Form Center

Historic District Council (HDC) Certificate of Approval (COA) Application

2. HISTORIC DISTRICT COUNCIL (HDC): CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL (COA) APPLICATION
   USE THIS FORM TO Apply for approval for projects in the Downtown or Old Town Historic District or the Community Redevelopment Area (CRA). Projects may require either a Board-level review or a Staff-level review.

   USE THIS FORM TO Apply for approval for projects in the Downtown or Old Town Historic District or the Community Redevelopment Area (CRA). Projects may require either a Board-level review or a Staff-level review.

4. Fees

   1. Certificate of Approval (COA): Staff Review $25
   2. Certificate of Approval (COA): Board Review - Residential Single Family) $250
   3. Certificate of Approval (COA): Board Review - Commercial/Multi-Family/2 or more Residential Units/Mixed Use $400
   4. Demolition of a Primary Structure – Non-Contributing $1,500

   1. Demolition of a Primary Structure – Contributing $7,500
   2. After-the-Fact Certificate of Approval (COA): Staff Review $100
   3. After-the-Fact Certificate of Approval (COA): Board Review $1,500
   4. Amendment to Previously Approved COA - First Amendment Free, Subsequent Amendments = 1/2 cost of original fees

6. Basis for Review
   All applications, whether Staff or Board review, are reviewed for consistency with the City of Fernandina Beach Comprehensive Plan, Land Development Code, and applicable guidelines such as the Downtown Historic District Design Guidelines, Old Town Fernandina Preservation and Development Guidelines, and the Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) Design Guidelines. Guidelines for the Historic Districts are based on the U.S. Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation.

   All applications, whether Staff or Board review, are reviewed for consistency with the City of Fernandina Beach Comprehensive Plan, Land Development Code, and applicable guidelines such as the Downtown Historic District Design Guidelines, Old Town Fernandina Preservation and Development Guidelines, and the Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) Design Guidelines. Guidelines for the Historic Districts are based on the U.S. Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation.

8. 2021 SUBMISSION DEADLINE + MEETING CALENDAR
   

10. IMPORTANT NOTES

12. Conceptual Approvals
    Conceptual approvals are provided by the HDC as a courtesy to the applicant in an effort to allow comment from the Historic District Council and citizens during the conceptual design process. The HDC will provide the applicant with feedback and guidance relating to the proposal and take a vote to indicate whether the board feels the proposal is adequately appropriate to proceed. In all cases, the applicant must return to the HDC to seek final approval of their projects. There is no additional fee for this review above the Certificate of Approval fee.

    Conceptual approvals are provided by the HDC as a courtesy to the applicant in an effort to allow comment from the Historic District Council and citizens during the conceptual design process. The HDC will provide the applicant with feedback and guidance relating to the proposal and take a vote to indicate whether the board feels the proposal is adequately appropriate to proceed. In all cases, the applicant must return to the HDC to seek final approval of their projects. There is no additional fee for this review above the Certificate of Approval fee.

14. Pre-Application Meeting
    To guide you through the process and to ensure that your application is properly processed, you’ll need to meet with the Preservation Planner prior to submitting your application. This should be done at least 45 days prior to your anticipated submittal date to allow time for review. Staff approval applications are accepted on a rolling basis and are generally completed in 3-5 days. Please note that projects can only begin after receiving a Certificate of Approval (COA) and a building, sign, or zoning permit (if required).

    To guide you through the process and to ensure that your application is properly processed, you’ll need to meet with the Preservation Planner prior to submitting your application. This should be done at least 45 days prior to your anticipated submittal date to allow time for review. Staff approval applications are accepted on a rolling basis and are generally completed in 3-5 days. Please note that projects can only begin after receiving a Certificate of Approval (COA) and a building, sign, or zoning permit (if required).

