF)
contains issue specific topics. Also Included:
- Process Brochure (PDF)
- Administrative Review Items
- Dates of most recent update
~ Produced as a Certified Local Government
Historic Preservation Fund Grant Project [1998] ~