Historic preservation in Virginia local government
What Virginia city councils, county boards and school districts are deciding about historic preservation — plain-English summaries written from official agendas and minutes, updated as meetings happen.
501 Virginia meetings since 2024 covered historic preservation. Counts are directional — coverage varies by place and platform.
Places in Virginia with the most historic preservation activity
- Charlottesville, VA (44)
- Chesapeake, VA (39)
- Stafford County, VA (38)
- Alexandria, VA (38)
- Herndon, VA (32)
- Richmond, VA (29)
- Front Royal, VA (27)
- Fredericksburg, VA (25)
- Norfolk, VA (24)
- Suffolk, VA (20)
- Danville, VA (18)
- Waynesboro, VA (17)
Latest matching meetings
Architectural Review Board to decide on demolitions and renovations
The Danville Architectural Review Board will review seven Certificate of Appropriateness applications and two demolition requests. Items include exterior renovations, new signage, sign retroactive approval, structural changes, and a proposed apartment complex. The board will also receive a staff update on the Local…
Architectural Review Board reviews airport terminal and local property improvements
The Norfolk Architectural Review Board met to review several design applications, including terminal improvements at Norfolk International Airport and residential renovations. The board issued recommendations for townhouses, a new building at Barry Robinson, and garden renovations at Botetourt Gardens.
Historical Commission to review cemetery, preservation, and data center items
The Stafford County Historical Commission is meeting to discuss development reviews, cemetery delineations, a preservation ordinance, and updates on the Potomac Creek Data Center and other projects. The agenda includes both new and unfinished business, with several items involving cemetery and preservation matters.
Board of Architectural Review to hear 20+ alteration, demolition, and addition requests
The Board of Architectural Review will hold a public hearing on September 2, 2026, to consider numerous applications for alterations, additions, partial demolitions, and encapsulations to historic properties in Alexandria. The docket includes requests for properties on Duke, Oronoco, Fairfax, Pitt, Royal, Lee…
Planning Commission to hold public hearings on several zoning and land use requests
The Planning Commission will hold a work session on Historic Preservation Zoning Text Amendments and public hearings for various land use requests. The body will consider special use permits for residential conversions and entertainment, as well as townhouse development plans.
Commission to review 8 certificate of appropriateness requests
The Commission of Architectural Review will hold a regular meeting to review eight certificate of appropriateness (COA) applications, including a school construction project and several residential alterations. The agenda includes no consent items and no public hearings are listed. All items are for discussion and…
Council to vote on $200 speeding fine on Dranesville Road
The Herndon Town Council will hold a public hearing on a resolution to add a $200 fine for speeding on Dranesville Road between Herndon Parkway and Park Avenue. The council will also consider authorizing Fairfax County to acquire property rights for the Crestview Drive Walkway Project, and will vote on several consent…
ARB to review porch alterations at 1318 Caroline Street
The Architectural Review Board is meeting to discuss a certificate of appropriateness request for alterations to the front porch of a single-family residence at 1318 Caroline Street. The board will also handle routine procedural items such as approving the agenda and confirming public notice requirements.
ARB reviews 5-townhouse project and temple fencing in Ghent
The Architectural Review Board will vote on design changes for a 5-unit townhouse development in the Coastal Character District and a fence proposal for Ohef Sholom Temple in the Ghent Historic District. Staff recommends approving the temple's lighting and bollards but denying the proposed 6-foot privacy fence. The…
Council to hear appeals on Church Street closure, BAR window ruling
The Front Royal Town Council will hold public hearings on a special use permit for a Rotary Club mural at 37 Water Street and a junkyard at 508 Kendrick Lane. The Council will also consider an appeal of the Board of Architectural Review's denial of a certificate for vinyl windows at 507 E. Main Street and a request to…
Historical Committee sets agenda for 9/11 anniversary, Yorktown Day, holidays
The York County Historical Committee is meeting to handle routine business and plan upcoming events. The agenda includes old and new business items such as tracking volunteer hours, appointing a nomination committee, and planning for the 25th anniversary of 9/11, Yorktown Day, Veterans Day, the Tree Lighting Ceremony…
Historic Greenfield council to review bylaws, grants, and preservation planning
The Historic Greenfield Preservation Advisory Council is meeting to approve June minutes, hear reports on bylaws, Juneteenth, grants, and public relations, and discuss preservation planning with community development. The agenda is largely routine, with no major decisions or public hearings listed.
