The type of permit you need to apply for is determined by the kind of project you propose. Some permits require review and approval by the Commission at its regularly scheduled public hearing, and others may be approved by staff. The Capitol Zoning District Commission issues the following permits:
1). Work on your building or site:
Certificates of Appropriateness
A Certificate of Appropriateness is required for exterior alterations or additions to existing structures in the Capitol Zoning District, as well as for new construction or demolition. Certificates of Appropriateness for modifications that involve a change in appearance or materials will usually require Commission approval. Minor modifications and certain restorations may be approved on a staff level.
2). Opening a Business:
Certificates of Compliance
Each zone in the District has a list of land uses that are allowed by right. Single family residences, for example, are allowed throughout the Governor's Mansion Area. A Certificate of Compliance is required to use a property for a purpose that is allowed by right. This is a staff-level permit.
Conditional Use Permits
For each zone, there is also list of Conditional Uses. These land uses are more intensive than those allowed by right, but are usually allowed with Commission review. The Commission may attach one more conditions to your permit, to ensure the property is being used in a manner consistent with the Master Plan. For a complete list of permitted and conditional uses in each zone, see the General Standards.
3). Other Circumstances:
Temporary Use Permits
A Temporary Use Permit is required for special uses of limited duration that might otherwise be prohibited. These permits are often issued by staff, but more intensive temporary uses may require review by the Commission.
Variances
A Variance, which can only be issued by the Commission, is a waiver of the literal provisions of the General Standards. Variances are very rare, and require the applicant to demonstrate that, because of a physical feature on their property, applying the General Standards will make the property unusable.
Certificate of Economic Hardship
An applicant who has been denied a Certificate of Appropriateness may apply for a Certificate of Economic Hardship. These permits are also rare, and require the applicant to demonstrate that the cost of complying with the Rehabilitation Standards is unreasonable when compared to the value of the property.