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Board of Historic & Architectural Review

The Board of Historic & Architectural Review (BHAR) supports and furtherance of its findings and determination that the historical, cultural and aesthetic heritage of the City of Columbus is among its most valued and important assets. The preservation of this heritage is essential to the promotion of the health, prosperity and general welfare of the people. Its functions include:

To stimulate revitalization of the business districts and historic neighborhoods and to protect and enhance local historical and aesthetic attractions to tourists and thereby promote and stimulate business.
To enhance the opportunities for federal and/or state tax benefits under relevant provisions of federal or state law.
To provide for the designation, protection, preservation and rehabilitation of historic properties and historic districts and to participate in federal or state programs to do the same.

Board Bylaws Button

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Historical Review Process

A Certificate of Appropriateness is required for any change in materials or appearance to the exterior of a designated historic property prior to beginning construction. Common alterations that must be approved include but are not limited to: addition of fences, construction of decks, porches and ramps, and demolition of any structure in the historic districts. Additional information is available by clicking the "Design Guidelines" button below.

Design Guidelines Button

To begin the review process, first download and fill out a Certificate of Appropriateness application. To download an application, click the "Review Application" button below. Once completed, the application and all supporting documents must be received by the Planning Department no later than 5:00 PM on the applicable application deadline date (view Application Deadline dates).

The following form is available in fillable PDF format. Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view and print PDF files and PDF fill-in forms. Adobe Acrobat is required to save PDF fill-in forms. After completing the form, you are still required to drop the application in our office with the required supporting information.

Review Application Button

The applicant or their appointed representative must be present at the Board of Historic and Architectural Review meeting. The case will not be heard without a representative present. If your case has been approved by the Board, the Certificate of Approval can be picked up from the Planning Department on the Monday following the meeting.

Meetings

The Board of Historic & Architectural Review's meeting schedule, along with application deadlines, is below.

Unless stated otherwise, meetings for the Board will be held at the time and location below:

Time: 3:30 PM
Location: Government Annex Building, Ground Level - Conference Room

Application Deadline	Meeting Date	Minutes
January 1, 2010	January 11, 2010	Summary Button
January 29, 2010	February 8, 2010	Summary Button
February 26, 2010	March 8, 2010	Summary Button
	March 15, 2010 CALLED MEETING	Summary Button
April 2, 2010	April 12, 2010	Summary Button
April 30, 2010	May 10, 2010	Summary Button
May 28, 2010	June 14, 2010	Summary Button
July 2, 2010	July 12, 2010	Summary Button
July 30, 2010	August 9, 2010
September 3, 2010	September 13, 2010
October 1, 2010	October 11, 2010
October 29, 2010	November 8, 2010
December 3, 2010	December 13, 2010

Meeting Minutes Archive

Listed below are the meeting minutes from past years for the Board of Historic & Architectural Review.

2009 Archive
2008 Archive
2007 Archive
2006 Archive

Members

The board consists of eleven members appointed by the Columbus City Council. All members are required to be residents of the City of Columbus and be persons who have demonstrated special interest, experience or education in history, architecture or the preservation of historic resources. The current board members are: