The Certificate of Appropriateness

This backyard project marks my new beginning. When we decided to definitely install the fence I had to draw up clear cut plans. Budgetary concerns demand clear cut plans. Who was it said that only a fool would begin to build a house without considering if he had the wherewithal to finish it? Because if he couldn't finish it his neighbors would laugh and call him a fool.
A clear cut plan was also required by the Historic District Commission for approval. You will know whether you can succeed or whether you will fail without spending any money. Just consult your plan.
The plan which I submitted for approval contained the following:

• The application for a "Certificate of Appropriateness" from the Historic District Commission. (Carefully and neatly done)
  
• A copy of the estimate to build the fence. (We chose one builder of three that submitted written estimates.)
• A scale drawing of our lot and house with the proposed fence and gates drawn on it.
• Five color photos of the back yard with the proposed fence sketched on them.

We received our certificate within a week and in the letter the Commission Director, Sandra Taylor Smith wrote: "...your application for COA for fencing was the best, most complete application I have received in a long time. I think I will use yours as an example of how to complete an application! Thank you for taking the time...I really appreciate it."
I did receive some advice from neighbors concerning the COA process and all of it was bad. I made the application as I saw fit. I wanted my project to succeed.