Waynesboro Historical Commission meets Aug 18 with no specific agenda items listed
The Waynesboro Historical Commission is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at the Waynesboro Public Library. The provided document contains only the meeting date, time, location, and contact information for the Acting Chairman. No specific decisions, proposals, or discussion topics are listed…
Board to review demolition and four material changes to historic buildings
The Smithfield Board of Historic and Architectural Review will consider a demolition request and four material change applications affecting contributing and non-contributing structures in the historic district. The board will also hear public comments, approve the July 21st meeting minutes, and receive the planner's…
HRC to discuss marker at Court Square and memorialization policy
The Historic Resources Committee will review a request regarding a marker at Court Square and continue discussion on a memorialization policy. They will also review past and present markers for Vinegar Hill commemoration and receive updates on neighborhood walking tours and the Liberty Bell replica.
Commission to review two historic facade and parking lot rehab requests
The Historic Landmarks Commission will hold a regular meeting on August 13, 2026, to consider two Certificate of Appropriateness requests submitted by G. Wayne Rhoads on behalf of the City of Suffolk. The first involves rehabilitating the facade, storefront, and parking lot at 157 N. Main Street (the Virginia Pilot…
Historic Landmarks Commission to review two downtown facade and parking projects
The Suffolk Historic Landmarks Commission will consider two Certificates of Appropriateness for City-owned properties: one to rehabilitate the facade, storefront, and parking lot at 157 N. Main Street, and another to improve the parking lot and add a landscaped pedestrian area at 347 E. Washington Street. The meeting…
Board to vote on five Certificates of Appropriateness, including two historic markers and a mural
The Architectural Review Board will consider five Certificates of Appropriateness for projects in Danville's historic districts. Items include two state historic highway markers at 100 Memorial Drive, a mural on a retaining wall along Memorial Drive, an awning at 319 Craghead Street, and siding and window replacement…
BAR to review Warren County Courthouse clock tower restoration
The Board of Architectural Review will hold a work session to continue reviewing the Historic District Guidelines, followed by a regular meeting to consider a Certificate of Appropriateness application for the complete restoration of the clock tower at the Warren County Courthouse. The board will also approve minutes…
ARB to review revised porch design and new windows at 730 W Princess Anne Road
The Norfolk Architectural Review Board will consider a Certificate of Appropriateness for modifications to a previously approved porch rebuild at 730 W Princess Anne Road, including a one-story hipped roof porch, new wood steps, and replacement of eight windows. The board will also review a consent item for gutter and…
ARB to review porch alteration at 1318 Caroline St and three new applications
The Architectural Review Board will hold a public hearing to consider a continued application for alterations to the front porch of a residence at 1318 Caroline Street, and three new applications for changes to buildings on Caroline Street. The board will also vote on a consent agenda of five administrative reviews…
Board to review 5-foot rear addition at 1409 Seaboard Avenue
The Board of Historic and Architectural Review will consider a certificate of appropriateness for extending a rear addition by 5 feet at 1409 Seaboard Avenue. Staff recommends approval. The board will also receive updates from the Chesapeake Land Bank Authority and discuss fencing standards.
Historic Architectural Review Board meets August 6 with one property review on agenda
The Historic Architectural Review Board will hold its regular meeting at 300 Park Ave, Laurel Room, on August 6, 2026. The agenda includes a review of 303 E Broad St, minutes approval, and standard procedural items. Public comments may be submitted to staff liaison Cameron Gahres until 5:00 p.m. on the meeting day.
Historical Commission to discuss cemetery ordinance review and data center application
The Stafford County Historical Commission will meet to receive updates on the Potomac Creek Data Center application and the Comprehensive Plan 5-Year Update. The body will also discuss the 10-year review of the Cemetery Ordinance and hold a work session on the Bloomington Interpretive Plan.
Historical Commission reviews several zoning and conditional use permit requests
The Historical Commission will review multiple zoning cases including residential developments and a solar energy facility. The agenda also includes a review of a historic roadside marker application for Ebenezer Baptist Church.
Stafford County ARB to review updates on farm recommendations and county code
The Architectural Review Board will receive staff updates on HROD recommendations for Sherwood Forest Farm and Little Falls Farm/Duff Green. The board will also discuss the status of proposed updates to the Stafford County Code of Ordinances.
