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Design Review
Design Review Process
The Historic Preservation Ordinance sets forth the design review process.  Property owners proposing changes within the historic district, or to other designated properties, are required to apply for a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA). 

Please Note:  Morgan County Building & Inspection can not issue permits for any work until a Certificate of Appropriateness has been approved by the City of Madison.
Code of Ordinances, Chapter 42 - Historic Preservation
Design Review Process Brochure
COA Application


Design Standards
To guide design review decision-making, the Historic Preservation Commission utilizes the National Park Service, Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties - most frequently referencing those standards and guidelines for Rehabilitation.  

For a more customized review taking into consideration the unique character of the region, state, area, and specifically this community and its resources, the following design standards were researched and adopted to guide HPC decisions.

 Historic Preservation Manual Cover  Design Criteria Booklet Cover
The Madison Historic Preservation Manual 
1990, William Chapman / HPC

Illustrated handbook for extensive information
on historic district and individual character
as well as suggested measures
for protection and maintenance
 Design Criteria
 1998, HPC

Abridged set of guidelines -
for most commonly proposed changes -
to update, clarify, and supplement
the original preservation manual
Design Criteria Booklet
each criterion sheet includes:
  • basic questions 
  • preservation pointers 
  • specific guidelines
  • original manual cross-references
Also Included:
 ~ National Trust for Historic Preservation
Award-Winning Preservation Guidelines ~
 ~ Produced as a Certified Local Government
Historic Preservation Fund Grant Project [1998] ~
~ Reprinted as Certified Local Government
Historic Preservation Fund Grant Project [2001] ~