Project Review
The Historic Preservation Program protects resources with historic designation. This includes Landmarks and properties in Local Historic Districts. These resources represent our unique and diverse heritage. They may have significant architectural, archaeological, anthropological, historical, or cultural value. These resources include:
- architectural features
- areas
- buildings
- signs
- sites
- structures
Historic Preservation ensures the City continues to incorporate historic resources as it grows.
Approval for Changes to Historic Resources
The Landmarks Commission must approve changes to properties with local historic designation. This process protects the character of buildings, streets, and neighborhoods as they evolve. Changes requiring approval include:
- Exterior alterations
- New construction
- Demolitions
You must obtain a Certificate of Approval (CoA) for any of the above. This is required before applying for a permit or starting work.
How to Apply for a Certificate of Approval (CoA)
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Use our standards & guidelines to plan your project:
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Local Landmarks: Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation.
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Prepare your materials. Submissions should include at least:
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Pictures of existing conditions
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Narrative scope of work
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List of proposed materials or product specifications
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Larger projects: Completed Landmarks Commission Application and materials listed on page 2.
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Send materials to landmarkscommission@cityofmadison.com
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If possible, combine documents into a single PDF.
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If you send individual files, they must be either .doc, .docx, .pdf, .jpq, or .png.
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Label attachments with your address and the date.
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Individual emails cannot exceed 20 MB. If you split up your materials into more than one email, list the number in the subject. For instance, “Landmarks Application -123 Elm Street - email 1 of 4”, “…2 of 4”, etc. Label attachments “Site Plan 1 of 3”, “…2 of 3”, etc.
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Review Process
0:50 What is a Certificate of Approval?
2:24 How to fill out the Landmarks Commission form
6:00 Administrative approval process
7:41 About standards for landmarks
10:00 About standards for historic districts
Designating a Landmark or Local Historic District
National Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places is a list of significant cultural resources. There are many National Register Districts and individual properties in Madison. National Register designation is honorary. It includes some financial incentives in the form of tax credits. Visit the Wisconsin State Historical Society for information about tax credits. The Madison Landmarks Commission does not manage the National Register program.
