Indiana Code Title 36. Local Government § 36-7-11-12

Sec. 12.  (a) The commission may advise and make recommendations to the applicant before acting on an application for a certificate of appropriateness.

(b) If an application for a certificate of appropriateness:

within thirty (30) days after it is filed, a certificate of appropriateness shall be issued.  If the certificate is issued, the application shall be processed in the same manner as applications for building or demolition permits required by the unit, if any, are processed.  If no building or demolition permits are required by the unit, the applicant may proceed with the work authorized by the certificate.

(c) If the commission denies an application for a certificate of appropriateness within thirty (30) days after it is filed, the certificate may not be issued.  The commission must state its reasons for the denial in writing, and must advise the applicant.  An application that has been denied may not be processed as an application for a building or demolition permit and does not authorize any work by the applicant.

(d) The commission may grant an extension of the thirty (30) day limit prescribed by subsections (b) and (c) if the applicant agrees to it.