---
title: "What Is Certificate of appropriateness? Building Glossary"
description: "A certificate of appropriateness is approval from a historic review board for exterior work, new construction, or demolition in a local historic district."
url: https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/certificate-of-appropriateness
publisher: Halo Homes
phone: +1-813-956-1972
quote: https://build813.multisites.ai/contact
---

![Open kitchen and living area with a white island and black-framed glass walls](https://build813.multisites.ai/_astro/kitchen-living.iWvWiSSq_ZpVDoS.avif)

# Certificate of appropriateness

A certificate of appropriateness is approval from a historic review board for exterior work, new construction, or demolition in a local historic district.

A certificate of appropriateness, often called a COA, is a design approval. It is separate from a building permit. A historic board reviews the look of the exterior before work starts.

The City of Tampa takes applications for a certificate of appropriateness for new construction, additions and exterior repairs through its online permit system. The rule applies inside a [local historic district](https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/local-historic-district). The approval comes before or alongside a [building permit](https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/building-permit). Plan time for the review in your schedule. See [building on your lot in Tampa](https://build813.multisites.ai/build-on-your-lot-tampa) for how history fits into site checks.

[Halo Homes can helpRenovation and remodeling](https://build813.multisites.ai/services/renovation-and-remodeling)

## Related terms

-   [Local historic district](https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/local-historic-district)
-   [Building permit](https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/building-permit)
-   [Zoning](https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/zoning)
-   [Tear-down](https://build813.multisites.ai/glossary/tear-down)

## Sources

1.  [City of Tampa: Architectural Review & Historic Preservation](https://www.tampa.gov/historic-preservation)

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## Start your home.

Tell Halo about your lot, your plans and your timing. A call or a short note is enough to begin.

[Start your home](https://build813.multisites.ai/contact)

Or call [(813) 956-1972](tel:+1-813-956-1972)