Columbus, GA · Muscogee County
Board of Historic and Architectural Review Application
This application requests historic design review for proposed exterior work on a property in a Columbus historic district or landmark, and must be filed by the property owner or an authorized representative.
- licensed online notary
- ~15 min average
- Notarized PDF emailed
What you’ll need
- Government-issued photo ID
- Webcam-enabled device (laptop or phone)
- This form, ready to upload as a PDF
What this form is
Columbus uses this application when a property owner proposes exterior work on a property in a local historic district or landmark property and the work requires review. It gathers property and project details, the proposed scope of work, review category, applicant information, and supporting materials; the owner must sign, and the owner’s signature is sworn before a notary. Applications must be complete, include required documentation and fees, and be submitted in person.
Who needs it
Property owners proposing exterior work that requires review in a Columbus historic district or on a landmark property need this application; an authorized representative may prepare it.
Why it needs a notary
The form has a Georgia jurat stating “Subscribed and sworn to before me”; the property owner signs the owner declaration before the notary.
How to get this notarized
- 1
Download The Application
Get the BHAR application and instructions from the Columbus Planning Department.
- 2
Fill In The Application
Provide owner, property, and project details, select the review category, and gather the required supporting documents.
- 3
Book An Online Notary
Arrange a session with a commissioned online notary for the owner’s sworn declaration.
- 4
Sign On Video
Sign the owner declaration in front of the notary during the video session so the notary can complete the jurat.
- 5
Submit To The City
Submit the completed application and supporting documents in person, with all fees paid in full.
Preview the form
The blank PDF straight from Columbus. Look it over, then upload your filled copy to start the notary session.
You’ll need ID and a webcam.
A licensed online notary will join you on video, verify your government-issued ID, witness your signature, and apply their seal. You’ll receive the notarized PDF by email when the session ends.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I complete the notarized section?
- Complete the application, then sign the owner declaration before a commissioned online notary, who completes the jurat. Do not sign the declaration in advance.
- Do I need to submit the application online?
- No. The instructions say applications must be submitted in person, with all fees paid in full. Check the city’s instructions for deadlines and required supporting documents.
- Can I use a remote online notary for this form?
- Georgia has no remote online notarization statute of its own; Georgia law recognizes acknowledgments taken by notaries of other states (O.C.G.A. §44-2-21). This form has a jurat, so confirm with the city if unsure.
- Who must sign the application?
- The instructions say the property owner must always sign, and applications must be signed by both the applicant and property owner to be complete. A non-owner applicant must include the owner’s authorization letter.