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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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Fees and Application

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.

Effective July 1, 2011, an application fee will be charged for demolitions, new constructions, additions or modifications of existing constructions in any of the Historic Districts.

Type	Fee
Certificate of Appropriatness Application Fee	$25.00
Demolition Permit Submission Fee	$50.00
Staff Approval Request Fee (see Design Guidelines Pg. 2-3)	$10.00

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.

***Note: Due to the rain damage at the Annex Building in June, the meetings are going to be held at the Council Chambers from July until December of this year.***

Application Deadline*	Meeting Date	Minutes
December 31, 2010	January 3, 2011	MEETING CANCELED
CALLED MEETING	January 18, 2011	Summary Button
February 4, 2011	February 14, 2011	Summary Button
March 4, 2011	March 14, 2011	Summary Button
March 31, 2011	April 11, 2011	Summary Button
April 29, 2011	May 9, 2011	Summary Button
June 3, 2011	June 13, 2011	Summary Button
June 30, 2011	July 11, 2011	Summary Button
July 29, 2011	August 8, 2011	Summary Button
September 1, 2011	September 12, 2011	Summary Button
September 30, 2011	October 12, 2011**
November 4, 2011	November 14, 2011***
December 1, 2011	December 12, 2011

*Applications must be submitted to the Planning Division of the Columbus Consolidated Government before 5:00 pm of the deadline date along with all applicable requirements.

No incomplete applications will be accepted after the Application Deadline. If you have questions concerning the copmpleteness of your application please contact Lynda Temples at 706-225-3938. We will be happy to review any applications for completeness prior to the Application Deadline.

** Due to Columbus Day Holiday on October 10th, the BHAR meeting has been moved to Wednesday, October 12th.

*** Subject to change due to possible holidays (city government).

Meeting Minutes Archive

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

2010 Archive
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: