Apply for Certificate of Appropriateness

If you are planning work on your historic property, you may be required to submit an application for a certificate of appropriateness to the Syracuse Landmark Preservation Board.

Types of work that require a certificates of appropriateness include, but are not limited to:

  • Demolition or relocation of buildings or building components
  • Removal, replacement or alteration of windows, doors, siding, roofing, moldings, porches
  • Changes in paint color
  • Additions or new construction
  • Permanent landscape alterations, such as fences, walls, lighting, sidewalks, driveways, patios and signs
  • Removal of mature trees and alterations to site grading

 

A certificate of appropriateness authorizes a change in appearance of a building, structure, site, landscape, or object that is designated as a Protected Site or is located within a Preservation District. Failure to comply with the Landmark Preservation Ordinance may result in a stop work order, citation, fines and/or other legal action.

Apply for a Certificate of Appropriateness

Step 1.Determine if your property is a Protected Site or in a Preservation District

The Certificate of Appropriateness application review process only applies to properties that are designated Protected Sites or are located in Preservation Districts. To determine if your property is a Protected Site or located within a Preservation District, you can review the City's Historic Properties List(PDF, 319KB).   

Step 2.Contact preservation staff to discuss your proposed project

Because each project is unique, we recommend that you contact the preservation staff to discuss your project. Preservation staff will identify if your project requires a Certificate of Appropriateness and what supplemental materials you will need to submit with your application. Contact preservation staff at SLPB@syr.gov or 315-448-8108. 

Step 3.Download .pdf application

Certificate of Appropriateness Application 2023(PDF, 339KB)

Prepare your materials 

Types of materials you may need include:

  • Detailed project description or scope of work
  • Images
  • Materials list
  • Property survey
  • Elevations and site plan

Step 4.Submit your application

Submit by hand or mail your application materials to:

Preservation Office
City Hall Commons, Room 512
201 E. Washington Street
Syracuse, NY 13202

Preservation staff will review your application for completeness. Staff will contact you if additional materials are required. If your application is complete, it will be scheduled for the next available Syracuse Landmark Preservation Board agenda.

 

Contact Us

Phone

315-448-8108

Email

SLPB@syr.gov

Location

Syracuse Landmark Preservation Board
201 E. Washington Street, Suite 512
13202
View Map
Back to top