A certificate of appropriateness is a document obtained from the Historic Preservation Commission which certifies that alterations to a Historic Landmark, or a property within a Historic District has been reviewed and judged as 'appropriate' prior to alteration of the Landmark or property.

A Certificate of appropriateness is required before a building permit, moving permit or demolition permit is issued.  It is required if the "structure or site will be altered, extended, or repaired in such a manner as to produce a major change in the exterior appearance of the structure."

A Certificate of Appropriateness is normally not required for painting, landscaping, fencing or driveways, which do not alter the location of elements of the property or landmark.  However, it is probably a good idea to consult with the Chairman of the Commission or the City Planner before undertaking any exterior alteration to a Landmark or structure in a Historic District.

A review of the ordinance wording regarding changes or alterations of Landmarks or Historic District structures and the exemptions allowable may be found at this link
 

The determination of whether to grant a Certificate of Appropriateness is guided by a review of the Secretary of the Interior's "Standards for Rehabilitation" and  a set of Design Guidelines included in the Historic Preservation Ordinance. To see these  Standards and  Design Guidelines, as outlined in the Historic Preservation Ordinance take the links indicated above.

Certificate of Appropriateness applications are available from city hall or may be downloaded from this site. Completed forms may be submitted to City Hall where they will be forwarded to the Historic Preservation Commission.  The Commission will then hold a public hearing, and upon completion of the hearing inform the applicant of the outcome and forward copies of the application to the Building Inspector.  The procedure for appealing decisions of the Commission, or applying for a Certificate of Economic Hardship are outlined in the Historic Preservation Ordinance and may be accessed from the links below.  In addition the penalties for taking action without a Certificate of Appropriateness are outlined in the ordinance at this link.
 
To see specific sections of the Charleston Historic Preservation Ordinance as they pertain to Certificates of Appropriateness use the links below.