Historic Preservation

The Preservation Planning office provides assistance to individuals, businesses, and organizations with respect to renovation, restoration, and treatment of historic resources on a citywide basis, including the city’s seven locally-designated historic districts.

Exchange Building H.A.B.S.

Responsibilities

The office receives and reviews applications for Certificates of Appropriateness (COAs) for exterior alterations of structures located in the local historic districts. Not sure if your property lies within a historic district? Check this map, and staff is available to confirm whether or not your property is within a district.

The duties of the preservation planner are to:

  • Provide staff support to the Architectural Review Board
  • Prepare and administer preservation grants and serve as a liaison with the Virginia Department of Historic Resources
  • Serve as the Certified Local Government contact person for the city

Architectural Review Board

The Architectural Review Board is composed of seven qualified residents of the city that are appointed by the City Council. For more information, check out the Architectural Review Board page.

Battersea Mansion H.A.B.S.