Council adopts amendments to historic‑preservation zoning to add administrative reviews and update guidelines

Lyndall Nesselrod (presented as the Historic Preservation Coordinator and zoning administrator) briefed council May 8 on proposed amendments to Chapter 18.85 (H‑1 Historic Preservation District) of the Staunton zoning code. Council adopted the ordinance on the staff and Planning Commission recommendations.

Nesselrod said the changes update definitions to align with the federal Secretary of the Interior standards for rehabilitation and treatment types (reconstruction, rehabilitation, restoration). The ordinance adds administrative review authority to shorten processing times from a roughly four‑week Commission cycle to about 10 business days for certain limited exterior changes. Examples listed for administrative review include signage, screening of mechanical equipment, removal of vinyl or metal siding to expose original siding, replacement of roofing in‑kind when repair exceeds 50% of the roof element, and changing gutters to half‑round metal.

The amendments add an explicit “exception to the guidelines” provision so the Historic Preservation Commission may deviate from the guidelines when “the proposed alterations do not change the character of the district or the property.” Nesselrod gave the example of accessory buildings shown in the zoning code as allowed in a side yard but where the guidelines recommend rear‑yard placement; an exception can accommodate lots that have streets on two sides and therefore no rear yard.

Nesselrod said the change to administrative review is intended to reduce wait times for applicants and clarified updates to painting and maintenance language. Planning Commission held a public hearing Feb. 20 and later forwarded the recommended amendments; no members of the public opposed the changes at the public hearings. Council voted to adopt the ordinance by roll call.