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1. When is a Certificate of Design Compliance Required?

A Certificate of Design Compliance is required before any person or entity may make any external alterations or external repairs of any substantial nature in any manner whatsoever to any area, site, building, or structure within the confines of the Central Area (CA) Zoning District. External alterations and external repairs include but are not limited to the following:

• The construction of a new structure
• The alteration or restoration of any exterior feature of an historic resources
• An addition to a structure
• The removal of demolition, in whole or in part, of any building or structure (unless ordered by the City's Substandard Structures Rehabilitation Board)
• The construction or erection of a new sign
• The removal or substantial alteration of existing signs where such signs are considered on historic resources
• Applying a new exterior siding material
• Addition of a new window, door, or dormer
• Installation of burglar bars on interior or exterior of windows
• Creating a driveway or parking facility
• Adding a satellite dish
• Building a deck, fence, or garage
• Enclosing a porch

2. Does ordinary maintenance and repair require the approval of a Certificate of Design Compliance?

Ordinary maintenance and repair does not require the approval of a Certificate of Design Compliance. The Main Street Manager has the authority to determine whether or not the definition of ordinary maintenance and repair applies to any given project. Some ordinary maintenance and repair may still require the approval of a building permit application.

Ordinary maintenance and repair is any work, the sole purpose and effect of which is to correct deterioration, decay, or damage, including repair of damage caused by fire or other disasters and which does not result in a change in the existing appearance and materials of a property. Examples of this work include, but are not limited to:

• Caulking or re-glazing windows
• Minor repairs to windows, doors, siding, gutters, etc.
• Replacement of existing mechanical equipment
• Repairing or repaving of flat concrete work in side and rear yards
• Repairing or repaving of existing front yard paving, concrete work and walkways, if the materials are the same or similar in appearance
• Roofing work, if no change in appearance occurs
• Chimney work, if no change in appearance occurs

3. How do I apply for a Certificate of Design Compliance

1. Call the City’s Main Street Manager at (903) 457-3138 to discuss the details of your project and receive instructions on information you will need to bring with you when you apply for a Certificate of Design Compliance. Please have the physical address of the property before you call.
2. Review The Design Standards Of Downtown Greenville: The Design Standards manual outlines the design requirements that must be observed for external alterations or repairs in the downtown area. Copies of the Design Standards are available from the Main Street Manager whose office is located at 2821 Washington St. or from the Community Development Office at 2315 Johnson St.
3. Verify Compliance With the City's Building, Zoning, and Fire Codes: An application for a Certificate of Design Compliance must be consistent with the City’s Building, Zoning, and Fire Codes. Copies of these codes are available for review at the Community Development Office at 2315 Johnson St. All applications for Certificates of Design Compliance will be reviewed by persons responsible for administering the Building, Zoning, and Fire Codes.
4. Prepare Application Materials: A complete application for a Certificate of Design Compliance must include the following:
   - A Certificate of Design Compliance application form included in Appendix A
   - A to scale drawing or sketch of the proposed external alteration
   - A written statement describing how the proposed construction, external alteration or repair meets the intent of the Design Guidelines
   - The Main Street Advisory Board may require submission of product samples and other technical information pertinent to design review decisions
5. Submit Application: Submit all the required application materials to the Main Street Manager at 2821 Washington St. The Main Street Manager cannot accept an incomplete application.