[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6607770,"mediaKeyId","2948022-afd231748a93160246ba21746e7171b7","parentId",2948022,"title","Draft incentives would reward reuse, solar and dark‑sky measures; BAR asks to extend program to mixed‑use and commercial projects","audioSeconds",897,"startMs",3793000,"endMs",4690000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2948022-afd231748a93160246ba21746e7171b7&start=3793&end=4690","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2948022-afd231748a93160246ba21746e7171b7/thumbnail_3793000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6607770/Leesburg/Loudoun-County/Virginia/Draft-incentives-would-reward-reuse-solar-and-darksky-measures-BAR-asks-to-extend-program-to-mixeduse-and-commercial-projects","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6607770-c24f967d5ac299d5062843e5ee8591c8/orig.mp4?Expires=1773432165&Signature=W9KzGVJR2JchlIxKjbbWHnhfCpBtm8FrB~6NDjQPpDmeaiUf0Jbb47-t5NwlD0MN3ocn~W4u-SSqXpsIQZ1SPftJeouv8DPmQCDb4jrmMsk9Y7HJbwqdClFyLpTW-fEdr7vQaW63zjQ0cvxQgO5aCGRFU6R9YQ9hiBvIDuAzSJE-gGD0AYKTcAuY47JFXUNt2~PZsx2Z9zZ1awjfqOwjfdLYhYCt6lcfiBCw~cOp~gSd7BULQh-Tp9ZTgMbwkJMLCfOE9ksxNE-WPHgdDWrQsFNi0A6tEsmoStWyxMEDKzUv5cn~fXYo1tG~V7DNZ0IhaGza94ZdM56asP4UmvYDFA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Leesburg","date","2025-04-09T00:00:00Z","article","At its April 9 work session, the Leesburg BAR reviewed a draft sustainability-incentive scheme in the zoning-ordinance rewrite that would award points for reuse of historic materials, deconstruction, dark‑sky lighting, rooftop solar and other measures, and that would make those points redeemable for limited development incentives.

Staff explained the draft point system uses fractional credits (0.25 to 1 point per measure, up to a stated maximum in the draft) and is intended to be applied primarily to multiunit residential projects; several BAR members asked that mixed‑use and commercial projects also qualify. Deb Moran, the town’s sustainability manager (referenced in the meeting), was identified as the staff contact who would review submitted project documentation when an applicant claims points.

The draft text includes proposed development incentives tied to earning points: a density bonus of up to one additional dwelling unit per acre beyond the maximum allowed in the applicable zoning district; an increase in allowable height by up to one story or 10 feet for nonresidential and mixed‑use development (except in the downtown zoning district) subject to approval of the Loudoun County Fire Marshal; and a reduction in off‑street parking requirements of up to 10 percent. Staff and board members agreed enforcement and verification would be needed if points become the basis for regulatory relief.

Board members asked staff to add deconstruction explicitly to the incentives table and to clarify what qualifies as historic material for reuse credits; one suggested a 50‑year age threshold for historic materials as a working definition. Members also asked who would verify claims that materials were reused or diverted from landfills; staff said the sustainability manager would review documentation but that more formal verification procedures (and whether points would be proffered through legislative agreements) must be developed.

On solar and lighting, the BAR supported administrative approvals for rooftop panels on side and rear elevations and asked staff to research dark‑sky lighting standards (Kelvin and fixture cutoff types) for a proposed ordinance section.

Members noted that many incentive elements would be easiest to enforce if they were proffered through legislative approvals (rezoning or proffered conditions) rather than arising from by‑right submittals; staff acknowledged the draft is intended to create an aspirational program that would operate more effectively when paired with legislative entitlements.

