Planning renovations on a historic property in Westwood, NJ? Here is your essential guide to navigating the Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) process
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Westwood NJ, If you are a proud owner of a historically designated home or business in Westwood, you know that living in a piece of local history comes with unique rewards—and a few extra steps when it comes to home improvements.
Enter the Certificate of Appropriateness (COA). If you’re planning exterior changes, this is the collaborative tool that helps ensure Westwood’s architectural charm is preserved for generations to come.
What is a Certificate of Appropriateness?
Think of the COA as a partnership between you, the Westwood Historic Preservation Commission (HPC), and the local planning and zoning boards. It is a formal requirement for specific exterior renovations on buildings designated as historic.
The goal isn’t to stop you from upgrading—it’s to ensure that any changes are made in a way that respects the “character-defining features” that make Westwood so special.
When Do You Need a COA?
Not every home project requires a review. Here is the breakdown:
| You DO Need a COA For: | You DO NOT Need a COA For: |
| Major additions or expansions | Interior renovations |
| Reconstruction of exterior elements | Ordinary maintenance and repair |
| Specific structural alterations | Exterior painting |
| Demolition requests | Landscaping (unless specified by code) |
How the Review Process Works
When you submit your project plans, the Westwood HPC steps in to review them. They look at how your proposal aligns with the borough’s preservation ordinance. After their review, they provide an opinion to the Planning Board, which ultimately determines the issuance of the COA.
The Golden Rule: The commission’s review process always prioritizes repair over replacement. They work with homeowners to find modern solutions that incorporate accessibility and functionality without stripping away the original historic details that give your property its soul.
Protecting Westwood’s Architectural Legacy
Westwood is home to some incredible structures, from the historic Westwood Train Station and the Samuel Cole House to the Westwood Trust Building and the Jefferson Avenue Historic District. These sites are the heartbeat of our community, and the COA process is our way of ensuring they don’t lose their identity as our town grows.
Need Guidance? We’re Here to Help!
Don’t wait until you’re halfway through a project to ask questions. If you are planning an exterior renovation, reach out to the Historic Preservation Commission early in your planning phase. We are here to help you navigate the regulations so your project is a success!
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Email: [email protected]
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Website: Visit westwoodnj.gov and navigate to Government > Boards and Commissions.
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Tags: #WestwoodNJ #HistoricPreservation #NJRealEstate #Restoration #Architecture #SmallTownHistory #WestwoodHPC
