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1. 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.

2. 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. Things you can ask yourself include the following. Are you repairing and retaining existing materials? Are you replacing features using the same material and design? Are you using a new material, but keeping the same design? If you answered “yes” to any of these, you may need to fill out and submit an In-kind Repair and Replace Form.

Note that 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.

3. What are common projects not requiring a Certificate?

Repointing masonry, matching existing mortar, and any interior modifications are common projects not requiring a Certificate. However, it may require an in-kind approval.

4. What information do I need to provide?

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

5. How do I obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness?

Once you submit your application, the Architectural Review Board (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.

6. 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
Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building
Room 170
Roanoke, VA 2401

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.