Help with Certificates of Appropriateness (COAs)

The process of renovating a historic building can be enough of a challenge on its own.  If your home or building is within the Ghent Historic District, there is the additional challenge of navigating the COA (Certificate of Appropriateness) process.  The Ghent Neighborhood League is here to help!

Most projects within the Historic District must obtain approval (a Certificate of Appropriateness) from the City of Norfolk’s Architectural Review Board (ARB).  Prior to evaluation of a project at one of the ARB’s regular meetings, you are welcome to coordinate with the Ghent Neighborhood League, which serves an advisory role to Ghent residents.

Members of the GNL Historic and Neighborhood Information Team are first and foremost your neighbors, and often fellow owners of historic structures.  We understand the need for improvements of various types and support efforts to make appropriate renovations.

The Historic and Neighborhood Information Team is not and has never been a regulatory body. The Neighborhood League no longer provides or shares project opinions with the City. Our Board feels the best people to make such important determinations are professionally trained, and employed or appointed by the City. Our job is to help you as a resident, so please reach out if you need help with the process.

When applying for a COA not all projects will be found appropriate: replacement of original windows, for example, is often not approved in a historic district, as are other proposed renovations that fundamentally change the character of a historic building.  The Ghent Neighborhood League can help advise homeowners on potential pitfalls and solutions.  

At the start of any project, please contact the City of Norfolk’s Historic Preservation Officer within the Department of Planning for consultation and guidance on the application process.

Most of us have chosen to live in Ghent because we believe it is a special place, and thoughtful renovations help maintain the character and value of the neighborhood.  With these goals in mind, we look forward to working together to assist you with your renovation process.

The City of Norfolk’s Architectural Review Board (ARB) and Planning Commission are charged with reviewing all new construction or proposed alterations to residential or commercial buildings that are located within the Ghent and North Ghent Historic Districts and visible from the public right of way. All determinations and decisions are made by them. Please review the following link for details: Architectural Review Board

NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES

The National Register of Historic Places is the official federal list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects significant in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, and culture, and is administered by the National Park Service.  The Ghent Historic District was listed in the National Register in 1980 and the North Ghent Historic District was added in 2001.

Ghent National Register Nomination Submission

North Ghent National Register Documentation