HistoricPreservation
Certificate of
Appropriateness
Contents:
Process flowchart
What is a Certificate of Appropriateness?
What defines “appropriate”?
When do I need a Certificate of Appropriateness?
Planning & Development Services Department contact information
Certificate of Appropriateness review process:
Pre-application conference
Design guidelines for historic properties
Administrative review
Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) review
Design guidelines principles
Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) application & meeting schedule
Application and attachment checklist
Certificate of Appropriate application
Planning and Development Services Department
City of Round Rock, Texas
Updated: November 2020
Certificate of Appropriateness (CofA)
Application Review Process
* If a CofA for demolition is
denied, the HPC may delay the
demolition for up to 120 days.
Pre-application conference with Planning &
Development Services Dept. (PDS) staff
Staff reviews application
and makes
recommendation to HPC
HPC
hearing
Applicant may obtain
building permit (if
necessary) & begin
work consistent with
CofA conditions
Applicant may not re-
apply for one year*
City
Council
hearing
Approved
Denied
Approved
Denied
Submit CA application to PDS
(see submittal dates)
File appeal to City Council
within 15 days
Staff decides
HPC or Admin.
review
HPC
Admin.
Approved
Staff reviews
application
Staff
approves or
schedules
HPC review
HPC
Page 3
What is a Certificate of Appropriateness (CofA)?
A Certificate of Appropriateness confirms that proposed changes to a property with Historic
(H) Overlay Zoning are appropriate to the historic period, architecture and style of the
property, and are consistent with the City’s design guidelines for historic properties so that the
historic authenticity of the property is preserved.
If a property has Historic Overlay Zoning, the owner/applicant is required to obtain a
“Certificate of Appropriateness” (CofA) before obtaining a building permit or beginning work
involving any change to the exterior of the property, demolishing all or part of the structure, or
relocating a structure to or from a property with historic overlay zoning (Code of Ordinances
Part III Section 10-56). Some types of minor changes may qualify for expedited review by a staff
member instead of the Historic Preservation (see “administrative review” on subsequent
pages).
What defines “appropriate”?
The City has adopted design guidelines for changes to historic landmarks and districts, which
are based on the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Rehabilitation of Historic Buildings.
The two sets of design guidelines, Design Guidelines for Historic Commercial Districts and
Properties, and the Design Guidelines for Historic Residential Districts and Properties. The set of
guidelines used is based on the building type, regardless of how the building is currently used.
For example, offices or day care in a house would use the residential guidelines.
The HPC and City staff use these design guidelines to evaluate CofA applications, so it is highly
advisable for applicants to consult them when planning their projects. Both sets of guidelines
are posted on the historic preservation web site at www.roundrocktexas.gov/cofa
When do I need a CofA?
Below are guidelines for when a CofA is required; please contact Joelle Jordan at 512-218-5422
or jjordan@roundrocktexas.gov if you are unsure or need clarification.
A Certificate of Appropriateness is REQUIRED for:
Any repairs or work that involves a change in material, finish, design, or color
Anything that changes the exterior appearance may affect the historic character of a
structure, and a CofA is necessary to ensure that the changes do not detract from its
authenticity. Examples: change in siding or roofing material or color; replacing
windows, doors, light fixtures or hardware; adding exterior equipment such as antennas
or condensers; adding window film or changing paint color.
Restoration to a structure/property’s period of historic significance
Projects intended to restore a historic property to an earlier condition also must be
reviewed for appropriateness, to ensure the authenticity of the restoration.
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Yard: hardscape, paving, or fencing
Adding or changing structures such as paving, fences, gazebos etc. requires a CofA.
Addition of features such as awnings, lighting, etc. that are not currently attached to
the structure
While not permanent, these features have a major impact on the character of the
building, and must be reviewed for appropriateness.
Structural additions
Additions and changes to historic structures must be reviewed for appropriateness to
ensure that the structure’s authenticity is not compromised. Additions to
noncontributing structures in historic districts must be reviewed to ensure that the
district’s character is maintained.
New structures, including outbuildings, on a property with Historic zoning
New structures on properties with H overlay zoning must have a CofA before beginning
construction. This also applies to new structures in an historic district, even if the
property was previously undeveloped.
