Historic Preservation

The Preservation Planning office provides Exchange Building H.A.B.S.assistance to individuals, businesses, and organizations with respect to renovation, restoration, and treatment of historic resources on a citywide basis, including the city’s seven locally-designated historic districts.

Responsibilities

The office receives and reviews applications for Certificates of Appropriateness (COAs) for exterior alterations of structures located in the local historic districts. Not sure if your property lies within a historic district? Check this map, and staff is available to confirm whether or not your property is within a district.

The duties of the preservation planner are to:

  • Provide staff support to the Architectural Review Board.
  • Prepare and administer preservation grants and serve as a liaison with the Virginia Department of Historic Resources.
  • Serve as the Certified Local Government contact person for the city.

Architectural Review Board

The Architectural Review Board is composed of seven qualified residents of the city that are appointed by the City Council. For more information, check out the Architectural Review Board page.

*COA requests must be received 15 days in advance of the next regular Architectural Review Board meeting to be heard at that meeting. You can apply online here. 

Tax Programs

Did you know the City Assessor’s office offers tax exemptions for rehabilitated structures in the city? Properties in the historic districts qualify for a larger credit.

Find out more about Petersburg's Rehabilitation Tax Program here: http://www.petersburg-va.org/954/Exemptions---Tax-Programs. 

Battersea Mansion H.A.B.S.