Staff will work with the sustainability manager to produce draft language adding deconstruction to the incentives table, define historic materials for credits, and suggest verification steps for point claims. The BAR will consider the proposed language at a subsequent meeting.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Leesburg - Board of Architectural Review - Work Session - Apr 09, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","At its April 9 work session, the Leesburg Board of Architectural Review reviewed a draft sustainability-incentive scheme that would award points for reuse, deconstruction, dark‑sky lighting and solar, and make those points redeemable for limited density, height and parking relief.","taxTitle","Leesburg, Loudoun County, Virginia","taxId",5641,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6607774,"Leesburg BAR expands demolition-by-neglect definitions, seeks deconstruction incentives and tighter enforcement timelines",167,3364000,3531000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2948022-afd231748a93160246ba21746e7171b7&start=3364&end=3531","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2948022-afd231748a93160246ba21746e7171b7/thumbnail_3364000.jpg","/articles/6607774/Leesburg/Loudoun-County/Virginia/Leesburg-BAR-expands-demolition-by-neglect-definitions-seeks-deconstruction-incentives-and-tighter-enforcement-timelines","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6607774-15b9c1d21d10704b940fbdea648f0ba0/orig.mp4?Expires=1773432165&Signature=V06dN3pWUQcn7q8Tz0gFViIGZHHFVEDKGSXHNgDuagLLxtbrSgO3PQPzfqKQNbdlB-unE3pNfZfIKwbYI89zyhoOGQybGpADESENDzK8S5VvcDS820DZdZW47PFi0ZkH0lN3Nz5-YDkkQRpOeRAPEVW8RqNAKSbvnBo5IkXH3lCE3xM4t2hyD1~J3B3UGI5ikgNpWc2xs2MhsnyBxLQanofPPzEZ7Ol2Ztqkb17WDKFrTQmbpzlEP6uxLz1Q12j~GfFt3LRhAhs-fdpEEMhUV9bmIFZ~XVFSlPtppDkU4F572-qYVoQGZG8glTnFUGrvr34NErY7SVu4wQD0PJeimA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Leesburg Board of Architectural Review on April 9 reviewed proposed additions to the demolition section of the draft zoning-ordinance rewrite that broaden definitions of ‘‘demolition by neglect,’’ add deconstruction (reuse) incentives, and propose more specific timelines for abatement of ordinance violations.

Staff explained that state code limits local authority to prevent demolition but that the draft attempts to strengthen local tools where permitted. The draft broadens neglect criteria to include failing gutters, rusting roofs, unsecured openings, lack of positive drainage and documented pest infestations. The rewrite also suggests incentives for deconstruction and reuse of historic materials.

“We are really limited. We cannot put it out there that thou shalt not demolish a structure,” Staff member Lauren said, describing the constraints imposed by state law and the practical limits on denying demolition. Members asked staff to add deconstruction language to the incentives section and to clarify what materials qualify as historic for credit purposes.

Board members and staff discussed practical enforcement and documentation steps. Staff proposed more exact timelines in COA conditions so corrective work does not languish for years, and said legal had approved language that would allow staff to require specific abatement dates as part of approvals or conditions. The BAR asked staff to research comparable practices in other Virginia jurisdictions and to propose a reasonable abatement window (staff suggested researching standard ranges; board members mentioned six months as a possible baseline with case-by-case extensions).

The draft also adds more specific repair requirements that could trigger an enforcement action: securing openings, stabilizing roofs and walls, providing positive drainage, painting masonry and treating for pests. Board members suggested adding language to cover ‘‘winged animals’’ (to capture bats and birds occupying gable openings) rather than naming individual species.

Members discussed documentation procedures for demolition or deconstruction: if a COA approves demolition or partial deconstruction, the BAR should require photographic documentation of the building’s pre-demolition condition (exterior elevations) and evidence that salvageable historic materials were reused or diverted from landfill. Staff said the current practice includes documentary photos for many demolitions but agreed to propose explicit submittal requirements tied to approvals.

The BAR directed staff to add deconstruction incentives to the draft incentive table, clarify what qualifies as a historic material (board members suggested a 50-year threshold as one possible test), and to draft recommended abatement timelines and enforcement language for legal review.

