Is my home or business in the historic district?
The historic district has a boundary. This includes several specific blocks in downtown. Type your address into the interactive historic district map tool or call the preservation administrator (502) 348-5947 ext.2243 to determine if you are in the historic district.
How do I know if I need to fill out a COA application?
If you are making any exterior changes to a structure located within the historic district (including landscaping or removing trees) then you need to fill out a COA application and be approved by the Historic Review Board and the City Council before work begins. If you’re not sure, contact the preservation administrator at (502) 348-5947 or cskinner@bardstowncable.net
Why is my neighbor allowed to have certain things but I'm not?
Each structure within the historic district is unique….also, our guidelines come from the federal standards which occasionally change. It may be that your neighbor applied and was approved several years ago when the regulations were different. But also each house has its own set of rules and regulations. Think of each house as its own case study.
Depending on when the house was built and the architectural style that it was designed with, certain materials or features may be allowed. For example if your house was built in 1870, you will have more limited choices on the materials and features that were available at that time than your neighbor whose house may have been built in the 1930’s. Many more colors and materials were available to the house built in the 1930’s vs. your house built in the 1870’s.
What is the deadline for submitting a COA application?
The deadline is always the first of the month. Please see the HRB meeting calendar.
Can you recommend a contractor to do historic work?
We are not able to recommend any specific contractors or companies, but we do have a list of contractors we know of that specialize in historic repair. If you are a contractor local to the area who offers these services and would like to be included on this list, please contact: cskinner@bardstowncable.net
What are the historic paint colors for siding?
The colors available for your home depend on the time period it was built and the architectural style. Please contact the preservation administrator (502) 348-5947 ext. 2243 or cskinner@bardstowncable.net for clarification of colors that are appropriate for your home.
Can I appeal an HRB decision?
Yes. You must write a physical letter and address it to the City Clerk and the City Council (address: 220 North 5th Street Bardstown, KY 40001) stating that you would like to appeal a decision made by the Bardstown Historic Review Board. The City Council will set a hearing date and notify you of that date and time where you can discuss your reasoning for the appeal.
Can the preservation administrator fill out my application for me?
No. You must fill out the application and sign it. However, the preservation administrator may answer any questions you have regarding the application.
Do I need approval to replace something on my house that is "in-kind"?
Yes! Before starting work, you must complete the In-Kind Replacement Project Form, submit it to the preservation administrator, and receive approval to proceed. Along with the form, you will need to attach photos of the area that you will be working on. We require this because often people believe they are making an in-kind repair and the items being replaced may not be in-kind.
What does "in-kind" mean?
"In-kind" means replacement of material on a historic structure that matches in size, quantity, color, material, depth, width, height, and any other form of measurement or component of a physical material. The item must be an exact match of what is being replaced.
How long does it take to process a COA application?
It takes about four weeks for the Historic Review Board and the City Council to give final approval of all COA applications if you turn in your application by the deadline. Please see the HRB meeting calendar for deadlines.
How can I pay my application fee?
You can mail a check to City Hall (220 N. Fifth St., Bardstown, KY 40004) or deliver a check to the preservation administrator at the same address. Please make checks payable to Nelson County Planning and Zoning for your application fee. The COA Application fee depends on the type of work you are applying to do. For a full list of fee amounts, see our COA fee schedule.
What additional materials do I need to provide with my COA application?
It depends on the type of repair or replacement. Refer to the COA Application Checklist or contact the preservation administrator (502) 348-5947 ext. 2243 or cskinner@bardstowncable.net to ensure you have everything you need.
How much is the COA Application fee?
It depends on what type of work you are applying to do. See our COA Fee Schedule to determine the amount of your application fee.
(502) 348-5947 ext.2243
cskinner@bardstowncable.net (Only available via email on Fridays)
