Fort Wayne Historic Exterior Work Permit Guide

Fort Wayne local historic district properties need a Certificate of Appropriateness before most exterior work begins and before a building permit can be issued.

Permit takeaway

Fort Wayne says a Certificate of Appropriateness is required before most exterior work begins and before a building permit can be issued for properties in Local Historic Districts.

Zoning and placement

Historic review can apply to new construction, reconstruction, alteration, demolition, major maintenance, exterior color changes, and new fences, walls, lighting fixtures, or permanent landscaping.

Building and trade review

Historic Preservation staff determine whether an application can be approved by staff or needs Commission review, and there is no charge for filing a Certificate of Appropriateness.

Call before applying when

Call before starting exterior work in a local historic district, especially fencing, walls, lighting, landscaping, color changes, demolition, reconstruction, or major maintenance.

Documents to prepare

• Certificate of Appropriateness application
• Project description
• Drawings or photos
• Material or color information
• Building permit materials after approval

Inspection planning

• Contact Historic Preservation
• Confirm staff or Commission review
• Submit COA application
• Obtain approval before building permit
• Keep approval records

Official sources

• Fort Wayne Guidelines and Applications
• Fort Wayne Community Development Historic Guidelines
• Allen County Introduction to Home Projects

This guide is a planning summary. Always verify the current requirements with the local office before starting work.