16. Application Requirements

    1. A complete/ signed application;
    2. Proof of Ownership (copy of deed or tax statement);
    3. A current survey of the property, for new construction and any change to existing footprint. (no older than two years);
    4. Scaled elevations & plans;

    1. Photographs;
    2. Any additional backup materials, as necessary;
    3. If applying as an agent, Owner’s Authorization for Agent Representation form must be signed/ notarized and submitted as part of the application;
    4. For window replacement, a Window Survey must be completed.
18. Please see the Land Development Code (LDC) for detailed information:

    1. Historic District Overlays – see LDC Section 8.01.01
    2. Specific Requirements within the OT-1 and OT-2 Zoning Districts – see LDC Section 8.01.01.02
    3. Amelia River Waterfront Community Redevelopment Area – see LDC Section 8.01.02
    4. Application Process for Certificate of Approval – see LDC Section 8.03.03
    5. Signage in the Historic Districts and Community Redevelopment Area – see LDC Section 8.01.03
    6. Requirements for Demolition Applications – see LDC Section 8.03.03.01
    7. Appeals - see LDC Section 8.03.09
20. The LDC is Available for Review at
    www.fbfl.us/LDC

22. Appeals
    An applicant may appeal the HDC’s decision for variances to a court of record as outlined in LDC Section 10.02.04(D). The petition shall be presented to within thirty (30) days after the decision of the HDC; otherwise the decision of the HDC will be final.

    An applicant may appeal the HDC’s decision for variances to a court of record as outlined in LDC Section 10.02.04(D). The petition shall be presented to within thirty (30) days after the decision of the HDC; otherwise the decision of the HDC will be final.

24. PROJECT TYPE*
    -- Select One --New ConstructionAdditionAlterationDemolitionFencePaintRelocationRepairRe-roofSidingSignAmendment to Previously Approved COA

25. APPROVAL TYPE*
    -- Select One --Staff ApprovalBoard Approval: ConceptualBoard Approval: Final

    See Certificate of Approval Matrix for details

27. Previously Approved Case #

29. Have you met with a planner for a pre-application meeting?*
    -- Select One --YesNo

30. What was the date of your pre-application meeting?*
    What was the date of your pre-application meeting?

32. Please apply for a required pre-application meeting using the following link:
    HDC Pre-Application Meeting Request

34. PROPERTY INFORMATION
    Property information can be found at the Nassau County Property Appraiser's website → Map Search

36. Historic District*
    -- Select One --DowntownOld TownWaterfront Community Redevelopment Area (CRA)

38. Site Address*

40. City*

41. State*

42. Zip Code*

44. Parcel ID #(s)*

46. OWNER OF RECORD
    As recorded with the Nassau County Property Appraiser

    As recorded with the Nassau County Property Appraiser

48. First Name*

49. Last Name*

51. Mailing Address*

53. City*

54. State*

55. Zip Code*

57. Telephone Number*

58. E-mail Address*

60. OWNER'S AGENT
    If other than owner. If an agent will be representing the owner, an Owner’s Authorization For Agent Representation form must be included

    If other than owner. If an agent will be representing the owner, an Owner’s Authorization For Agent Representation form must be included

62. Is there an agent other than the owner representing this project?*
    -- Select One --YesNo

64. First Name*

65. Last Name*

67. Company (if applicable)

69. Street Address

71. City

72. State

73. Zip

75. Telephone Number

76. E-mail Address

78. Project Description*

    Describe the proposed project in terms of size, affected architectural elements, materials, and relationship to the existing structure(s).

80. Design Vision Statement*

    For New Construction: Please write a brief design statement explaining the architectural style of your project; what its design draws inspiration from; and how it is architecturally compatible with the surrounding historic neighborhood.

82. Requirements for Demolition Applications
    Per LDC 8.03.03.01

    Per LDC 8.03.03.01

84. 1. Does the structure or site meet national, state, or local criteria for designation?

86. 2. Is the structure or site a contributing structure or site to a locally designated or National Register historic district?

88. 3. Would the loss of the structure or site deteriorate the quality or continuity of the historic district, or the surrounding neighborhood?

90. 4. Is the structure or site is of such design, craftsmanship, or material that it could be reproduced only with great difficulty and/or expense?

92. 5. Is the structure or site one of the last remaining examples of its kind in the neighborhood, county or region, or is a distinctive example of an architectural or design style which contributes to the character of the district?

94. 6. Would the removal of the structure or site destroy the historic relationship between structures or open space?

96. 7. Would retention of the structure or site promotes the general welfare of the City by providing an opportunity for study of local history, architecture, and design, or by developing an understanding of the importance and value of a particular culture and heritage?

98. 8. Have the applicants made good faith efforts to pursue alternatives to demolition?

100. 9. Will the applicant be denied a reasonable return on his or her investment

102. 10. Is there an economic hardship for the applicant as demonstrated by requirements in Section 8.03.06?

