Certificates of Appropriateness

The Historic Preservation Commission reviews and acts on applications for a Certificate of Appropriateness for all exterior construction, additions to, or alterations of historic and significant buildings only in the Z5 Central Business Zoning District. "Historic and significant buildings" include these buildings within the Z5 Zoning District:

Any property listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Any property designated as "Contributing" to the Downtown Mason City National Register Historic District.
Any property designated as a historic site or landmark by the Historic Preservation Commission and approved by the City Council, per Title 2, Chapter 12 of the Municipal Code.
All properties with frontage on North and South Federal Avenue, between 4th Street NE/NW and the south boundary of the Federal Avenue Plaza. The regulations apply to all facades on these properties, not just the facade along Federal Avenue.

In determining the appropriateness of any such construction, addition, or alteration, the commission shall determine that the project is consistent with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation, taking into consideration the economic and technical feasibility relative to any repair, renovation, preservation, or alteration of historic elements. To aid the Historic Preservation Commission in making a determination, the Commission refers to the standards and guidelines published in the "Rehabilitation" chapter of "The Secretary of the Interiors Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties," published by the U. S. Department of the Interior's National Park Service, Technical Preservation Services, 2017 edition.

How to Apply:

Applications for a Certificate of Appropriateness are accepted on a rolling basis. An application received by the 10th of the month will be reviewed by the Commission at the next regular meeting of the Commission (typically the first Thursday of the month). There is no application fee. A Certificate of Appropriateness must be issued prior to beginning any alterations or additions to a historic or significant building and prior to issuance of any required permits. The application can be downloaded here.

These resources can help you complete your application and make a strong case for your Certificate of Appropriateness:

About the Historic Preservation Commission. Title 2-12 outlines the powers and responsibilities of the Historic Preservation Commission.
Development standards and design requirements for buildings in the Z5 Central Business Zoning District. The regulations for development in the Z5 Central Business Zoning District, including existing and historic or significant buildings.
The National Register of Historic Places nomination for the Downtown Mason City Historic District. The nomination identifies contributing and listed buildings in the Z5 Zoning District and discusses their significance.
The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties, 2017 edition, Part 1. The section specific to rehabilitation guides the Commission's evaluation of all applications for a Certificate of Appropriateness.
National Park Service Preservation Briefs. Preservation briefs provide information on preserving, rehabilitating, and restoring historic buildings. These publications help historic building owners recognize and resolve common problems prior to work and recommend methods and approaches for rehabilitating historic buildings that are consistent with their historic character.
Main Street Iowa Downtown Design Guide. Mason City is a Main Street Community. The Downtown Design Guide was prepared by Main Street Iowa staff as a guide to revitalization and continued maintenance of the physical assets of downtowns. The guide contains general guidance on design and offers specific information about different building elements.