Project Review

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 project review process.  The Ghent Neighborhood League is here to help!

The process requires that any project 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, owners are asked to coordinate with the Ghent Neighborhood League’s Project Review Committee, which serves an advisory role to the ARB.

Members of the GNL Project Review Committee 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.

In evaluating project applications, GNL considers the same criteria as the ARB.  Not all projects will be found appropriate: replacement of original windows, for example, is seldom appropriate in a historic district, as are other proposed changes that fundamentally change the character of a historic building.  GNL’s committee 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.

Then contact the GNL Project Review Committee Chair to schedule a meeting date to review your project. The committee typically meets the first Wednesday of each month, prior to the Monday ARB meeting at The Hague School (former Unitarian Church, located at 739 Yarmouth Street).

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 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. 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