The Preservation Planning office (part of Planning and Community Development) provides assistance to individuals, businesses, and organizations with respect to renovation, restoration, and treatment of historic resources on a city-wide basis, including the city’s seven locally-designated historic districts. The office receives and reviews applications for Certificates of Appropriateness (COAs) for alterations to structures located in the local historic districts (including signage). The Preservation Planner provides staff support to the Architectural Review Board, prepares and administers preservation grants, serves as a liaison with the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, and serves as the Certified Local Government contact person for the city. The Preservation Planning office is located in City Hall, 135 North Union Street, Room 304, Petersburg, Virginia 23803. The phone number is 804-933-1436. The ARB meets at 6 pm on the 2nd Wednesday of the month in the multi-purpose room on the first floor of the Petersburg Public Library at 201 W. Washington Street.
Refer to this map to determine if your property is located within one of Petersburg’s seven locally-designated historic districts; if so, then exterior alterations to your historic property require ARB review and thus an application for a COA. It is recommended that you contact the Preservation Planner in advance of applying for a COA and certainly before starting work. The Preservation Planner advises property owners and the ARB reviews proposed changes to historic properties in the local districts using an established set of Design Guidelines.
Make a donation or become a member today to help preserve Petersburg’s architectural heritage and promote its rich history.