Property owners within Lexington’s 15 historic districts (H-1 Overlay Zone) must obtain approval (permits) to make changes to the exterior of buildings and sites. The Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) permit process is the way to do this.
Approval of Work
Our staff can issue COAs for minor changes. Substantial changes must be reviewed and approved by the Board of Architectural Review (BOAR). As part of the process, the BOAR reviews and issues permits for work on buildings and historic sites. The staff is available daily to provide technical assistance and the BOAR meets twice a month.