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Getting Building Permits for Work on Your Historic Home or Building
Property owners of buildings listed on the Scottsdale Historic Register are not required to perform any special inspections, repairs, or improvements to their property. However, for those desiring to do exterior work which requires a building permit, the work first must be approved by either the City staff of the Historic Preservation (HP) Office or the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC). To find out if your project will require a building permit, please go to the web page for Permit Services One Stop Shop . To determine if your property is currently designated on the Scottsdale Historic Register, see the City of Scottsdale Historic Register or call the Preservation Office at (480) 312-2523.
The approvals issued by the Historic Preservation Officer or the City of Scottsdale Historic Preservation Commission , a seven member appointed citizen body with expertise in historic preservation, may be either a "Certificate of No Effect" or a "Certificate of Appropriateness." Work that is minor in nature can be approved by City HP staff as a Certificate of No-Effect. Minor work generally involves repair that matches the existing materials, finishes and/or architectural features found on the building. Work items such as additions, adding or removing porches, enclosing carports or other construction that alters the structure and appearance of the building requires a Certificate of Appropriateness.
To apply for either a Certificate of No Effect or a Certificate of Appropriateness, an application must be completed. These applications are available on-line or can be obtained from the HP office at 7506 East Indian School Road. Additional materials needed for the review and approval processes includes a site plan and elevations or drawings depicting the proposed work. These submittal items are also needed by the City's One Stop Shop before a building permit can be issued. Depending upon the work to be done, photos of proposed worksite and cut sheets describing the materials or building products to be used also may be requested. A complete application and submittal materials are necessary before a Certificate of No Effect or a Certificate of Appropriateness can be reviewed and approved. A Certificate of No Effect most often can be approved the same day a complete application is filed. For those needing a Certificate of Appropriateness, the City of Scottsdale Historic Preservation Commission will review the proposed work. In this case, staff will schedule a hearing and prepare a report for the HPC describing the proposed work. Notice of the hearing will be posted on the applicant's property at least ten (10) days in advance of the hearing. A copy of the staff report also will be provided to the applicant before the hearing. Applicants are encouraged to be present at the hearing. If this is not possible, an applicant may have a representative, such as their contractor or architect, attend the hearing on their behalf. The HPC may approve, require modifications to the proposed work to help it comply with the preservation guidelines for the building or historic district, or deny an application that adversely affects the character-defining features of the building or historic district. Any decision by the Historic Preservation Commission can be appealed to the City Council.
Process Flowchart (152kb/1p)
