Log in
Forgot password

REGULATORY SERVICES

In its regulatory function, the Tallahassee Trust serves as the Tallahassee-Leon County Architectural Review Board (ARB). The purpose of the ARB is to, "preserve the distinctive character of the historical areas and other specific structures and landmarks identified by the city or county commissions".  

More specific functions of the ARB include: 

  • REVIEW + RECOMMENDATION of properties to the Tallahassee- Leon County Local Register of Historic places. 

  • REVIEWS EXTERIOR CHANGES, except for routine maintenance, to the exterior of properties zoned HPO, and issues or denies Certificates of Appropriateness.

  • PROTECTS HISTORIC CHARACTER of property in the historic preservation overlay (HPO). When necessary, grants variances in accordance with the provisions stipulated in the applicable City or County ordinance.

  • ADMINISTRATION on behalf of City and County, of federal Certified Local Government program for historic preservation. 

SO YOU WANT TO LIST YOUR PROPERTY ...

WHAT IS THE LOCAL REGISTER?  ​

The Tallahassee-Leon County Local Register of Historic Places is an official catalogue of sites that are significant historically, architecturally, or culturally. The City and County designate properties as listed through the Architectural Review Board, the regulatory arm of the Tallahassee Trust. Owners of locally listed properties have certain responsibilities once listed, but also are awarded specialized benefits as historic property owners. 

​

BENEFITS OF LISTING PROPERTY 

  •  Access to City of Tallahassee Historic Preservation Grant and Low Interest Loan Program 

  • Waiver of city's permit review fees, development review fees, annual fees, and other rehabilitation-related fees for privately owned (non-governmental) properties 

  • Waiver of city's occupational license fees for properties used to conduct business 

  • Modified enforcement of the building code 

  • Eligibility for special provisions under City of Tallahassee Gas Rebate Program and Energy Efficiency Loan Program 

 

HOW DO I GET LISTED? 

  1. Does your property meet the initial requirements outlined in the local register application?

  2. Notify us via taltrust@comcast.net of intent to file an application 30 days prior to the meeting date listed below of intent to file an application. This is necessary to allow time for public notification as required by the City and County. 

  3. Submit the application at least 15 days prior to the meeting date. 

  4. At the meeting, the ARB will vote on the designation of the property to the local register. 


SO YOU OWN A HISTORIC PROPERTY... 

REGULATED WORK ITEMS  ​​​

  • Are regulations implemented to support the preservation and adaptive re-use of historic properties, not to restrict growth and change 

  • Click to download a comprehensive guide to regulated work items 

  • Ordinary maintenance to historic homes is not regulated by the ARB. 

    • "Ordinary maintenance" is defined as work not requiring a construction permit that is done to repair damage or prevent deterioration or decay or a building or structure.

  • A Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) is necessary for...

    • Any work also requiring a building permit 

    • Installation or removal of railings or other wood, wrought iron, or masonry detailing.  

    • Abrasive cleaning of exterior walls 

    • Painting unpainted masonry (including stone, brick, terra cotta, and concrete)

    • Installation or removal of exterior skylights 

    • Installation or removal of metal awnings or metal canopies 

    • Installation or removal of security grills

      • In no case shall permission to install such grilles be completely denied 

    • Installation of exterior screen windows or exterior screen doors

    • Installation or relocation of wood, chain-link, masonry (garden walls), or wrought-iron fencing. 

  • If in doubt and your project involves exterior changes, visible from the street, to a locally designated historic property  feel free to give us a call or send us an email. We are happy to help! 





ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD WEBSITE

https://www2.leoncountyfl.gov/Committees/Committees/Committee/1091

HOW TO APPLY FOR A COA ​​​

Click to download the COA application

Calling prior to completing the application to discuss the work item is recomended

Complete and submit application

Include with application photographs consisting of the front view of the building as well as photographs identifying the areas where proposed work is to be done, site plans, elevations, material specifications, and construction plans.

Interior plans are required with the COA application when applying for City Grant and Loan Program funding for interior/structural work

HOW TO GET A HISTORIC PROPERTY PLAQUE

​Contact us by phone or email with property details ​

NATIONAL REGISTER

LISTING TO THE NATIONAL REGISTER? ​

While we can assist you in the process, listing to the National Register of Historic Places is not technically handled through the Architectural Review Board or the Tallahassee Trust. To learn more about listing to the National Register of Historic Places access the National Park Services' website by clicking here. Contact our offices before you submit your paperwork for some tips and guidance.

For further help please check the Florida Division of Historical Resources

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software