HDC Renovation Approval Process
Your Guide to Certificate of Appropriateness
Your Guide to Certificate of Appropriateness
Obtaining a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) from the Nantucket Historic District Commission is a required step before making any exterior changes to your property. While the process requires attention to detail, proper preparation will help ensure a smooth approval. This guide walks you through each step.
Step-by-Step Guide
Before submitting, familiarize yourself with HDC guidelines, particularly "Building with Nantucket in Mind." Consider working with an architect experienced in Nantucket projects who understands HDC requirements. Review recent approvals for similar projects to understand what the commission expects.
Key Actions:
Complete the HDC application form thoroughly using blue or black ink. Gather all required documents including detailed plans, drawings, photographs of existing conditions, and material samples. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
Key Actions:
For projects involving 1,000 square feet or more (100 square feet in historic core areas), you must notify all abutting property owners via certified mail. Include proof of notification with your application—certified mail receipts and a copy of the letter sent.
Key Actions:
Submit your completed application package with four copies of all plans and the appropriate fee to the HDC office. Applications are typically heard in the order received, with the HDC meeting every Tuesday at 4:00 PM at the Public Safety Facility, 4 Fairgrounds Road.
Key Actions:
Present your project to the five-member elected commission. Be prepared to answer questions about materials, colors, scale, and how your project fits with neighboring properties. The commission may approve, approve with conditions, request revisions, or deny your application.
Key Actions:
Upon approval, the HDC issues a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) valid for three years. Your final construction must match the approved plans exactly. Any changes require a new or amended application. The COA is required before obtaining building permits.
Key Actions:
Application Requirements
Completed HDC application with property owner signature. If agent is signing, written authorization from owner required.
Location map showing north arrow, parcel boundaries, and all primary and secondary structures on the property.
Detailed plans showing proposed work including elevations, floor plans, and site plans as applicable.
Photos of existing conditions, adjacent buildings, and the street context to help the commission understand the setting.
Detailed specifications for proposed materials including siding, roofing, windows, doors, and trim.
Paint color samples or manufacturer specifications for all exterior colors proposed.
For larger projects: abutter list, certified mail receipts, and copy of notification letter.
Application fee per HDC fee schedule. Contact HDC office for current rates.
Important: Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Contact the HDC office at nantucket-ma.gov for current application forms, fee schedules, and detailed requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Simple projects like window replacements or repainting may be approved within 2-4 weeks. More complex renovations or new construction typically take 2-6 months, depending on revisions needed. The HDC meets weekly, so timing depends on when your complete application is submitted.
If denied, the HDC will explain their concerns. You can revise your plans to address these issues and resubmit. Many projects are approved after one or two rounds of revisions. You also have the right to appeal to the county court.
No. Beginning exterior work without an approved Certificate of Appropriateness results in fines of $300 per day. Interior work that doesn't affect exterior features doesn't require HDC approval but may need building permits.
Emergency repairs to prevent immediate damage may be made, but you should contact the HDC office as soon as possible and submit an application. Temporary measures should be reversed if not approved.
Any changes from the approved plans require a new or amended application. Your final construction must match the Certificate of Appropriateness exactly. Even minor deviations can result in violations.
No. The Certificate of Appropriateness is required before obtaining building permits, but you still need all applicable building, electrical, plumbing, and other permits. The HDC focuses on historic appropriateness, not code compliance.
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