THE FINE PRINT
The Hattiesburg Historic Neighborhood Association is the most vibrant and energetic neighborhood associations in the city.
PROCEDURES
Letter of Compliance
Administrative review and approval (does not require a public hearing) in the form of a Letter of Compliance (LOC) are used when requests for work are:
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Routine in nature and involve repair without change to design, form or materials
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Painting exterior (surfaces that have never been painted require review)
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Roof repair or re-roofing with the same materials as existing
Certificate of Appropriateness
A COA is required prior to making any exterior alterations to properties within the designated districts, landmarks or sites. Exterior alterations include but are not limited to:
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Change to the design or materials of any building features such as exterior finishes or trim, roofs and chimneys, windows, doors, porches, garages and additions and security.
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Alteration or addition of fences, sidewalks, driveways, signs, lights, retaining walls and other site elements
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Demolition
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Removal of trees over 6” in diameter
Agendas
Applications and support materials must be submitted by noon on the Friday, 12 days prior to the regular HHCC meeting, normally the second Wednesday of each month.
Hattiesburg Historic Conservation Commission
The Hattiesburg Historic Conservation Commission (HHCC) is a 9-member board of citizen volunteers who are appointed by the Mayor, with approval of the City Council, to guide the historic preservation process. The Commission meets monthly on the second Wednesday to review applications for Certificates of Appropriateness (COA).
The review process is guided by the Historic Conservation Ordinance and the Hattiesburg Design Guidelines Manual, based on the U.S. Department of the Interior Standards for Rehabilitation for Historic Preservation Projects. Click Here to Download the Guidelines Manual pg 1-74 Guidelines Manual pgs 74-115
Applications for COA’s must be submitted by Noon on the Friday, 12 days prior to the regular HHCC meeting (2nd Wednesday of the month). Applications for COA’s require a Pre-Application meeting with the Historic Preservation Planner (2nd Floor City Hall, Planning Division, 200 Forrest Street).
Pre-application Meeting
Owners of property in locally designated historic districts who are considering renovations or alterations should contact the Historic Preservation Planner, Planning Division, Department of Urban Development, Hattiesburg City Hall, to determine what type of historic permits and procedure will be required for their project.
The Historic Preservation Planner can assist you with:
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Applications and information about required documentation
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Technical assistance about historic preservation and renovation
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Information from the district inventory filed, National Register nomination documents and other records.
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Details about policies, procedures and guidelines used by the Historic Conservation Commission in the review and approval process
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Information about deadlines and notification requirements
Procedure
To apply for a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA):
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Obtain an application from the Historic Preservation Planner, Planning Division, Department of Urban Development.
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Complete application and attach all pertinent information, such as drawings, descriptions and specified materials:
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a. Plans and exterior elevations drawn to scale that clearly show the design and the architectural character of the proposed building or alteration.
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b. Lists of materials, textures and other characteristics about appearance.
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c. For site work, a scaled drawing that clearly shows the shape and dimensions of the site, locations of existing and proposed buildings or other structures and the landscaping and any substantial changes to paved areas, driveway entrances and exits, walls, fences, railings, walks, terraces, signs, and lighting and similar features.
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Return completed application with supporting documents to the Historic Preservation Planner.Only complete applications with supporting documents will be added to the agenda. The agenda cutoff is Noon, 12 calendar days before the Commission meeting to allow for notification and posting.
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Meetings of the Historic Conservation Commission are public hearings. Consequently, notice of the meeting is posted on a sign on the application’s property at least five days prior to the commission meeting.
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Applicants or their representative are required to attend the hearing in order to present and answer questions about the application.
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Following presentation of the applications for Certificate of Appropriateness, members of the Historic Conservation Commission discuss and vote on each application, and specifications are made for the projects.
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Once a Certificate of Appropriateness is approved and signed, applicants may obtain any necessary permits for their project.
Painting, interior alterations, and routine repairs/maintenance that do not change appearance do not require a Certificate of Appropriateness; however, a Letter of Compliance and, possibly Building Permits, are required for such work.
It is the responsibility of the property owner to obtain other permits and variances as required by the City.
Conservation Resources
Federal and State Historic Preservation Tax Incentives
National Park Service: Preservation Briefs
National Park Service: Weatherizing and Improving the Energy Efficiency of Historic Buildings
National Park Service: Technical Preservation Services’ Publications and Online Materials