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Council adopts updated Historic Overlay District guidelines, cites grant funding and improved usability
Summary
The council adopted a new, user-friendly Historic Overlay District guideline document covering about 49 acres and nearly 200 properties; the project was funded 67% by a DHR grant and included public meetings, ARB review, and consultant work.
The Town Council adopted updated Historic Overlay District guidelines July 14 after a staff presentation outlining a multi-stage public process and consultant work.
Louis (staff) described the final draft as more user-friendly and visually oriented than the previous handbook, reorganized by project type (for example, window alterations and new construction) and augmented with pictures, diagrams and a process flowchart for ARB submissions. The update covers approximately 49 acres and nearly 200 properties and aims to provide clearer guidance on signs, new construction, additions, and modern technologies such as solar panels.
The project was supported by a grant from the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) covering 67% of the cost; consultants Page & Turnbull assisted with drafting. The ARB held review sessions and recommended adoption at its June 24 meeting. Staff said the new guidelines include numbered lines for easier citation and link to the UDO for consistency.
Council moved, seconded and approved adoption on roll call. Staff said the guidelines should make the ARB's review process more transparent and easier for property owners to navigate.
The council did not amend the adopted document at the meeting; any questions about application procedures will be handled through the planning and ARB processes.
