- Home
- Government
- Departments
- Departments A to M
- City Planning
- Zoning
- Architectural Review Board
Architectural Review Board
Process Brochure (PDF) | Local Historic District Guidelines (PDF) | Filing Deadlines (PDF) | Board Members
Applications (for Historic Districts only)
- Demolition Application (PDF)
- Discussion Application (PDF)
- Landscaping Application (PDF)
- New Construction, Additions and Substantial Renovations Application (PDF) (This is NOT a building permit application)
- Signs, Canopies, Awnings and Outdoor Patios Application (PDF)
- Windows and Doors Application (PDF)
About the Board
The Architectural Review Board (ARB) reviews all exterior alterations, new construction, and some demolition in the city’s local historic districts for issuance of Certificates of Appropriateness (COA’s). For all other design applications, the ARB recommends to the Planning Commission.
The decisions that take place within locally designated historic districts are based generally on the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and New Construction; and specifically on the Local Design Guidelines. In addition, the ARB reviews public projects and private projects that are on land purchased form the city or encroaching onto city property.
For applications within the locally designated historic districts, you will now see notices posted on properties that have pending applications. Sample Notice
Meetings
Unless otherwise noted, all meetings will be held in the Council Chambers on the 11th floor of City Hall at 4 p.m. There is typically a pre-meeting at 3:45 p.m. See the agenda for details: View All Agendas
Requirements
Depending on the nature of the project, the following should be submitted:
- Site plans, floor plans, building elevations with appropriate detail on the design of doors, windows, ornamentation, signs, lighting, visible mechanical equipment, and other details
- Landscape plans
- Proposed signs
- Proposed lighting
- Samples of colors and materials
- Preliminary engineering plans for streets, paths, parking lots, etc
- Photographs of the site, building, and/or surrounding properties
- Any other information that would assist the committee in evaluating the application
Procedure in Local Historic Districts
- The applicant presents their request to the ARB
- Staff presents the request to the ARB
- The ARB may approve or deny the application
Procedure not in Local Historic Districts
- The applicant presents their request to the ARB
- Staff presents the request to the ARB
- The ARB recommends approval or denial of the application to the Planning Commission
- Staff presents the application to the Planning Commission
- Planning Commission grants final approval or denial.
Time Frame
- 2 Weeks
Fees
Other
No building permit shall be issued and no certificate of occupancy issued, unless a certificate of appropriateness has first been obtained. In addition, the Board of Zoning Appeals shall take no action in cases where certificates of appropriateness are involved until such certificates are obtained.
-
Susan McBride
Principal Planner (Historic Preservation)Phone: 757-319-1885
-
Sophia Latz
City Planner I - Historic PreservationPhone: 757-334-8789
-
City Planning
Physical Address
City Hall Building
810 Union Street, Suite 508
Norfolk, VA 23510
Phone: 757-664-4752
-
Permits & Inspections
Physical Address
810 Union Street
1st Floor
Norfolk, VA 23510
Phone: 757-664-6565