104. 11. Has the Code Enforcement and Appeals Board has recommended demolition of the structure?

106. MATERIALS
     List all proposed materials and colors, as applicable

     List all proposed materials and colors, as applicable

108. EXTERIOR FABRIC

110. Manufacturer

111. Product Description

112. Color

     (Name/Number)

114. DOORS

116. Manufacturer

117. Product Description

     Include FL Product Approval # for Windows and Doors

118. Color

     (Name/Number)

120. WINDOWS

122. Manufacturer

123. Product Description

     Include FL Product Approval # for Windows and Doors

124. Color

     (Name/Number)

126. ROOFING

128. Manufacturer

129. Product Description

130. Color

     (Name/Number)

132. FASCIA/TRIM

134. Manufacturer

135. Product Description

136. Color

     (Name/Number)

138. FOUNDATION

140. Manufacturer

141. Product Description

142. Color

     (Name/Number)

144. SHUTTERS

146. Manufacturer

147. Product Description

148. Color

     (Name/Number)

150. PORCH/DECK

152. Manufacturer

153. Product Description

154. Color

     (Name/Number)

156. FENCING

158. Manufacturer

159. Product Description

160. Color

     (Name/Number)

162. DRIVEWAYS/SIDEWALKS

164. Manufacturer

165. Product Description

166. Color

     (Name/Number)

168. SIGNAGE

170. Manufacturer

171. Product Description

172. Color

     (Name/Number)

174. OTHER

176. Manufacturer

177. Product Description

178. Color

     (Name/Number)

180. Please upload supplemental documentation and all product brochures, paint color samples, etc.

182. Upload 1

183. Upload 2

184. Upload 3

185. Upload 4

187. Upload 5

188. Upload 6

189. Upload 7

190. Upload 8

192. Certification*

     1. By signing below, I certify that the information contained in this application is true and correct to the best of my knowledge at the time of the application.
     2. I acknowledge that I understand and have complied with all of the submittal requirements and procedures and have read and understand the following:
194. 1. I/We hereby attest to the fact that the above supplied property address(es), parcel number(s) and legal description(s) is (are) the true and proper identification of the area of this petition.

196. 2. I/We authorize staff from the Department of Planning & Conservation to enter onto the property in question during regular city business hours in order to take photos which will be placed in the permanent file.

198. 3. I/We understand that the COA review time period will not commence until the application is deemed complete by staff and may take up to 10 days to process. I further understand that an incomplete application submittal may cause my application to be deferred to the next posted deadline date.

200. 4. I/We understand that, for Board review cases, an agenda and staff report will be available on the City’s website approximately one week before the Historic District Council meeting.

202. 5. I/We understand that the Historic District Council meetings are conducted in a quasi-judicial hearing and as such, ex-parte communications are prohibited (Communication about your project with a Historic District Council member).

204. 6. I/We understand that the approval of this application by the Historic District Council or staff in no way constitutes approval of a Building Permit for construction from the City of Fernandina Beach Building Department.

206. 7. I/We understand that all changes to the approved scope of work stated in a COA have to be approved by the HDC before work commences on those changes. There will be no charge for a revision to a COA. Making changes that have not been approved can result in a Stop Work Order being placed on the entire project and/or additional fees/penalties.

208. 8. I/We understand that any decision of the HDC may be appealed to the City Commission, with the exception of variances, which may be appealed to a court of record as outlined in Section 10.02.04(D) of the Land Development Code. Petitions to appeal shall be presented within thirty (30) days after the decision of the HDC; otherwise the decision of the HDC will be final.

210. 9. I/We understand that Certificates of Approval are only valid for one (1) year from issuance. They are renewable for six months without cause, and for an additional six months, upon showing of good cause by the applicant. The applicant must submit all requests for extensions in writing and provide appropriate support documentation, if needed.

212. Applicant First Name*

213. Applicant Last Name*

215. Today's Date*
     Today's Date

217. 

219. DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & CONSERVATION
     204 Ash Street | Fernandina Beach Florida 32034 | 904 310-3480 | www.fbfl.us/planning

     204 Ash Street | Fernandina Beach Florida 32034 | 904 310-3480 | www.fbfl.us/planning

Leave This Blank:


221. 1. Receive an email copy of this form.
222. Email address

     This field is not part of the form submission.

223. Submit Submit and Print

* indicates a required field