Applications

Who should apply?

Owners, residents, contractors, and tenants who are considering alterations to a building that is in a historic district should contact Jill Thacher, at 734.794.6265 x 42608, or email Jthacher@a2gov.org to determine whether a proposed change will require review.

There are two types of review: Staff Review (minor work) and Commission Review (major work).

Staff Review

The Ann Arbor Historic District Commission has authorized staff to approve certain minor work items on behalf of the Commission. This is generally work that does not affect historic materials, or is a repair using matching materials in matching dimensions. In STREAM, please attach information to explain the work, like drawings, photos, or cut sheets. The application fee for staff approvals is $35.

List of Minor Work Designated to Staff for Review (PDF)

Applications must be submitted online using the City's new online permitting system STREAM (stream.a2.gov.org).

To Apply:

Go to STREAM (stream.a2gov.org)
Click Apply 
In the search box at the top of the page, start typing Historic District Certificate of Appropriateness -- or -- click Plans and scroll to find Historic District Certificate of Appropriateness.
Once you begin the application, it will ask you to choose from Minor (staff approval) or Major work. Choose Minor.
Follow prompts to complete the application.

Contact Staff for assistance with applications.

Commission Review

The Historic District Commission reviews applications for changes to the exteriors of buildings in historic districts, the construction of new buildings and changes to the site and landscape. Not all changes require Commission review; consult the Coordinator.

Applications must be submitted online using the City's new online permitting system STREAM (stream.a2.gov.org).

To Apply:

Go to STREAM (stream.a2.gov.org)
Select the Apply box
In the search box at the top of the page, start typing Historic District Certificate of Appropriateness -- or -- click Plans and scroll to find Historic District Certificate of Appropriateness.
After you begin the application you will be asked to choose from a Minor (staff approval) or Major (Commission approval) application. Choose Major.
Follow prompts to complete the application.

Contact Staff for assistance with applications.

Completed applications must be submitted in STREAM on the deadline date shown on the meeting schedule in order to allow staff time to review the application and notify the public. All attachments, including drawings, materials information, narratives, photos, etc. must be submitted via STREAM on or before the deadline date. Incomplete applications will not be accepted or will be postponed to a later meeting date. After an application is complete an emailed invoice will be sent to the applicant. It must be paid online before the day of the meeting.
The Commission meets on the second Thursday of each month at 7:00 PM in City Council Chambers, Second Floor, City Hall. Exceptions are made for major holidays and November elections and are noted on the corresponding meeting schedule.
2025 HDC Meeting Schedule and Submission Deadlines (PDF)
Fee Schedule (PDF)
Historic Building Plaque Information and Applications (PDF) - For those interested in purchasing a Historic Plaque for your property, click on this link and download the application for HDC approval before purchase.

Application Checklists

The lists below show the minimum information required for most applications. Additional information may be submitted by the applicant or required by staff or the commission. Projects may need more than one checklist, as applicable. Checklists are provided as a reference and are not required to be submitted with an HDC application, though they will be used by staff to review for completeness before or after a project is submitted.

Staff Report

If Commission approval is required, staff will prepare a staff report for all applications that are complete and submitted by the deadline. On the Friday before the meeting, links to pdf versions of the staff report and the agenda will be emailed to all owners and applicants that provide one or more email addresses on their application.

Review Committee

The Monday before the meeting, Commission staff and at least two Commissioners will meet with you at the project site. This will be your opportunity to explain your case in person and on location. Staff will take photos and post a Public Hearing Notice on the site that is visible from the street.

The Commission Meeting

The Historic District Commission continues to hold in-person hybrid meetings. Applicants, owners, and public commenters may attend virtually via Zoom or attend in City Hall.

Regular meetings of the Historic District Commission are held in Council Chambers, second floor of City Hall, 301 East Huron Street. Click here for a schedule of 2025 meetings and application deadlines.
Regular meetings are broadcast for viewing online and cable television, and participants may attend virtually via Zoom.
Applicants, owners, and public hearing comments may be made in person at the meeting, or via Zoom or by phone during the meeting.
City Hall is mask friendly to all guests at all times.
Working sessions will be held in-person immediately following regular HDC meetings, on an as needed basis. In-person attendance is necessary to watch or participate in working sessions.

Hearings occur early in the agenda, following introductions and approval of the agenda. Applicants or their representatives are strongly urged to attend, both to present their information and to answer any questions that may arise.

CONDUCT OF HEARINGS

CHAIR CALLS THE CASE
STAFF PRESENTATION – Includes brief description of the property’s location, historic district and history, including any significant changes to the original configuration, a summary of the application and any findings of fact.
REVIEW COMMITTEE – Report and recommendation.
APPLICANT PRESENTATION – Applicants are encouraged to testify on their own behalf and may bring such witnesses as may be necessary.
QUESTIONS OF THE APPLICANT BY THE COMMISSION.
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION – Restricted to current case ONLY – 3 Minutes
REBUTTAL BY THE APPLICANT
QUESTIONS BY THE COMMISSION
CLOSING OF THE HEARING – Followed by Commission discussion and action. Audience members may not speak unless rested by the Commission. Action may include discussion followed by a motion, more discussion and a vote.

Following the Meeting

The applicant, owner and the Building Department will be notified of the Commission's determination. After a decision, you or your contractor may apply for the required building permits for your project from the Planning and Development Services Division. Staff will review work proposed on building permits to make sure it matches HDC approvals.

Please remember: you or your contractor are responsible for obtaining building permits and for scheduling inspections. Any changes from the approved plans should be reported to Commission staff immediately. Failure to comply with the Historic District regulations may result in a fine and/or the owner being required to restore the property to its prior condition.