The Architectural Review Board (ARB) reviews all exterior alterations, new construction, and some demolition in the city’s local historic districts for issuance of Certificates of Appropriateness (COA’s). For all other design applications, the ARB recommends to the Planning Commission.

The decisions that take place within locally designated historic districts are based generally on the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and New Construction; and specifically on the Local Design Guidelines. In addition, the ARB reviews public projects and private projects that are on land purchased form the city or encroaching onto city property.

For applications within the locally designated historic districts, you will now see notices posted on properties that have pending applications. 

Learn more at https://www.norfolk.gov/1090/Architectural-Review-Board