Certificate of appropriateness…what?

So this week I’ve been doing my due diligence on an investment property that I’m under contract to purchase in Michigan City, Indiana.  I’ve been looking at zoning laws, talking to contractors to estimate roof repair, and then one roofer asked me if the property in the historic district.  So I picked up the phone to call the planning department.  yes in fact, if I want to do ANYTHING- to the exterior… change the paint color of the house, I have to go to the clerks office for the “approved” colors.  If I want to remove 1960s window metal awnings or if i want to redo a brick path thats buried by dirt and sand, I have to apply for a “certificate of appropriateness” and they only meet every month.  You need to submit paperwork 2 weeks before their meeting.  If you’re able to get this “COA” then you can go on to apply for the building permit.  So if you are an investor, be sure to check out the rules in your city and adjust your expectations for a quick rehab.  There is no such things as a quick rehab in historic districts.