Historic Preservation

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OFFICE HOURS: MON-THUR 9AM-4PM

phone (502) 348-5947 ext. 2243

Owning Property in the Historic District

If you rent or own property in Bardstown’s historic district, you must receive permission from the Bardstown Historic Review Board (HRB) before any exterior alteration work can be made to your property. This is to ensure that any work that affects the appearance of the home is consistent with the time period and architectural style of the structure, and that the changes coincide with the state and federal guidelines the city must follow. The preservation administrator cannot approve changes to your property. The HRB must vote to approve all exterior changes. Interior alterations do not need to be approved by the HRB.

Getting an alteration approved is a multi-step process. The HRB and preservation administrator want to help make this process as easy as possible. Appointments are strongly encouraged for any COA projects. Please call (502) 348-5947 ext. 2243 or email cskinner@bardstowncable.net

Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) Checklist
Use this checklist as a guide to ensure you have everything you need to apply for exterior changes to your structure:

  1. Have an idea of the kind of repairs or improvements you would like to make.

  2. Make an appointment with the preservation administrator by calling (502) 348-5947 ext.2243 or emailing cskinner@bardstowncable.net. This is optional but highly recommended. The preservation administrator can go over your specific property and give advice on what kind of repairs would be approved and what won’t be. You can also read our detailed Historic Design Guidelines for specific examples of appropriate and inappropriate repairs depending on the style of structure.

  3. Once you know what repairs or changes you would like to make, you will be required to submit details of the project to the HRB. A checklist of those requirements are listed here.

  4. Submit the Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) Application for the changes you would like to make to your property, along with supporting documents, and the application fee to the preservation administrator either in person or by emailing cskinner@bardstowncable.net. Fees can be paid by check made out to Nelson County Planning and Zoning. Please check with the preservation administrator before you submit payment to ensure your application fee is correct.

  5. Receive a confirmation email from the preservation administrator and a notification of the date of the HRB meeting you’ll be required to attend. You can check upcoming application deadlines, HRB meetings, and City Council meetings here. 

  6. If approved by the HRB, the City Council will consider your application at their regular session on following Tuesday. You are not required to be at this meeting. The City Council must approve all work to structures in the historic district. If the Council approves your changes, you will receive a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) in the mail. Once you receive your COA, you may begin work.



Tools for historic district property owners