The City of Virginia Beach was designated as a Certified Local Government by the National Park Service on Aug. 25, 2016. The Certified Local Government (CLG) program establishes a partnership between the local government, the federal historic preservation program and the State Historic Preservation Office, which in Virginia is the Department of Historic Resources. 

Program Goals

  • Promote viable communities through preservation.
  • Recognize and reward communities with sound local preservation programs.
  • Establish credentials of quality for local preservation programs.

How the CLG Designation Requirements are Met 

  • Having a historic district ordinance that defines district boundaries, establishes a review board, identifies actions for review, and provides for the protection of local historic resources.
  • Having a review board that administers the ordinance and a preservation commission that works as an advocate for preservation in the City.
  • Continuing to survey local heritage resources.
  • Promoting public participation in the local heritage stewardship program.
  • Reporting annually on the performance of its CLG responsibilities.

Surveys of Virginia Beach's Heritage Resources

  • Boards & Commissions
    • Bayfront Advisory Commission Board of Building Code Appeals Board of Zoning Appeals Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area Board Green Ribbon Committee Historic Preservation Commission Commission's Efforts & Initiatives Historic Neighborhoods Historic Preservation Programs Historical Review Board Old Beach Design Review Committee Planning Commission Conditional Use Permit Rezoning Property Resort Advisory Commission Short Term Rental Enforcement Task Force Stormwater Appeals Board Transition Area/ITA Citizens Advisory Committee Virginia Beach VA250 Committee Historical Episodes Wetlands Board