Architectural Review Board

Members	Agenda	Schedule	Applications	Design Guidelines
Historic District Maps	Guide to the Design Review Process	Frequently Asked Questions	Helpful Resources	Reports

Historic Districts: Produced by RVTV-3 from City of Roanoke on Vimeo.

Mission of the ARB

The mission of the Architectural Review Board is to preserve, protect and enhance the character of significant historic, architectural or cultural properties located in historic districts by ensuring the design compatibility and appropriateness of new construction and alterations therein. The Board also identifies historic properties and recommends historic designation for such properties.

The Architectural Review Board’s primary duty is to administer the historic district regulations adopted by City Council, particularly as pertains to the city’s historic districts (H-1, Historic District and H-2, Neighborhood Preservation District). In doing so, the Board reviews new construction, alterations and demolition of structures located within historic districts in accordance with zoning regulations and adopted architectural design guidelines, and provides architectural and design expertise to City Council, City Administration, and other City Boards.

The Board also recommends historic landmark status and historic district protection for properties of significant historic, architectural or cultural value in the city, while assisting applicants in maintaining and enhancing the contributing architectural features of historic buildings through informal workshops and individual work sessions.

The ARB is a group of seven volunteer citizens who are appointed by City Council. They are people who, by virtue of their profession or experience, are interested in architecture, construction, urban planning, historic preservation, and design issues. They are neighborhood leaders, architects, planners, property owners and others.

Members

Name/Address	Phone/E-mail	Appointment	Expiration
Alison Blanton 1701 Arlington Road, SW Roanoke, VA 24015	342-5263 (w) ablanton@hillstudio.com	4/20/98	10/1/13
Barbara A. Botkin 616 Marshall Avenue, SW Roanoke, VA 24016	982-0800 (w) 309-7626 (c) BBOTKIN@ClarkNexsen.com	1/5/04	10/1/10
Aaron M. Copeland 606 Walnut Avenue, SW Roanoke, VA 24016	(540) 257-1165 copelandexcavation@gmail.com	11/2/09	10/1/13
Derek B. Cundiff 2927 Rosalind Avenue, SW Roanoke, VA 24014	344-9095(w) derek@cornettcundiff.com	10/1/07	10/1/11
Warner Dalhouse 204 S. Jefferson Street, Unit 10 Roanoke, VA 24011	721-5233 (w) 520-5644(c)	6/7/10	10/1/10
Mary Hagmaier Dykstra 1928 Warrington Road, SW Roanoke, VA 24015	314-1110(h) 725-9600(w) mvdrltr@aol.com	10/23/08	10/1/12
John D. Fulton 3318 Brandywine Avenue, SW Roanoke, VA 24018	529-6615 jfulton4@cox.net	10/1/07	10/1/11
Erica Taylor, Agent 215 Church Ave, SW Rm.166 Roanoke, VA 24011	853-1522 erica.taylor@roanokeva.gov		12/31/10
Candace Martin, Secretary 215 Church Ave, SW Rm.166 Roanoke, VA 24011	853-1146 candace.martin@roanokeva.gov		12/31/10

Agenda

Below is the Architectural Review Board Agenda Package for the meeting on September 9, 2010. Either double click or right click the icon to open.

Schedule

Unless otherwise notified, the Architectural Review Board (ARB) meets on the second Thursday of each month at 5:00 p.m., in the City Council Chambers. Listed below are the meeting and filing deadline dates.

2010

Meeting Date	Filing Deadline
January 14	December 17, 2009
February 11	January 21
March 11	February 18
April 8	March 18
May 13	April 15
June 10	May 20
July 8	June 17
August 12	July 15
September 9	August 19
October 14	September 16
November 11	October 21
December 09	November 18

Historic District Applications

If your property is in either the H-1 or H-2 overlay zoning districts, you must apply for and recieve a staff or Architectural Review Board approved Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) or In-kind Replacement and Repair form prior to doing any work on the exterior of your property, including sidewalks, driveways, walls, fences, and landscaping. If you are unsure if your property is in a local (H-1 or H-2) historic district , click here.

Download applications or apply online below:
(Note: To apply online you must have electronic signature software on your computer. Otherwise, fill in the application form online, print it out, sign it, and bring it in or mail it to the address listed on the application.)

