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Williamsburg Council adopts 30-day stay on demolition approvals for historic landmarks
Summary
The City Council approved PCR 24-023 to amend the zoning ordinance to prohibit approval of demolition or building permits for designated historic landmarks for 30 days following a final decision by the council or the circuit court, codifying an existing practice and applying to ARB districts AP1–AP3.
Williamsburg City Council unanimously adopted PCR 24-023 on Oct. 10, 2024, amending the zoning ordinance to impose a 30-day stay on approval of demolition or building permits for designated historic landmarks after a final decision by the council or the circuit court. Miss Griffin, the planning staff presenter, said the amendment implements language from Article 9, Section 201-857 of the zoning ordinance and aligns local code with recent state guidance while codifying a practice the city already follows.
The change applies to properties within ARB districts AP1, AP2 and AP3; staff emphasized that properties in the CP district are not subject to ARB review and therefore not affected. Griffin told the council that the amendment prevents the city from issuing demolition or building permits affecting a historic structure until 30 days after a final decision by the council or the circuit court, giving time for appeals and administrative review.
No members of the public spoke during the hearing. The motion to approve was made by a council member, seconded, and passed on a unanimous vote. The council’s action formalizes current practice and is intended to ensure procedural clarity for applicants and preservation stakeholders.
The council did not attach additional restrictions beyond the 30-day stay; staff noted this is a procedural timing change rather than a change in the criteria used by the Architectural Review Board or the council when deciding landmark matters. The ordinance will be incorporated into the zoning code as presented.
