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Applications are due 10 days prior to the meeting date.
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You can download an application form, instructions for filing, or a materials checklist below or you may pick up the materials at in the Community Development Department at City Hall (Room 200). After completing the form and adding your descriptive materials, you may mail or drop off your application. The application fee is $15.00 and it is an additional $15 if you wish to apply for a Paint and Repair Grant.
The City has extensive records on Landmark properties and Historic Districts, including nomination papers, previous approvals, historical articles, and preservation plans for the various districts in the City. Please contact the Community Development Department at 262-524-3750 or CommDev@waukesha-wi.gov You can also stop by City Hall at 201 Delafield Street, room 200 to view these files. The City’s internet mapping system also lists information on Landmarks and Historic Districts (Link)
You do not need a COA from the Landmarks Commission to perform ordinary repairs or maintenance chores. For example, you do not need a permit to replace broken window glass, repaint a building exterior to match the existing color, or caulk around windows and doors. However some repairs, such as tuckpointing exterior masonry, will likely require a COA. If you have any doubt about whether a COA is needed, be sure to contact the Community Development Department at 262-524-3750 or CommDev@waukesha-wi.gov.
These grant awards are matching grants, meaning no grant may exceed 50% of the project costs. Grants are paid only after the work is completed. Once your project is complete, submit receipts and paid invoices to the Community Development Department for reimbursement. Property owners may receive up to two (2) Paint and Repair Grants within a 5 year period. In addition, landmark properties, properties in historic districts, or properties that are on the National Register of Historic Places are eligible for federal and state tax credits. For more information on tax credits, please visit the Wisconsin Historical Society website. Please be aware that the State must review all plans for any project you plan on applying for tax credits for. Wisconsin Historical Society website
The Chair of the Commission will announce your item and City Staff will present your proposal to the Landmarks Commission. After the proposal the Chair will open the floor to the applicant and the public. At this time you are given the opportunity to explain why you believe that the application should be approved. The public may also comment on the proposed work. The applicant and the public may also submit written statements before the hearing.
Usually the Commissioners will make a decision on a COA application based on "presentation" or "design development" drawings of a proposed project. After the Commissioners vote to approve an application, the applicant may be required to submit construction drawings in order for the approval to become final. The actual COA permit is not issued until the staff has reviewed the final construction drawings to make sure that the final plans are consistent with the proposal approved by the Commissioners.
The Commission does not regulate the height or floor area of buildings, the size of rear yards or open spaces, obstruction of sunlight or air, density of population, or the purposes for which buildings are used. These Zoning Code matters are under the jurisdiction of the Planning Division. For more information about these issues, contact City Planning at 262-524-3750 or within City Hall at 201 Delafield Street Waukesha, WI room 200.