The Ocala Historic Preservation Advisory Board (OHPAB) is a nine (9) member board appointed by the Ocala City Council. It is composed of citizens who voluntarily, without compensation commit their time and expertise to the stewardship of historic resources in our community through the Ocala Historic Preservation Code. One of the Board’s primary responsibilities is to review applications for Certificates of Appropriateness (COAs).

A Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) must be approved by the Ocala Historic Preservation Advisory Board (OHPAB) before any work to the exterior of a property located within locally designated historic districts (Tuscawilla Park and Ocala Historic Districts) and other designated resources can begin. Activities requiring a COA include the following:

1. Any changes of materials in the exterior appearance of existing buildings or structures.
2. Any alterations or additions to the exterior of buildings or structures – i.e.: changes to windows, doors, roofs, siding, porches, entranceways, stairs, railings, etc;
3. Demolition or partial demolition of any building or structure;
4. Any new construction;
5. The erection of fences or walls and the installation of storage sheds, gazebos, swimming pools, satellite dishes, fountains, arbors, driveways, sidewalks, etc.

You do not need a COA for interior changes as long the changes do not affect outside elements i.e. windows and doors. The COA applies only to exterior changes.

Painting does not require a COA. However, the color of the paint used should be compatible with the historic district and neighborhood. For masonry, paint if historically painted but do not paint if historically unpainted.

COA Application

It is recommended that property owners discuss their projects with staff prior to submitting the COA application packet by emailing historic@ocalafl.gov.  

Application must include, and be submitted three (3) weeks prior to the preferred meeting date:

- Completed COA Application form

- Plans, drawings, illustrations, and

- Material specifications,

- A set of building plans (no larger than 11 x 17) for structural changes or new construction, including all four elevations, drawn to scale with dimensions.

There is no application fee; however, if work is started without a COA, there is a fee of $100.

OHPAB meets the first Thursday of every month beginning at 4:00 p.m. in Council Chambers, located on the second floor of City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave., Ocala, FL.

If the owner cannot attend the OHPAB meeting, a representative can attend provided an authorization letter from the property owner is with the COA application. Application submissions can be mailed, dropped off at the Growth Management Department or emailed to historic@ocalafl.gov

The easiest, and most effective way to determine of you live in a historic district is to utilize Ocala Map Experience. Navigate to Ocala Map Experience and input your address. If your property is in the highlighted areas on the map, it is in one of the historic districts and falls under the Historic Preservation ordinance. 

Any exterior upgrades to the building or property will need to fill out a Certificate of Appropriateness and the revisions will need to be approved by the Ocala Historic Preservation Advisory Board before any work begins. 

 The Ocala Historic Preservation Advisory Board (OHPAB) is a nine (9) member board appointed by the Ocala City Council. It is composed of citizens who voluntarily, without compensation commit their time and expertise to the stewardship of historic resources in our community through the Ocala Historic Preservation Code. One of the Board’s primary responsibilities is to review applications for Certificates of Appropriateness (COAs).

The Historic Ocala Preservation Society (HOPS) is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization dedicated to discovering, preserving, restoring and memorializing the history and architecture of Ocala and Marion County.

If you are making changes to any of the following, a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) must be submitted and approved by the Ocala Historic Preservation Advisory Board (OHPAB) prior to any work commencing.  

1. Changes of materials in the exterior appearance of existing buildings or structures.
2. Alterations or additions to the exterior of buildings or structures – i.e.: changes to windows, doors, roofs, siding, porches, entranceways, stairs, railings, etc;
3. Demolition or partial demolition of any building or structure;
4. New construction;
5. The erection of fences or walls and the installation of storage sheds, gazebos, swimming pools, satellite dishes, fountains, arbors, driveways, sidewalks, etc.