CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS (COA)
What is a Certificate of Appropriateness?
A Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) is a certificate issued by the Historic Preservation Commission authorizing plans for alterations*, construction, or demolition of a landmark, a landmark site, or a structure which is located within a historic district.
*An alteration is any act or process which changes one or more of the "exterior architectural features" of a structure designated for preservation. Painting or repainting of a structure shall not be considered an alteration, unless it involves the painting of a masonry or brick surface which has not been previously painted.
When does a homeowner need a Certificate of Appropriateness?
A Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) from the commission shall be required before a person may undertake the following actions affecting a landmark, a landmark site, or a property in a historic district:
- Alteration of the exterior part of a structure that is visible to the public and the cutting down of a tree that is visible to the public.
- New Construction
- Demolition
- Relocation
How long does the Certificate of Appropriateness process take to complete?
Most applications can be approved by the staff within a few working days. Those which cannot be approved by the staff shall be reviewed by the Newport Historic Preservation Commission, which meets on a monthly basis at the Newport Municipal Building, 998 Monmouth Street, Newport, Kentucky. Applications which must be reviewed by the Commission shall be submitted no later than fourteen days prior to the scheduled meeting. For additional details regarding the meeting time and date of the Newport Historic Preservation Commission, please contact the Historic Preservation Officer at (606) 292-3666.
A condition of a Certificate of Appropriateness permit is that the work be completed within 365 calendar days. After a COA expires, a new application must be submitted for review unless the work has been substantially completed.
No application fee shall be required for a timely applied for Certificate of Appropriateness. However, any person who performs work without first obtaining a necessary Certificate of Appropriateness permit will be required to have their application heard before the commission and required to pay a fifty dollar ($50.00) application fee to cover administrative costs. The City Manager has the right to revoke the occupational license of any person performing work without a necessary Certificate of Appropriateness permit.
Additionally, the City of Newport Code, Section 12.7-8. Penalties for violations states:
Any person violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall be guilty of a Class B misdemeanor and subject to a fine not to exceed two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) and/or incarceration in the county jail not to exceed ninety (90) days. Each day the violation continues shall constitute a separate offense.
Can a decision of the Newport Historic Preservation Commission be appealed?
The Newport Code 12,7-7 states: The applicant shall have an appeal to the board of commissioners from a decision of the commission denying an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness. Such appeal must be filed in writing with the Newport city clerk within fourteen (14) days after the decision of the commission. The board of commissioners shall hold a public hearing and shall vote on such appeal within sixty (60) days of its receipt. The board of commissioners shall transmit its decision in writing to the applicant, the commission and division manager.
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