Certificate of Appropriateness (COA)

Defining COA

A "Certificate of Appropriateness" (COA) is a document stating that the proposed work is appropriate for the locally designated historic building or site and meets local code criteria. A COA includes the categories of alterations (additions), new construction and demolition.

Standard Certificate of Appropriateness

Where the action proposed to a designated historic structure is a minor alteration requiring a building permit and is deemed to have a minimal impact to the historic site, or when the work proposed consists of routine maintenance or in-kind replacement requiring a building permit, the planning and development director shall approve, approve with conditions or deny the application.

Old Diesel Power Plant in Vero Beach

Standards & Guidelines

The U.S. Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties are the adopted standards by which applications for any certificate of appropriateness are to be measured and evaluated. In adopting these guidelines, it is the intent of the City’s Historic Preservation Commission to promote the proper treatment appropriate to the property, and compatible contemporary designs, which are harmonious with the exterior architectural and landscape features of neighboring buildings, sites and streetscapes which includes:

  • Maintenance
  • Preservation
  • Reconstruction
  • Rehabilitation
  • Restoration

Certificates

  1. Certificate Of Appropriateness - Regular (PDF)
  2. Certificate Of Appropriateness - Special (PDF)
Power Plant Interior

Photos are from collections at the Archive Center of the Indian River County Main Library.

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