Question:  What requires a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA)?
Answer:  Basically, any work in the “Downtown District” that changes the exterior appearance of the building requires a COA. This includes any demolition, construction, reconstruction, landscaping, signage, color or external architectural features.

Question:  What are the boundaries of the Downtown District?
Answer:  Parts of 10 blocks in downtown Piqua. See Map.  Printed maps are available at Mainstreet Piqua, Inc., and the City Engineering Department.

Question:  What exactly does the Board review and approve?
Answer:  The Board reviews all submitted plans and makes a determination regarding the quality of the materials, color, method of construction and other factors which affect the historical authenticity of the exterior of buildings in the district. The level of sophistication required for plans depends upon the project. For example, a change in color simply requires a photograph of the building and a paint sample, while new construction requires architectural drawings.

Question:  Does Board approval replace all other permits?
Answer:  No. Any other applicable permits (building, zoning, sign, etc.) must be secured after being approved by the DDDRB.

Question:  Do I need a Board approval for maintenance work?
Answer:  No. Maintenance which does not involve a change in design, material, color, signage or otherwise change the outer appearance of the property do not require an approval from the DDDRB.

Question:  Are there cases where Board approval is not required?
Answer:  Yes. Private residences, churches, interior arrangements and the correction of unsafe or dangerous conditions as determined by the City Engineer do not require review of the DDDRB.

Question:  Is DDDRB approval required for grant projects only?
Answer:  No. The ordinance applies to all projects in the District, whether or not the owner has secured a grant.

Question:  How long does the process take?
Answer:  Approximately six weeks. The DDDRB meets the 4th Tuesday of each month. Complete applications must be in the Engineering Department three weeks before the meeting. The Board generally acts upon requests immediately, unless an item is tabled, to collect additional information. Once the Board approves a request, the applicant may proceed immediately.

Question:  Can I get any help with my application?
Answer:  Yes! The Executive Director of Mainstreet Piqua, Inc. (937 773-9355) will assist in putting together an application, including design and color selection. Also, the City Engineering Department assists in helping determine if additional permits will be associated with the project.

Question:  How do I design a sign that will get approved?
Answer:  Signs must be consistent in size and appearance with signage in the era that the building was constructed. The Executive Director of Mainstreet Piqua, Inc. is an excellent resource for making suggestions for signage design.

Question:  What colors can I use? 
Answer:  In general, earth tones and soft colors are recommended. Color samples are available in the Mainstreet Piqua, Inc. office and in the City Engineering Department.

Question:  May I put up an awning on my building?
Answer:  Yes. Awnings are historically authentic, and when designed with proper materials and colors, they are a relatively inexpensive way to enhance a building.

Question:  May I cover a building with vinyl siding?
Answer:  No. In most cases the vinyl and other synthetic materials do not meet the requirements for Board approval.

Question:  Why is this process necessary?
Answer:  This process helps to preserve the historical authenticity of the downtown, which fosters community pride.

Question:  What are the benefits of this process?
Answer:  Guidelines of this nature insure that changes in the downtown are deliberate, consistent with the historical character, and will preserve a piece of the community’s individuality and vitality. Though restrictive in nature, it has the effect of preserving and enhancing property values in the district.

As improvements are made according to design guidelines, the appearance of the downtown improves. The city is recognized with regional and state-wide awards, and developers invest in Downtown Piqua, and elsewhere in the city, benefiting the entire city through growth and economic development.

Non-Compliance

Question:  What if the Board rejects an application?
Answer:  No work may proceed until the Board grants a Certificate of Appropriateness. However, generally if the Board turns down an application, it provides suggestions for re-application.

Question:  What if I do work without a COA?
Answer:  The City Ordinance states that anyone making a change in the district without Board approval or who deviates from plans approved by the Board may be fined up to $500. Each day in violation constitutes a separate offense.

Question:  How do I get started?
Answer:  Call the Mainstreet Piqua, Inc. office at (937) 773-9355 and ask for assistance regarding a Certificate of Appropriateness.