The Historical Review Board (HRB) is an eight-member body appointed by the City Council to review requests for new development and exterior building changes within the historic and cultural districts in Virginia Beach.

The board evaluates the development proposal's compatibility in terms of design and materials and determines when to issue a certificate of appropriateness (COA), which is required before a permit can be issued.

Board Information

The Board's meeting schedule, agendas, minutes and other meeting documents are available in the OnBoard archive.

View Board Information

Design Review Process

Owners of properties located in designated historic and cultural districts must get approval from the Historical Review Board for exterior alterations, repairs, and/or maintenance; additions; new construction; signs; and demolition. Board approval is in the form of a certificate of appropriateness.

Certificate of appropriateness applications must be submitted on or before the 10th of each month. The submittal process includes a completed application form and a disclosure statement. There are separate application forms for different types of projects. There are no fees for COA applications.

In addition to the regulations established by the ordinance that created the historic and cultural district, the underlying regulations of the zoning district where the property is located are also applicable. If any conflict occurs, the more restrictive provisions apply.

The Virginia Beach Historical Register is a separate program that recognizes local historic resources of merit, which may or may not be in a Historic and Cultural Overlay District. This program is administered by the Department of Planning and Community Development. Learn more about the Virginia Beach Historical Register by calling 757-385-4621 or by visiting the Historic Preservation Commission website.

Historic & Cultural District Design Guidelines

The design guidelines were developed in 2021 for the City’s historic and cultural districts. These guidelines provide helpful, interpretive, explanatory recommendations for appropriate design elements and materials for property owners to consider when planning projects.

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