The Board of Architectural Review (BAR) consists of 7 members appointed by the Town Council. The BAR’s primary responsibility is to review and approve applications for Certificates of Appropriateness for projects in the Old and Historic District (map), as well as the H-2 Corridor. The BAR reviews 100-150 applications each year for projects ranging from small garages and sheds to residential additions or multi-building commercial developments. The BAR also serves in an advisory capacity to the Town Council, making recommendations on matters related to historic preservation.
The BAR members are appointed for their interest in the Town’s history and historic resources, and in many cases, because they have relevant professional expertise. With backgrounds in architecture, real estate, historic preservation, and building conservation, the BAR is better able to review and approve projects, advising the Town Council on preservation issues. A representative from the Planning Commission and Town Council also sit on the board as non-voting members.
For more information on application requirements, submission deadlines, and other related information, please use the navigation toolbar to the left.
Staff Contacts
Planning and Zoning Department staff assist applicants and BAR members throughout the design review process. Staff administratively approves applications for installing or replacing fences, paving driveways, adding landscape lighting, or changing an exterior paint color scheme. For larger projects, staff members work with applicants through the BAR review process to obtain the necessary permits.
Annie McDonald, Preservation Planner, is staff liaison to the Board and assists applicants with the BAR process. (For information about the permitting process for signs, exterior alterations, new construction or relocation of structures, please contact the Preservation Planner at 703-771-2773 to discuss your project.)
Wendy Walker, Clerk of the BAR, receives presentation materials for distribution.
Meetings
Unless otherwise noted on the schedule the BAR holds a regular business meeting on the 3rd Monday of every month at 7pm in the Council Chamber on the 2nd floor of Town Hall. All meetings are open to the public as provided for in the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, and may be viewed via Comcast Government Channel 67 and Verizon Channel 35. Note if there is a conflict with another meeting in the Council Chamber, meetings are held in the lower level conference room at Town Hall.
Agendas
Minutes
Schedule - 3rd Monday of the month at 7pm
Webcasts
Related Information
Bylaws and Rules of Procedure
COA Application & Checklist for H-1 and H-2 reviews (Note: must be printed on legal size paper, and there is a 3-day acceptance period upon receipt of application and materials.)
Department of Planning and Zoning
H-1 Historic District Design Guidelines
H-2 Corridor District Design Guidelines
Joint Architectural Review Board Nominations, 2009