","At the April 9 work session the BAR reviewed added definitions for demolition by neglect, proposed deconstruction incentives and discussed tightening enforcement timelines and documentation requirements to prevent loss of historic fabric.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6607779,"Leesburg BAR considers paint palette, exemptions and requiring site plans before architectural review",3288,70000,3358000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2948022-afd231748a93160246ba21746e7171b7&start=70&end=3358","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2948022-afd231748a93160246ba21746e7171b7/thumbnail_70000.jpg","/articles/6607779/Leesburg/Loudoun-County/Virginia/Leesburg-BAR-considers-paint-palette-exemptions-and-requiring-site-plans-before-architectural-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6607779-3caf1e6b55a802480d260115107111a3/orig.mp4?Expires=1773432165&Signature=F1gHep0TkV2bSDk~S76V9FiDiHYWavRyr3oB11o8o9qE8hNpHRyv5jbPFuG6O2w~2sn6ZFwora4G~YLS~xfKEjEgBfCxyL2uAfYyYK1IknfD-Nyb3rryW8AitFaKLMrJKDJExkMAswr5aSszV4w8TSpBl3DIIIrzRKl3FfU3dckGi506UKX9YKZqZizvOhFjnrS2A3vPacZHwEI3HJnct8IsBgCsqLgob735hSXZM-NQ8sTVg6teP3PCiFkxVlvhCMUiUy0L8~4zsZlB0G-LHAK3rVdvm5kgh3cIqiiuuoWZO2nb4J46Qu-9FCUWsLi3S66fVs-YSpoBUWSg7BN0Jg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Leesburg Board of Architectural Review (BAR) on April 9 reviewed draft zoning-ordinance rewrite language proposing a new paint-color policy, expanded exemptions for small exterior items, and a requirement that larger projects submit a site plan before the BAR conducts architectural review.

The proposed changes aim to clarify what items require a certificate of appropriateness (COA) and to reduce situations where the BAR reviews building design before the town’s legislative or site-plan processes are complete. Staff and multiple board members said those circumstances have created public confusion in recent projects.

Staff member Lauren said the rewrite would explicitly exempt small, nonstructural items such as doorbells and security cameras and suggested adopting an approved paint palette so homeowners could repaint from a list of colors without applying for an administrative COA. “Paint is paint when it comes to the historic district,” Lauren said, adding that a palette would reduce repetitive administrative review while preserving oversight for atypical color choices.

Board members debated whether paint changes should remain an administrative approval or be fully exempted. Some members favored keeping color changes as an administrative review so staff can counsel owners and reject clearly inappropriate colors; others suggested a default palette but leaving the option for residents to request a full BAR review. Staff noted the town currently requires an administrative COA to change house color and that no comprehensive town palette currently exists.

On exemptions, the draft would also address signage rules inside the historic district (board members noted the current zoning text applies only to nonhistoric areas) and allow small security cameras to be exempt up to a defined maximum dimension; staff offered to research common device sizes and propose a numeric threshold. The draft sign guidance also currently includes a two-color limit in the sign guidelines, a provision several BAR members criticized as overly restrictive because it counts black or white as one of the two colors.

Members also discussed bollards, mechanical cabinets and other streetscape elements that sometimes appear in the public right-of-way. Staff and several members pointed out limits on the town’s authority where state or utility standards apply (for example, Dominion Power-required protections around gas meters). Board members agreed the BAR could offer advisory guidance on town-owned installations but has limited ability to impose requirements on state or utility installations.

Separately, BAR members raised a procedural change: for larger commercial or multiunit projects, require an initial site-plan submission before the BAR issues a COA so the BAR can review a project in the context of its intended use, footprint, parking and right-of-way impacts. Several members said early site-plan information would prevent the BAR from giving what looks like an approval for a building type that later changes during legislative or site-plan review. Staff said engineering and planning divisions were generally receptive to the idea but noted there may be statutory or procedural limits to mandating preapplication meetings.

Votes at the meeting included adoption of the agenda and final adjournment (both passed unanimously). The BAR will prepare written comments on the draft rewrite and plans to finalize those comments for submission to zoning in the next packet cycle.

The BAR asked staff to prepare a recommended paint-palette approach, proposed numeric thresholds for exempt camera dimensions, and language describing which types of projects would require a site-plan submission before BAR review. The board will review the staff-prepared comment letter at its next meeting before sending the BAR’s recommendations to zoning.

","At a April 9 work session the Leesburg Board of Architectural Review discussed proposed zoning ordinance rewrite language that would create exemptions (including paint, cameras and small fixtures), introduce a paint-color policy, and ask for early site-plan submissions for larger projects to avoid ‘‘cart before the horse’’ reviews.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Draft incentives would reward reuse, solar and dark‑sky measures; BAR asks to extend program to mixed‑use and commercial projects

Leesburg BAR expands demolition-by-neglect definitions, seeks deconstruction incentives and tighter enforcement timelines

Leesburg BAR considers paint palette, exemptions and requiring site plans before architectural review