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.
Active Applications
Below are active applications to be considered by the Board.
Schedule and Agenda Packets
Regular meetings and public hearings are held the 2nd Thursday of each month at 5 PM in the City Council chamber.
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 | 10/1/14 |
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 | 10/1/15 |
Warner Dalhouse
204 S. Jefferson Street, Unit 10
Roanoke, VA 24011 | 721-5233 (w)
520-5644(c) | 6/7/10 | 10/1/14 |
Mary Hagmaier Dykstra
1928 Warrington Road, SW
Roanoke, VA 24015 | 314-1110(h)
989-4555(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 | 10/1/15 |
Jillian Papa, Agent
215 Church Ave, SW Rm.166
Roanoke, VA 24011 | 853-1522
jillian.papa@roanokeva.gov |  | |
Candace Martin, Secretary
215 Church Ave, SW Rm.166
Roanoke, VA 24011 | 853-1146
candace.martin@roanokeva.gov | | |
Agenda
Below is the Architectural Review Board Agenda Package for the meeting on February 9, 2012. 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.
2012
| Meeting Date | Filing Deadline |
| January 12, 2012 | December 15, 2011 |
| February 9 | January 19, 2012 |
| March 8 | February 16 |
| April 12 | March 15 |
| May 10 | April 19 |
| June 14 | May 17 |
| July 12 | June 21 |
| August 9 | July 19 |
| September 13 | August 16 |
| October 11 | September 20 |
| November 8 | October 18 |
| December 13 | November 15 |
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:
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
- 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.
- Old-House Journal April - May 2011 - "Living With Landmarks"
Reports