Structural relocation or demolition
Relocating a historic structure from one location to another requires a Certificate of
Appropriateness for Relocation, and demolition of all or part of a historic structure
requires a Certificate of Appropriateness for Demolition. This packet does not outline
processes specific to structural relocation or demolition. Please refer to Code of
Ordinances Part III Section 10-56 (b) (relocation) or Part III Section 10-56 (a) (8)
(demolition) for information and procedures.
A Certificate of Appropriateness is NOT REQUIRED for:
Interior projects
Projects that are confined to the interior of a structure do not require a CofA.
Signs
Signs do not require a Certificate of Appropriateness, only a standard sign permit.
There are different sign standards for different types of areas, and the “Special Areas”
sign standards apply to properties with H overlay zoning.
Yard : plants and landscaping
Altering non-structural elements such as plants or landscaping does not require a CofA,
however adding or changing structures such as fences, paving, gazebos, etc. (other than
ordinary maintenance and repair”) do require a CofA.
Ordinary maintenance and repair
“Ordinary maintenance and repair which does not change the appearance of the
property exterior does not require a CofA. The original appearance must be maintained
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using the same materials and colors (repainting the same color is ordinary maintenance;
repainting a different color requires a CofA).
Definition of ordinary maintenance and repair, Section 46-5: Any work, the sole
purpose of which is to correct deterioration, decay, or damage, including repair of
damage caused by fire or other disaster and which does not result in a change in the
existing appearance and materials of a property. Examples of this work include, but are
not limited to the following:
(1) Caulking or reglazing windows;
(2) Minor repairs to windows, doors, siding, gutters, etc.;
(3) Replacement of existing mechanical equipment;
(4) Repairing or repaving of flat concrete work in side and rear yards;
(5) Repairing or repaving of existing front yard paving, concrete work and walkways,
if material the same or similar in appearance is used;
(6) Foundation work, if no change in appearance occurs; and
(7) Chimney work, if no change in appearance occurs.
Page 6
Applying for a Certificate of Appropriateness (CofA)
Contact information
Planning and Development Services Department 512-218-5428
The Historic Preservation Program’s offices are located in the Planning and Development
Services Department on the second floor of the McConico Building at 301 W. Bagdad, Suite 210.
Historic Preservation Staff:
Joelle Jordan, AICP 512-218-5422 jjordan@roundrocktexas.gov
Kerstin Harding 512-218-5421 kharding@roundrocktexas.gov
Historic preservation web page: www.roundrocktexas.gov/historicpreservationn
Certificate of Appropriateness web page: www.roundrocktexas.gov/cofa
Pre-application conference
It is highly advisable to consult with preservation staff while still in the planning stages of your
project. Staff will determine whether the project will be reviewed administratively or by the
Historic Preservation Commission, or if a CofA is unnecessary. Staff will explain the design
guidelines that will apply to the project, and can be a resource for information about
appropriate architectural styles and materials, and local vendors of specialized services.
It is also advisable to consult the Design Guidelines for Historic Residential Properties and Districts
or the Design Guidelines for Historic Commercial Properties and Districts early in the project.
Projects that may be reviewed administratively
The Zoning Administrator may issue a CofA for some projects that result in only minor changes
to the appearance of the property. Whether a project qualifies for expedited administrative
review will be determined at a pre-application meeting.
Administrative review for a CofA can usually be completed within ten days. Staff may also
decide to forward the application to the HPC to review at its next meeting.
The following projects are considered eligible for administrative review (Section 10-56 (a) (3)):
a. Paint colors for the exterior of a structure including siding, trim, doors, steps, porches,
railings, and window frames. This shall not include painting or otherwise coating
previously unpainted masonry;
b. The placement and screening, if necessary, of roof-mounted equipment and other
mechanical equipment of various types;
c. The placement and design of screening treatments for trash and recycling receptacles;
d. Fences to be installed in the rear and/or side yard;
e. Ground lighting;
Page 7
f. Elements attached to a facade of any building, garage or carriage house including, but
not limited to, door hardware, hinges, mailboxes, light fixtures, sign brackets, street
address signage and historic interpretive signage;
g. Replacing roofing materials or color on a flat roof that will not be visible from the
ground or from immediately adjacent taller buildings;
h. Gutters and downspouts;
i. Installation or removal of landscaping, including trees;
j. Accessibility ramps;
k. Changes to awning fabric color for an existing awning;
l. Landscape elements, including but not limited to, walks, paving, benches, outdoor
furniture, planters, pools, trellises, arbors and gazebos;
m. Installation of any elements required by other codes such as emergency lighting;
n. Modifications that are considered nonpermanent such as, but not limited to, window
films and temporary features to weatherize or stabilize a historic resource;
o. Minor modifications to an existing certificate of appropriateness that still meets the
intent of the original approval; or
p. Renewal of an expired certificate of appropriateness.
