Planning exterior work on a historic home in Fairmount or Ryan Place? You want the update to look right, protect your investment, and avoid costly delays. The key is understanding Fort Worth’s Certificate of Appropriateness process and each neighborhood’s design rules. This guide breaks down when you need a COA, how to apply, what reviewers look for, and how to move forward with confidence. Let’s dive in.
What a COA is in Fort Worth
A Certificate of Appropriateness is the City of Fort Worth’s formal approval that proposed exterior work is compatible with a property’s historic character. It is required before a building permit is issued for exterior alterations, new construction, or demolition in local historic overlays and landmarks. You can find the program overview and how to apply on the City’s Historic Preservation page through the Development Services department.
The program is administered by Preservation & Design staff and the Historic & Cultural Landmarks Commission. Staff can approve many routine projects administratively, while larger items like new construction, demolition, and waivers go to the Commission for a public hearing. The review references district guidelines and the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards, anchored by Fort Worth’s historic preservation ordinance.
- Explore the City’s program: Fort Worth’s Historic Preservation program
- Legal framework: Fort Worth’s historic preservation ordinance
Fairmount and Ryan Place basics
Fairmount: standards and priorities
Fairmount is both a National Register district and a City-protected local historic district. The neighborhood’s published Historic Fairmount Structure Design Standards & Guidelines emphasize retaining original materials such as wood windows, doors, columns, and chimneys. The guidelines discourage painting previously unpainted brick, vinyl or metal siding, vinyl windows, and porch enclosures. Limited use of substitute materials may be allowed in non-character-defining locations.
Fairmount also sits within a broader Near Southside urban design context. Where applicable, projects may need to consider Near Southside urban design standards in addition to the neighborhood’s historic guidance.
Ryan Place and Elizabeth Boulevard
Ryan Place is a recognized historic neighborhood with an active association, and Elizabeth Boulevard is listed on the National Register. The Ryan Place Improvement Association supports preservation efforts and community engagement. Properties on Elizabeth Boulevard and nearby high-integrity homes often receive detailed scrutiny, especially for window work, porches, and site features. Recent cases show window replacement proposals require strong documentation and are frequently debated at the Commission level, as covered in local reporting on window replacement appeals.
Do you need a COA? Common projects
Plan on a COA, or at least staff consultation, for visible exterior changes. Typical reviewed items include:
- Siding, windows, doors, roofing, porches, columns, and chimneys
- Fences, driveways, walkways, and visible utilities
- Additions, accessory structures, new construction, demolition
- Signs and exterior lighting
“In-kind” ordinary repairs that do not change design, materials, or appearance may not require a COA, but always confirm with staff before starting work. The City’s urban design guidance explains that ordinary repairs include in-kind replacement that does not change the outward look. See the City’s definition of ordinary repairs for context.
How the COA process works
Start with staff
Begin with a pre-application conversation with Preservation & Design staff or the Historic Preservation Officer. They will confirm if a COA is needed, point you to district-specific guidelines, and outline required documentation. Start here: Fort Worth’s Historic Preservation program.
Apply online
Submit your COA through the City’s Accela portal. Attach clear photos, plans, and material specifications. You will receive an HCLC case number and staff will let you know if anything is missing. Find the portal and forms under Accela permitting portal and applications.
Review and decision
Staff will determine whether your project qualifies for administrative approval or needs a hearing with the Historic & Cultural Landmarks Commission. The HCLC typically meets the second Monday of each month. Approved cases receive a signed COA and stamped plans. If denied, you will receive a letter with next steps or appeal options.
Timing and fees
Administrative approvals are usually faster. If your case goes to the HCLC, plan for several weeks of staff review plus the monthly hearing cycle. Many routine historic reviews do not carry a separate COA fee, though any building permits will have standard fees. See fee information and applications at Accela permitting portal and applications.
What to include in your package
Submit a complete, clear package to prevent delays:
- Completed COA application (via Accela)
- Current, dated photos of all affected areas
- Scaled plans and elevations, including site plan when relevant
- Product cut sheets, color samples, and material specifications
- Conditions assessment for demolition requests and for any window replacement proposal
Templates and checklists are available on the City’s Historic Preservation program page.
Fairmount and Ryan Place examples
- Fairmount guidelines prioritize repairing original features. The document discourages painting unpainted brick, vinyl or metal siding, and vinyl windows on primary elevations. Review the Historic Fairmount Structure Design Standards & Guidelines before you scope work.
- In Ryan Place and on Elizabeth Boulevard, window replacement is closely reviewed. Expect to provide a window condition assessment and evidence that repair is not feasible. Porch repairs, roof materials, and driveway or site changes also receive careful attention, as noted in local reporting on window replacement appeals.
Avoid common pitfalls
- Starting exterior work before confirming COA requirements
- Relying on anecdotes instead of district guidelines
- Skipping a window condition assessment when proposing wholesale replacement
- Submitting plans without product specs or clear photos
- Ignoring overlapping standards, such as Near Southside urban design guidance where applicable
Incentives to explore
Fort Worth offers a Historic Site Tax Exemption that can freeze assessed value for a set period on eligible designated properties. Contact Preservation & Design staff for rules and eligibility. For major rehabilitations, the federal 20 percent Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits may apply to certified projects reviewed under the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards. These programs are technical, so engage early with qualified specialists.
Quick start checklist
- Contact the City’s Preservation & Design staff for a pre-application review
- Read your district’s guidelines, then outline scope and materials
- Photograph existing conditions and gather contractor estimates
- Prepare scaled plans, elevations, and product cut sheets
- Submit your COA through Accela, then respond quickly to staff comments
- If required, attend the HCLC hearing and be ready with visuals and samples
When you are planning updates or a sale of a historic home, the right sequence matters. If you want help timing pre-list improvements or connecting with preservation-savvy contractors, reach out to Shannon Johnson for local guidance and a clear plan.
FAQs
Do I need a COA for exterior work in Fairmount or Ryan Place?
- If the work changes exterior appearance, materials, or design visible from the street, plan on a COA or staff consultation; in-kind maintenance may not require one, but verify with the City first.
How long does a Fort Worth COA take?
- Administrative approvals can be quicker, while Commission cases follow the monthly meeting cycle, so plan for several weeks plus the next HCLC hearing if needed.
What documents should I include with my COA application?
- Provide clear photos, scaled plans, elevations, product specs, and condition assessments for demolition or window replacement requests to avoid delays.
Are vinyl windows or siding allowed in these districts?
- District guidance generally discourages vinyl windows and vinyl or metal siding on primary elevations; staff favor repair or historically compatible materials.
What happens if I start work without a COA?
- Unpermitted changes can trigger enforcement, require restoration of original features, and lead to fines; contact Preservation & Design immediately if work has started.
