01-20-09 Regular Meeting,Public Hearings,and Workshop Meeting of the La Porte Planning and Zoning Commission

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New, Renovation, or Demolition P & Z, 2-19-09 Design Certificate MAIN STREET DESIGN CERTIFICATE Application Instructions Please contact the Main Street Development office at 281-470-5017 to begin the application process. If you have any building or sign permit questions, please contact the Permit Division at 281-470-5074. The Main Street Design Certificate has been created to ensure La Porte maintains a harmonious historic downtown that accurately reflects it's own history through the architectural styles located in the Main Street District. WHEN MAIN STREET DESIGN CERTIFICATE Is REO UIRED Design Certificates apply to renovations, new construction, and demolition projects when external alterations or repairs visually impact the aesthetics of an area, site, building, or structure within the confines of the Main Street Architectural Design Standards area (MS ADS — see map), such as the following alterations: • The construction of a new structure • The alteration or restoration of any exterior features • An addition to a structure • The removal or demolition, in whole or in part, of any building or structure • The construction or erection of a new sign • The removal or substantial alteration of existing signs when considered an historic resource • Applying a new exterior siding material • Addition of a new window, door, or dormer • Installation of burglar bars on interior or exterior of windows • Creating a driveway or parking facility • Adding a satellite dish • Building a deck, fence, or garage • Enclosing a porch • Painting of siding, brick, or masonry • Landscaping, etc. WHENA MAIN STREET DESIGN CERTIFICATE Is NOT REO UIRED Ordinary maintenance and repair is any work, the sole purpose and effect of which is to correct deterioration, decay or damage, including repair of damage caused by fire or other disasters and which does not result in a change in the existing appearance or materials of a property. General maintenance that does not alter the exterior appearance of the building or site does not require a Design Certificate; however, some ordinary maintenance and repair may still require a building permit. Some examples of work not requiring a certificate may include, but are not limited to the following: • Replacement of existing mechanical equipment; • Repairing or repaving of flat concrete work in side and rear yards; • Roofing work, if no change in appearance occurs; such as color HOW TO APPLY FOR A MAIN STREET DESIGN CERTIFICATE 1. Contact the Main Street Coordinator (281-470-5017) as early on in your project as possible. After an initial consultation, the coordinator will schedule a predevelopment meeting with you and the Main Street Design Assistance Review Team (MS DART). This will give you an opportunity to receive guidance on City of La Porte - Main Street Program 1 of 5