BAR reviews annual report edits; staff outlines zoning‑ordinance comment schedule, architectural survey progress and training reminders

The Leesburg Board of Architectural Review reviewed and approved edits to its 2024 annual report and received staff updates on several administrative matters at the March 19, 2025 meeting.

Annual report: Staff presented a draft annual report and the board discussed wording on the "Year in Review" page; members agreed to change wording that "posted numerous events" to "several events." Dawn Schreier moved to approve the report with the proposed edits; Helen Aikman seconded and the motion passed 7‑0.

Zoning ordinance comments: Preservation staff said the BAR's zoning‑ordinance subcommittee is drafting a memo of BAR comments on the town's proposed zoning‑ordinance updates. The draft memo will appear in the next packet; the BAR expected to finalize the memo at the April meeting and authorize staff to submit comments to the town within the public comment window (approximately a 60‑day window starting in early March). Staff emphasized timely submission and said members should send suggested edits to staff before the April meeting.

Architectural survey: Staff reported consultants have been conducting an updated architectural survey of the historic district (the first comprehensive update in more than 20 years). Fieldwork occurred in December and March and consultants may return; staff said a draft should be available this summer.

Training and events: Staff reminded members to complete required town trainings (including a short "know before" module) and to check spam folders for training emails. Staff also reminded BAR members of the upcoming boards‑and‑commissions event and asked for three accomplishments and three future priorities for a brief presentation; examples offered were the architectural survey, increased outreach/education, and guideline updates.

Speakers and quotes are drawn from the meeting transcript and staff remarks.