Historic Preservation Division 

HARC Open Hours

The City of Key West Historic Architectural Preservation Division, HARC, will hold weekly office hours every Wednesday from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM.

These office hours are intended to encourage members of the public and applicants to take advantage of open, walk-in time with our Historic Preservation professionals outside of regularly scheduled meeting times.

The role of the Historic Preservation staff is to assist the citizens of Key West who are interested in preserving the architectural heritage of the Historic District.  The role also includes serving as the Historic Architectural Review Commission (HARC) staff.

Historic Architectural Review Commission (HARC)

Please visit the government page for specific information regarding HARC meetings or membership.

Permitting Made Easier: HARC and Building Reviews Now Integrated

The City of Key West continues to improve service to the community by streamlining the permitting process. We remain committed to ensuring a smooth and efficient permitting experience while upholding state and local regulations and preserving the unique character of the Historic District.

As part of these efforts, the City is integrating the permitting process for HARC Certificates of Appropriateness and building permits. Applicants will only need to submit one combined application for both building and HARC permits, eliminating the need to file a separate HARC application.

This streamlined process will consolidate HARC and building plan reviews and inspections under one permit in an effort to reduce redundancy, ease administrative burden, and simplify the process for applicants. 

Building/HARC combination applications may be submitted in person at 1300 White Street or online through the eTrakit portal.

Please contact the City of Key West Building Department at building@cityofkeywest-fl.gov or HARC at city_harc@cityofkeywest-fl.gov for any additional information.

Is my property under HARC jurisdiction?

Guidelines

HARC Guidelines state that, All exterior work must have HARC approval whether a building permit is required.  The applicant shall obtain HARC approval before the permit issuance if a building permit is required.

The Guidelines also state that HARC approval must be secured on the:

  • Additions to existing buildings
  • Alterations to streets, sidewalks, or street furnishings
  • Any painting and associated removal of existing paint
  • Construction of swimming pools and/or decks
  • Exposed utilities
  • Fences, either new or replaced
  • Historic interior public spaces
  • Improvements of a right-of-way, public and private
  • Installation of signs, awnings, benches, or lighting
  • Interiors or all property individually listed on the National Register
  • Miscellaneous structures (i.e., towers, etc.)
  • New Construction
  • Placement of temporary facilities such as vendor stands
  • Repairs to buildings
  • Restoration or rehabilitation of buildings