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1. Do I need to get approval for a new business sign?

Yes, because you are located within the Downtown Overlay District. Landmark Commission approval is required prior to putting up your sign. The Main Street director will go over what materials are needed for your application, when you can go to the Landmark Commission and how to get your sign permit from the Permits and Inspections Office.

2. Do I need approval to make changes to the outside of my building?

Yes, you will need both Landmark Commission approval and permits from the Permits and Inspections Office prior to commencing work. The Main Street director will go over what materials will be needed for your application, when you can go to the Landmark Commission and who you need to talk with to obtain all the proper building permits. If needed, a staff member from the Permits and Inspections Office will join the pre-application meeting.

3. Do I need Landmark Commission approval to do some minor landscaping around my business?

Not always; landscaping can be administratively approved depending on the complexity of your project. Contact the Main Street director for more details. You may need to have a pre-application meeting before submitting your proposal letter and materials. If the project requires major land disturbance, the Main Street director may require it be reviewed by the Landmark Commission.

4. What do I need to do for an infill (new construction) project?

Infill projects usually require more time than other applications. At least two meetings with the Landmark Commission are required. You should meet at least once to discuss your project. The Landmark Commission will then need to see the project again for actual approval. Before anything, you will need to contact the Main Street director and have a pre-application meeting. A staff member from the Permits and Inspections Office will attend, if needed. In addition to obtaining your Certificate of Appropriateness from the Landmark Commission, you will need to contact the Permits and Inspections Office. Projects that involve remodeling, demolition, electric, plumbing, or sign installation require specific permits before beginning work and a Certificate of Occupancy is required prior to moving into your building.

5. How do I get my Certificate of Occupancy?

As soon as you know that you are moving into a new building or that ownership is changing, visit the Permits and Inspections Office. The application review process takes up to 10 business days from when the certificate is applied for. During this time, staff from the Fire and Building Inspections Office, as well as the Main Street director, will review the business for compliance.

6. Who do I need to talk to first for changes to my building?

Depending on the type of changes you are requesting, you may need to talk to multiple staff members. For projects involving modifications to the interior of your building, contact the Permits and Inspections Office and set up a pre-application meeting. For projects involving modifications to the exterior of your building, contact the Main Street director. Both parties may be required to attend the meeting depending on your project. Some permits may require the Landmark Commission's approval prior to being issued. These details will be explained during the pre-application meeting.

7. Do I need approval to paint the outside of my building?

Yes, because you are located within the Downtown Overlay District, Landmark Commission approval is required prior to painting your building. In most cases, administrative approval from the Main Street director is possible, provided color choices are within the approved color palettes. Approved palettes are available from several local paint retailers, including Sherwin Williams (arts and crafts and Victorian), Gilfillan’s (Benjamin Moore historic), and Owen Hardware (historic). The Main Street director reserves the right to refer paint color requests to the full commission at his/her discretion.

8. Can I put up a banner?

Yes, but only for a limited time. You will need to visit with the Permits and Inspections Office and fill out an application for a temporary banner. For quick review and possible approval, please come in with two copies of the rendering of the banner, how big it will be, where it will be located, and how it will be tied down. A fee will be charged upon permit approval and your banner will be good for 30 days. Please note that all banners are subject to review by the Main Street director.