Step 1: Is your property is located within the Historic District?
- To find out if your residence or commercial business is located in the district, utilize the Boulder City Historic District Interactive Map to easily determine its historic status, and review other important information associated with your property. For further assistance using the map, please review the user manual.
Step 2: Does your project require a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA)?
- A certificate of appropriateness (COA) is a document issued by the City approving alteration of any historic property designated under the authority of Chapter 27, Title 11 of City Code.
- These common projects require a COA:
| New construction and/or additions (including porches) | Reconfigurations of door and windows |
| Constructing accessory buildings and structures | Installing fences and walls |
| Building architectural modifications or façade changes (e.g. siding, ornaments, awnings) | Roof replacement with new materials |
| Building demolition and/or relocation | Screening or enclosing existing open porches |
As this is not an exhaustive list, please contact the Community Development prior to finalizing a design for a project on a historic property. Staff is available to meet with the property owner or owner’s representative to review proposed designs and can assist in ensuring compliance with the City’s guidelines and regulations.
Step 3: What are appropriate changes to a historic property?
- Staff and the Historic Preservation Commission utilize the Exterior Design Guidelines to determine the appropriateness of work within the district. These guidelines provide clear standards for preserving, rehabilitating, restoring, and reconstructing historic buildings within the Boulder City Historic District.
- These guidelines apply to all properties within the Historic District, regardless of property use and now includes properties constructed after 1945 and vacant properties for future infill construction.
- The intent of these guidelines is to provide prescriptive standards for the preservation of the contributing properties within the Historic District and for non-contributing properties, more flexible standards that encourage retaining the historic elements of those properties that would help bring them back to contributing status.
- To find what design guidelines apply to your property, utilize the Boulder City Historic District Interactive Map to access applicable design guidelines based on it’s architectural style which is listed on each property’s Architectural Resource Assessment (ARA) Form. For further assistance using the map, please review the user manual.
- Door and window replacement does not require a COA if the sizes and configurations of the doors and windows are not changing. The City has developed a Historic Window Replacement Guide to help property owners navigate the process to appropriately restore or replace historic windows. Here is a list of historic window contractors that can assist property owners in exploring restoration of historic windows.
Step 4: How do I apply for a COA and what is the review process?
- To apply for a Certificate of Appropriateness in Boulder City, property owners must submit an application detailing proposed changes to a historic property. The application should include project plans, photographs, and supporting documents demonstrating how the work aligns with preservation guidelines. Applications can be submitted to planner@bcnv.org.
- Dependent on the historic status and scope of work, the Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) will either be reviewed administratively or by the Commission.
- Administrative applications are reviewed by staff and do not require a public hearing. Staff will process these applications within 15 days.
- Commission applications require a public hearing and neighbors within 300 feet of your property will be notified. Staff will process these applications within 30 days.
- If revisions must be made, this will extend the timeframe for consideration.
Step 5: How do I apply for a building permit once my COA is approved?
Please visit Building Permits for more information on the application process for the associated building permit process.