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Description: All significant improvements or changes to architectural and landscape features visible from public rights-of-way or public property must receive architectural approval and a certificate of appropriateness prior to construction or installation. Exceptions to this include single-family homes outside of the Historic Overlay Districts, townhouses and duplexes outside of the Historic Overlay Districts after initial construction, and signs outside of the Historic and Transition Overlay Districts. See the City Zoning Map for the boundaries of the Overlay Districts.
There are two types of certificates of appropriateness: Major and minor. Minor certificates are required for improvements, which result in only minor effects on the character of the property, such as addition or modification of doorways, ramps, walkways, shutters, porches, awnings, landscaping, skylights, antennas, satellite dishes, exterior lighting, railings, dumpster screening, mechanical equipment screening, and similar features. Minor certificates are reviewed administratively by staff. Major certificates are required for more significant changes that are not covered by the items listed above. Major certificates require a public hearing and decision by the Board of Architectural Review. All proposals, minor and major, are reviewed using the City's Design Guidelines(PDF, 20MB).
For more information on the Board of Architectural Review, visit the Boards and Commissions webpage.
Contact: Planning/Zoning | 703-385-7820