What is a COA?
A Certificate of Appropriateness is a resolution passed by the Rock Island Preservation Commission that certifies an alteration to a Rock Island Landmark or Highland Park Historic District property as “appropriate.” This review process is in place to maintain the integrity of buildings honored with designations as Rock Island Landmarks. The COA is part of the regulations in the Rock Island Preservation Ordinance.
When is a COA required?
A Certificate of Appropriateness is required for any construction, alteration, demolition, repair or relocation that affects the exterior appearance of any Rock Island Landmark or a property within Highland Park Historic District.
Most exterior building changes require a Certificate, including windows, siding, doors, storm windows and doors, porches, decks, garages, roof features, skylights, etc. Changes to the property site are also included, such as sidewalks and driveways, fences, large trees, pools, gazebos and the like.
All exterior construction requiring a building permit also requires a COA. However, some alterations that do not need a building permit do require a COA, especially the removal of decorative items such as brackets, molding, leaded or stained glass windows, etc.
What is exempt from a COA?
- Replacement-in-kind (replacement of items with items of the exact same construction, materials and dimensions). Call city staff for guidance.
- Routine repairs and maintenance
- Color
- Scraping and repainting surfaces
- Minor landscape alterations
What is the process to apply for a COA?
- Contact the Planning & Redevelopment Division to discuss your project before applying for a building permit (732-2900 or planning@rigov.org)
- Submit a Certificate of Appropriateness application. The application is available in .pdf form by clicking here, but cannot be submitted via the Internet. For monthly application deadlines, please click here.
- City staff will review the application, provide a report to the Commission and make a recommendation regarding approval or denial.
- The Preservation Commission will review the application at a public meeting during which the applicant or his/her representative must be present.
- Preservation Commission will approve or deny the COA application.
- If the COA is approved, applicants will receive the COA resolution usually within seven to 10 days.
Is the decision by the Preservation Commission binding?
Yes, but there are appeal options in place.
What if I need a quicker timetable for my construction project?
If the next meeting of the Preservation Commission is more than 15 days away, the applicant may request a special meeting.
What if my COA is denied?
There are five options. It is strongly suggested that anyone wishing to appeal a COA contact city staff for procedures.
- Applicants may choose not to proceed with the project.
- Applicants may submit revised applications within 60 days of denial.
- Applicants may appeal to Rock Island City Council within 30 days of the denial.
- Applicants may apply for a Certificate of Economic Hardship.
- Applicants may request a public hearing by the Preservation Commission within 15 days of denial.
Are there guidelines for exterior alterations?
Yes. The Preservation Commission has developed a comprehensive set of guidelines to assist Rock Island Landmark owners and anyone else wishing to undertake sensitive rehabilitation for historic buildings. To find out more, click here.
What other Codes do I have to comply with?
All Certificate of Appropriateness applications must comply with the most recently adopted versions of the following:
Is there financial assistance for historic rehabilitation?
One Illinois program is designed specifically for major renovation to owner-occupied residential properties. Rock Island Landmarks are eligible for this program. Check out the Property Tax Assessment Freeze Program on the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency web site. The City of Rock Island operates a variety of housing rehabilitation programs. Agencies such as the Rock Island Economic Growth Corporation and Project NOW Community Action Agency should also be contacted.
