What types of approvals can I apply for?

There are 3 types of certificates that are issued by the HDC.

1. Certificate of Appropriateness: This is by far the most used. It is to request approval for changes.

2. Certificate of Non-Applicability: This is to identify a project as not within the control of the HDC. It may be required by other government agencies before they issue permits. It is mandatory for solar energy systems not visible for public ways and it's also a good idea to apply for one if there is doubt about the scope of a project. Certificates of Non-Applicability are usually issued quickly, without hearing.

3. Certificate of Hardship: If material, color, or design must be changed because of financial or other hardship. This might be used by someone to request permission to build a handicapped access ramp, or by someone on a fixed income to patch a roof with different color shingles. It cannot be used by an owner wishing to build an addition, claiming that it is a financial hardship to comply with the HDC bylaw.