Expedited Review

The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) authorizes City staff to receive applications for expedited approval of Certificates of Appropriateness for Routine Maintenance and certain Minor work, as both are herein defined. City Staff is further authorized to approve such Certificates of Appropriateness upon ascertaining that the proposed work includes only Routine Maintenance and/or Minor Work. Under such circumstances the Commission waives the requirements for submission of an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness and for consideration at a public meeting. [Ala. Code § 11-68-9(e), Tuscaloosa, Ala., Code § 20-15.30(a)]

A request for work on a historic structure only qualifies for an expedited review in cases where staff determines that the proposed works meet any of the following qualifications:

• Routine Maintenance: 
  The City staff may receive applications for expedited approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) for routine maintenance and shall be entitled to grant such certificate upon ascertaining that the proposed work includes only ordinary maintenance or repair to exterior, architectural or environmental features to correct deterioration, decay or damage and does not involve a material change in design, material or outer appearance. Such expedited review shall not require an application for a COA, a public hearing or notice to adjoining owners. [See Appendix (Article XII)]
  
  
• Minor Work: 
  The City staff, on a case-by-case basis, may approve those projects listed in the Appendix in the Minor Work category, provided that a complete application for a COA, including exhibits and fees, is submitted, and that the proposal also meets all relevant current policies and standards adopted by the HPC. Such review and approval shall not require a public hearing or notice to adjoining owners.
  
  
• Matters Affecting Immediate Safety or Welfare:  
  In instances where there is demonstrated a clear present and imminent danger to the public by the existence of any set of facts pertaining to a historic district, which shall be certified by the Chief Building Official of the City, the Chair and the Secretary ex officio of the HPC may, upon their joint concurrence, grant an expedited COA only to the extent necessary to remove the imminent danger. Such expedited review shall not require an application for a COA, a public hearing or notice to adjoining owners.

In instances where none of these conditions apply, staff will request a COA application be submitted instead of an Expedited Review. Please refer to the Certificate of Appropriateness section to find additional information regarding the required forms and procedures for COAs.