Certificate of Appropriateness in the H-1 Historic Downtown Overlay District

Certificate of Appropriateness in the H-2 Historic Neighborhood Overlay District

Application for H-2 Historic Neighborhood Overlay District In-kind Replacement and Repair

Historic District Guidelines

Roanoke's local historic districts (H-1 and H-2) are regulated by design guidelines that ensure both the restoration of existing and construction of new structures are architecturally appropriate within the historic context of each disrict. The guidelines should always be referred to prior to applying for a Certificate of Appropriateness. Staff recommendations to the ARB and administrative approval of applications for work in the H-1 and H-2 districts is based on these guidelines.

The H-1 and H-2 Historic Districts have separate design guidelines, which are appropriate to the historic architecture of each district. The H-1 district is in downtown Roanoke. The H-2 district includes the Old Southwest neighborhood and portions of Hurt Park, Mountain View and Gainsboro. Guidelines are provided for each in the links below:

H-1 Historic District Guidelines (Downtown)

H-2 Historic District Guidelines (Gainsboro, Mountain View, Old Southwest, Patterson Avenue

Historic District Maps

Map of H-1 and H-2 Local Historic Districts
(See below for another way to determine if a property is in these districts)

Map of all historic districts listed on National and State Registers in Roanoke

Is Your Property in a Local (H-1 or H-2) Historic District?
To determine if your property is in the H-1 or H-2 historic districts, refer to this map of the H-1 and H-2 Districts or visit the City's Geographic Information Systems (GIS) website, click on Real Estate GISat the bottom of the page and follow these steps:

In the lower left-hand corner click Search/Query
Click either Owner, Street Name, or Tax Number and add the appropriate information.
In the lower left-hand corner click Legend/Layers.
Click on the box to the left of Overlay Zoning Districts. Refer to the legend to see if your property is in the H-1 or H-2 Districts.(Note: your parcel will remain highlited, usually in red or orange, while the overlay color appears. To eliminate the highlighting, click Clear Selection in the upper right hand corner). Zoom out on the map to see where your property is in relation to the district(s).

Frequently Asked Questions

What am I allowed to do under historic district zoning?

The H-1 and H-2 historic districts were created to promote historic preservation and protect the city’s historic resources against architecturally incompatible development. The city regulates exterior design only; interior modifications are not subject to review. The Architectural Review Board (ARB) reviews plans for exterior improvements, suggests design alternatives and approves plans by issuing a Certificate of Appropriateness.

The ARB has adopted design guidelines to help you plan compatible improvements to your property. The guidelines adhere to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation.

When do I need a Certificate of Appropriateness?

A Certificate of Appropriateness is required for any work resulting in a change of exterior design or appearance. A Certificate is not required for routine maintenance or repair if the original design, material and appearance is not changed.
ü Are you repairing and retaining existing materials?
ü Are you replacing features using the same material & design?
ü Are you using a new material, but keeping the same design?
If you answered “yes” to any of the above, you may need to fill out and submit an In-kind Repair and Replace Form.

NOTE: You must post your Certificate of Appropriateness, along with all other required permits, in a publicly visible location on your property. The Certificate must remain posted for the duration of your project.

What are common projects not requiring a Certificate? (May require an in-kind approval.)

ü repointing masonry, matching existing mortar
ü any interior modifications

What information do I need to provide?

A complete application must contain the following information:
ü Photographs of the property to document existing conditions
ü Samples of any new materials to be introduced
ü Scaled drawings of your project, showing all dimensions, details and materials.
Drawings should include a site plan (“bird’s eye” view) and all relevant elevations (facades) and sectional (“slice”) views.

How do I obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness?

Once you submit your application, the ARB Agent will review the proposed work, consult the design guidelines and schedule the matter for an ARB meeting. The time line for approval depends on the nature and scope of the proposed work. The ARB Agent may approve some simple, routine improvements, often on a same-day basis. In general, larger or more complex projects require a hearing before the ARB, which meets the 2nd Thursday of each month. The deadline for submitting material for the Board's consideration is 15 business days prior to the meeting.

When can I begin work on my project?

The applicant is responsible for meeting all provisions of the city’s building and zoning codes prior to beginning work. Permits are issued by the city’s Permit Center, Room 170, Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building.

If a Certificate of Appropriateness is required, you must submit a copy of the Certificate to the Permit Center for permitting. If a Certificate is not required, simply submit this application, with the ARB Agent's signature, for permitting.

Helpful Resources

ARB Bylaws and Rules of Procedure

Rehabilitation Incentives

Realtors Guide to the ARB

Residential Pattern Book (Note: this document should not be confused with the Historic District Design Guidelines when working on properties in the H-1 and H-2 historic districts.