Historic Preservation

The Historic Preservation Commission’s Mission is to: Protect, enhance, and perpetuate such improvements and districts that represent or reflect elements of the village's cultural, social, economic, political, engineering and architectural history. Safeguard the village's historic and cultural heritage, as embodied and reflected in its historic structures, sites and districts. Stabilize and improve property values. Foster civic pride in the beauty and noble accomplishments of the past. Protect and enhance the village's attractions for residents, tourists and visitors, and support and stimulate business and industry. Strengthen the economy of the village. Promote the use of historic structures, sites and districts for the education, pleasure and welfare of the people of the village.

A Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) is required for any exterior change, addition to, or demolition of any part or all of the exterior of a structure, including, but not limited to:

  • Repair, replacement or restoration of the original building materials and decorative details.
  • Cleaning of exterior building surfaces.
  • Tuck pointing and masonry repair.
  • Painting of exterior building surfaces.
  • Repair, replacement, restoration or addition of entrances, doors, display windows, transoms, or windows.
  • Removal, repair, replacement or restoration of existing signs and awnings.
  • New signage and awnings.
  • Permanent exterior lighting.
  • Repair, replacement or restoration of façade elements to become ADA compliant.
  • Cornice replacement, removal or restoration
  • Additions
  • Demolition
  • Relocation of a structure
  • New construction
  • Storefront renovation/restoration
  • Fencing


Certificate of Appropriateness Process: How it Works

  1. Building owners need to complete a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) application and receive approval prior to making exterior changes to buildings in the Historic District.
  2. Before planning a project to the exterior of your building, review the Village guidelines for rehabilitating historic buildings, Architectural guidelines, zoning code and sign code.
  3. Contact Village staff with any questions.
  4. Minor alterations and repairs may be approved by staff under direction of the HPC or may be forwarded to the full commission for approval. Staff Approval Policy
  5. Applicants with larger projects, major alterations, or new construction may request to first appear in front of the HPC for a consultation prior to final project application.
  6. Historic Preservation Commission meeting: Certificates of Appropriateness are approved by the HPC by majority vote. Applicants or applicant’s representative must be in attendance for approval. Meeting Schedule and Deadlines