Members

The City of Cohoes Historic Preservation & Architectural Review Board (HPARB) is a five-member citizen board appointed by the Mayor with five-year staggered terms.

• Danielle Cherniak, Chair
• Barbara Hildreth, Vice Chair          
• Tom Rifenberg                                                                                     
• Evan Lamb
• John Frainier 

Overview

All owners of property located within Historic Overlay Zoning Districts in Cohoes must obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) if they plan any exterior work on structures on their property or other changes to their property visible from a public street or way. This includes any change in the appearance of the property such as exterior painting, signs, awnings, light fixtures, fences, steps, sidewalks, parking lots, doors and windows, or other exterior elements. A COA is also required for new construction within designated Historic Districts, or demolition of designated local landmarks or structures within Historic Districts. In all cases, a COA is required whether or not a building permit is also necessary.

Please contact the City Planner should you have any questions regarding requirements in the historic district. 

Minutes, Agendas, and Future Meeting Dates 

Visit the City’s agenda center to access past meeting agendas, power points, and minutes, as well as upcoming meeting material. All scheduled meeting dates and their submission deadlines are listed below. Contact the Office of Planning should you have any questions.

Submission Dates	Meeting Dates
Tuesday, January 5, 2021	Tuesday, January 19, 2021
Tuesday, February 2, 2021	Tuesday, February 16, 2021
Tuesday, March 2, 2021	Tuesday, March 16, 2021
Tuesday, April 6, 2021	Tuesday, April 20, 2021
Tuesday, May 4, 2021	Tuesday, May 18, 2021
Tuesday, June 1, 2021	Tuesday, June 15, 2021
Tuesday, July 6, 2021	Tuesday, July 20, 2021
Tuesday, August 3, 2021	Tuesday, August 17, 2021
Tuesday, September 7, 2021	Tuesday, September 21, 2021
Tuesday, October 5, 2021	Tuesday, October 19, 2021
Tuesday, November 2, 2021	Tuesday, November 16, 2021
Tuesday, December 7, 2021	Tuesday, December 21, 2021

 
*All deadlines and meeting dates are subject to change

Helpful Links

Historic Guidelines 
Gives a detailed overview of the Historic designations within the City of Cohoes, HPARB project review requirements for applicants, and best practices on renovations, restorations and new builds. 

Application Guidelines
Provides a project checklist and detailed overview of the HPARB application process. \

Acceptable Color Pallet in the Historic Overlay District 
The HPARB requires applicants to choose colors for exterior work and signage from the Benjamin Moore Historic Color Pallet. Please take this into account when developing your project. 

Technical Preservation Guidance
Provides a comprehensive overview of maintenance and preservation techniques and best practices. Additional guidance can be provided by contacting the City Planner.