Design Committee reviews sign replacement for Nelson and Smith Streets
The Historic Yorktown Design Committee will meet to discuss applications for Certificates of Appropriateness. The primary item is a request to replace an existing sign at the corner of Ballard and Smith Streets.
Board to discuss historic district guidelines and solar rules
The Historic Preservation and Architectural Review Board will review the HPARB Handbook and National Register of Historic Places nomination. Members will discuss solar guidelines for historic districts and the potential condensing of historic districts.
Manassas City Council to vote on zoning updates and FY28 budget plan
The Manassas City Council will discuss and potentially vote on Ordinance #O-2026-1094 for zoning technical amendments, a funding agreement with Historic Manassas, Inc. for FY27, and begin FY2028 budget development. The meeting includes a work session and closed-session authorization.
Council to consider property purchase resolutions and school funding for FY27
The Petersburg City Council will hold public hearings on two zoning ordinance amendments—one clarifying residential off‑street parking design standards and another updating historic district design guidelines. A third hearing will consider an amendment to the FY27 Grants Fund. The council will also vote on resolutions…
Commission to authorize special use of 1110 Oakwood Ave for transitional housing
The Richmond Planning Commission will consider a consent agenda that includes two ordinances and a development review. One ordinance seeks to authorize special use of 1110 Oakwood Avenue for transitional housing in the 7th District. Another amends a prior ordinance for 2300 Ingram Avenue to allow up to seven…
Planning Commission to hear 13 rezoning and conditional use cases
The Chesterfield County Planning Commission will hold a work session and public hearing on July 21, 2026, discussing a comprehensive plan update and considering 13 rezoning, conditional use, and historic landmark removal proposals. Notable items include large residential developments, a self-storage facility, a…
Board will discuss a new single‑family construction proposal on Riverview Avenue
The Smithfield Board of Historic & Architectural Review will consider three application items: an accessory fence at 231 James Street, an accessory shed at 320 Grace Street, and a proposed new single‑family home on Riverview Avenue (TPIN 21a-03-B019). The board will also approve the minutes from the June 16, 2026…
ARB reviews amendment to MacArthur Memorial archive addition
The Architectural Review Board will consider a modification to the previously approved Certificate of Appropriateness for the MacArthur Memorial archive addition at 421 E City Hall Avenue and 480 E Plume Street. It will also review a Certificate of Appropriateness for a window replacement at 736 W Princess Anne Road…
York County Historical Committee to discuss leadership and upcoming events
The Historical Committee is meeting to address a change in committee leadership and the election and installation of a new treasurer. The body will also receive updates on various subcommittee events scheduled through July 2027.
The committee reviews street and transit improvements across Shockoe Valley.
The Urban Design Committee will review design proposals for multiple Shockoe Valley streets, approve a setback for a new apartment building at 201 Orleans Street, and evaluate architecture for a pavilion at the historic Lumpkin's Jail site. The group will also discuss updates to the city's Urban Design Guidelines.
Board will consider exterior alterations at 9309 Centreville Road
The Manassas Architectural Review Board will discuss two project applications: a mural at 9114 Center Street (ARB 2026-0022) and exterior alterations at 9309 Centreville Road (ARB 2026-0020). The meeting also includes staff updates on administration, enforcement, and Center Street, plus a commendation. Decisions will…
Council reviews technical zoning amendments and authorizes a closed meeting
The Manassas City Council will discuss technical amendments to Ordinance #O-2026-1094, a zoning ordinance update. They will also review the FY 27 funding agreement with Historic Manassas, Inc. and begin discussion of the FY 2028 budget. Additionally, the council will vote to authorize and certify a closed meeting.
Historical Commission discusses the Potomac Creek Data Center application
The Stafford County Historical Commission will discuss the Potomac Creek Data Center application, which was previously addressed at the Board of Supervisors meeting on July 7, 2026. The agenda also includes routine items such as public presentations, reports from the chairman, cemetery committee, and commission…
Board reviews request to replace wood windows with vinyl at 507 E. Main Street.
The Front Royal Board of Architectural Review will discuss a request to replace eighteen wood windows with vinyl at 507 E. Main Street, located in the Historic Overlay District. Properties in this district require board approval for exterior changes like window replacements, so the review determines if the proposed…