Administrative review process
If your project can be reviewed administratively, complete an application and bring it and any
supporting materials (see pages 11-12) to the Planning & Development Services Department.
Necessary supplemental materials usually include photos of the property and specifically of the
parts affected, paint samples, photos and item numbers of parts and fixtures, etc. please refer
to the checklist on page 11. Documentation must be complete in order for staff to begin review
of an application.
Staff will review the application for conformance with the design guidelines and applicable
ordinances. A decision will be made within ten days, although staff may refer the application
to the HPC if they believe the request requires additional scrutiny.
Projects that are reviewed by the HPC
Certificates of Appropriateness for all other projects affecting the exterior appearance of a
property with H overlay zoning must be reviewed by the Historic Preservation Commission.
The commission meets monthly, and applications should be submitted two weeks before the
meeting in order to allow time for staff research and distribution to Commissioners before the
meeting.
Historic Preservation Commission members, appointed by the Round Rock City Council, are
Round Rock residents; their goal is to assist in the development of the most cost effective, high
quality, and historically appropriate project possible.
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HPC review process
If the project is to be reviewed by the HPC, the applicant will need to submit ten copies of the
application and supporting materials at least fourteen days before the desired HPC meeting.
Please refer to the HPC schedule on page 10 for the HPC submittal and meeting schedule.
Supplemental materials usually include photos of the property and specifically of the parts
affected, paint samples, photos and item numbers of parts and fixtures, etc. please refer to the
checklist on page 11. Documentation must be complete in order for staff to begin review of an
application. If it is not possible to obtain ten copies of all materials, please contact staff to
determine how samples may be provided for the HPC hearing.
Staff will review the application for conformance with the design guidelines and applicable
ordinances, and write a recommendation to the Commissioners. The application, supplemental
materials and staff recommendation will then be distributed to the commissioners 4-5 days
before the scheduled meeting to allow time to examine and research the application.
At the HPC meeting a staff member will present a summary of the application and the staff
recommendation. The applicant is not required to attend, although it is helpful in case the
Commission has additional questions. The application is considered in a public hearing, so
there will be an opportunity for the applicant and/or their contractor(s) to address the
Commission. At the end of the discussion, the HPC votes whether to approve the application as
submitted, to approve with conditions, or to deny the application.
Notification and building permits
The applicant will receive correspondence detailing the outcome of the case and any conditions
associated with approval or denial. This correspondence serves as the CofA. The CofA is also
sent to the Building Inspections Office, which will reference them when issuing permits and
conducting inspections.
Appeals
If an administratively reviewed application is denied, the applicant may appeal to the HPC. If
an HPC-reviewed application is denied, the applicant may, within 15 days, appeal the denial to
the City Council, otherwise the applicant may not reapply for a year.
Page 9
Design Guidelines Principles
The complete document, Design Guidelines for Historic Commercial and Residential Districts and
Properties, is posted online at: www.roundrocktexas.gov/historicpreservation
The Design Guidelines are divided into commercial and residential guidelines. "Commercial" and
"Residential" properties are defined not by their present use, but by the historic building type as it
currently appears. A house converted to an office would use the Residential standards.
Principles of the design guidelines
There are several guiding principles that the Design Guidelines incorporate; these pertain to
buildings of all occupancy and construction types, sizes and materials, permanent and
temporary construction on the exterior of existing buildings within the historic districts or as
individual historic landmarks, as well as new construction:
1. Original or historically significant materials and/or features of a structure or site shall
be maintained and repaired rather than replaced whenever possible.
2. If replacement of existing materials or features is necessary, the new feature shall match
the old in design, color, texture, and other visual qualities.
3. Replacement of missing features should be based on historical, documentary, physical
or pictorial evidence.
4. Minimal alteration of the building, structure, site or environment should be made.
5. Each property should be recognized as a product of its own time. Alterations that seek
to create a false sense of historical development should be discouraged.
