Chesapeake Board of Historic & Architectural Review
Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.
View Most Recent Agendas and Minutes
MembersView the Board of Historic and Architectural Review Members (PDF).
OverviewThe Historic and Architectural Review Board (HARB) is primarily tasked with the administration of Certificate of Appropriateness applications.
Other duties and obligations of the Board are assigned to it under Article 12 of the Chesapeake Zoning Ordinance, including, review of petitions to include additional lands in a historic and cultural preservation overlay district, review of and action upon requests for certificates of appropriateness, administration of architectural guidelines and procedural guidelines for the Historic Preservation Overlay District, and hearing of appeals from notices issued for violation of the requirements of the Historic and Cultural Preservation Overlay District or for violation of the terms and conditions of a certificate of appropriateness and from the revocation of a certificate of appropriateness. (City Code Sec 2-620.13)
The purpose of the Historic Preservation Overlay District and the Historic and Architectural Review Board is to protect the character of historically significant neighborhoods. If an exterior modification is planned and your property is located within the local historic district, a Certificate of Appropriateness (PDF) may be issued if the proposed change will be compatible with the surrounding area. The procedures vary depending on what is being proposed, ranging from repairs, regular maintenance, alterations and material changes. In all cases a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) is required.
To find out more about how to apply for a Certificate of Appropriateness, please see the link below.
Application / Instructions for Certificate of Appropriateness
