In 1973, the City of Petersburg adopted a Historic Zoning Ordinance to protect the architectural and cultural heritage of the city. The ordinance ensures that Petersburg’s heritage and unique identity will continue to be preserved for the benefit of future generations.
The Historic Zoning Ordinance requires that a Certificate of Appropriateness be issued before the erection, construction, alteration or restoration of the exterior of any building or other man made structure, including, but not limited to signs and fences, located in any of the historic districts.
The Historic Zoning Ordinance is administered by the Architectural Review Board, which is composed of seven persons with a knowledge of and interest in the preservation of the historic character of Petersburg. The members are appointed by City Council for three (3) year terms. The Architectural Review Board meets twice a month.
The Architectural Review Board has adopted both the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings and local Design Review Guidelines, developed specifically for Petersburg’s historic buildings and neighborhoods.
Contact the Petersburg Planning Department at 804-733-2308, for copies of the guidelines, applications or any questions you may have about the Architectural Review Board.