Certificate of Appropriateness

A Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) is the discretionary review path required when significant work is proposed for a Contributing Structure in a Historic Preservation Overlay Zone. It is the procedure for substantive alterations, additions, demolition, and relocation involving a Contributing structure, landscape feature, or site, as identified in the district’s certified Historic Resources Survey.

The COA process is established under the citywide HPOZ Ordinance, originally codified at Los Angeles Municipal Code §12.20.3 and now operating in conjunction with Division 13B.8 (Historic Preservation) of Chapter 1A of the Code, where the procedural framework has been recodified. Each district’s adopted Preservation Plan supplies the substantive design guidelines the COA decision is measured against.

A COA is generally triggered when the proposed work falls outside the categories that qualify as Conforming Work or Exempt Work. This typically includes additions over the conforming threshold (additions of 250 square feet or more, or additions that increase height), removal of character-defining features, substantial work to street-visible portions of a Contributing building or site, second-story additions, demolition involving Contributing elements, and new accessory structures over the conforming threshold.

An application requires a formal submittal through the Department of City Planning’s Online Application System on the Department’s form, with all information specified in the application instructions. Application fees apply. The HPOZ Board conducts a public hearing and submits a recommendation. The Director of Planning issues a Letter of Determination. A 15-day appeal period runs from the date of the Letter of Determination. The COA decision is based on the existing conditions of the historic resource prior to the proposed demolition, removal, or relocation, and the Director cannot approve a COA unless the plans comply with the standards in the Preservation Plan and the citywide ordinance and procedural framework.

Source: Citywide HPOZ Ordinance (LAMC §12.20.3) and Division 13B.8 (Historic Preservation), Chapter 1A LAMC. Procedural details and 15-day appeal period per Department of City Planning, Historic District Project Review (planning.lacity.gov/preservation-design/historic-district-project-review). Substantive design criteria set in each district’s adopted Preservation Plan.