A (COA) is required for exterior modifications, visible from the paved public street within the Chesapeake Historic and Cultural Preservation District, including the South Norfolk Local Historic District. *No building, structure (including signs, or landmark, or portion thereof, that is or will be visible from a paved public street shall be constructed, erected, extended, enlarged, altered, repaired, renovated, dismantled, demolished or moved unless and until a certificate of appropriateness has been issued by the [Historic and Architectural] review board.* § 12-708. A (COA) may be needed for work performed on, but not limited to;
- Roofs, Chimneys, Siding, Trim, Windows, Doors
- Light fixtures, Awnings, Antennae, Satellite Dishes, Solar Panels,
- Porches, New Construction, Additions, Demolition
- Fences, Driveways, Sheds, Garages, and other elements
- Street Address of the Property or (Tax) Parcel Number
- Year the structure was built Real Estate Information Page
- Acceptable Filing Fee payment method readily available (credit cards or eCheck/linked bank account)
- Photographs that show the element requiring replacement/repair, proposed replacement material and style in digital format, ready for upload
- Proposed Color(s) selected from the Benjamin Moore approved color palette
- Preliminary Drawings and Material Specifications, drawn to scale, ready to upload as a PDF
- Additional applicant responsibilities depend on the type of construction (new construction, major alteration/addition to existing structure, minor alteration/repair, relocation, demolition)
If a (COA) is submitted and approved prior to any work or modifications being made to the property, the application is free to submit. However, if work is performed without an approved Certificate of Appropriateness, that application is considered to be after-the-fact and the applicant will be required to pay a $250 processing fee.
If you choose to submit your application in person, bring the required items from the previous list to the 2nd floor of City Hall and someone will assist you.