6. Changes to a building or site that have taken place over time are evidence of its history
and development. Those changes that have acquired significance in their own right
should be recognized and preserved.
7. Where historic architectural or site features are determined by the Commission to
contribute to the historic character of the property or the district, proposed alterations or
additions affecting such features should be reviewed more stringently.
8. New additions, exterior alterations, or new construction should not destroy historic
materials or general features that characterize the property. The new work may be
differentiated from the old and should be compatible with the massing, size, scale and
architectural features of the property and the surrounding neighborhood, to protect the
historic integrity of the property and the site.
9. Whenever possible, new additions or alterations to structures should be done in such a
manner that if removed in the future, the essential form and integrity of the structure
and the site would be unimpaired.
Historic Preservation Commission
2021 Meeting Schedule
Meetings are typically held at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at 221 E. Main
Street. Please check the online calendar www.roundrocktexas.gov/events/, or call 512-
218-5428 before the meeting in case there have been schedule changes or cancellations.
Agendas, minutes and video of HPC meetings are posted online at Round Rock Replay,
www.roundrocktexas.gov/replay.
HPC Meetings
(3
rd
Tuesday)
January 19
February 16
March 23*
April 20
May 18
June 15
July 20
August 17
September 21
Work Session
October 19
November 16
December 14*
* Dates adjusted to accommodate holidays
The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) preserves, protects, and promotes the City
of Round Rock’s historical resources through preservation, public education, community
partnerships, and heritage tourism. Its preservation responsibilities include issuing
Certificates of Appropriateness for proposed changes to historic properties and making
recommendations for historic designations and historic policy and programs to the City
Council. For more information, visit our website at
www.roundrocktexas.gov/historicpreservation, or contact the Planning & Development
Services Department at 512-218-5428.
November 17, 2020
Certificate of Appropriateness
Application Attachment Checklist
Number of application and attachment copies to include in submittal:
For Administrative (Staff) Review, please attach one copy of the application and all
supplementary materials.
OR:
For Historic Preservation Commission Review, please attach nine (9) copies of the application
and all supplementary materials. If it is not possible to obtain all nine copies, please contact
staff to determine how samples can be provided at the HPC hearing.
All applications:
Certificate of Appropriateness application
Completed application attachment checklist
Rehabilitation, remodeling, additions or new construction:
Elevation and plan drawings to scale indicating proposed alterations, clearly indicating the
existing building and what changes are proposed. Please indicate location relative to adjacent
structures
Exterior materials description and samples (if possible)
Photograph(s) of existing conditions documenting all sides of the structure that will be
affected
Photographs/printouts of any new or replacement parts (doors, windows, shingles, siding etc.)
For restoration to an earlier condition:
Historical documentation (plans, elevations, photographs) of that earlier condition, if available
For building additions or new construction:
Site plan showing dimensions of lot, location and dimensions of existing building(s), location,
dimensions and sight lines of addition, location of all exterior ground- and roof-mounted
equipment, hardscape, fencing, parking lots and driveways
Painting, stucco, repointing:
Color photographs of all areas to be affected
Diagram of where each color/material will be applied on the structure
Color samples/paint chips
Information on relevant textures, sheens, etc.
Awnings and Canopies:
Photograph of building elevation to which the awning or canopy is to be attached
Dimensioned drawings. Indicate the front and side view of awning or canopy and placement
on structure
Samples of colors and materials
Relocation:
Refer to Code of Ordinances Part III Section 10-56 (b) and discuss with staff what documents are
necessary and appropriate to include with the application.
Demolition:
Refer to code of Ordinances Part III Section 10-56 (a) (8) and discuss with staff what documents are
necessary and appropriate to include with the application.
Certificate of Appropriateness Application
Historic Preservation Commission
Submit this form and all necessary attachments (see checklist) at least 14 days before the Historic Preservation
Commission meeting to the Planning & Development Services Department, 301 W. Bagdad Avenue, Suite 210,
Round Rock, Texas 78664; ph. 512-218-5428.
App
licant contact information
Name:
Address:
Phone: Fax: Email:
Role: Owner Architect/contractor Other:
Developer contact information
Name:
Phone: Fax: Email:
Pr
operty Address:
1. In the
space below, briefly describe the work proposed (use separate page(s) if necessary).
2. Pleas
e refer to the attachment checklist for additional materials necessary to evaluate the
proposed work.
Description of proposed work:
Signature Date