Historic district property improvements requiring certificates of appropriateness
Richmond
Summary
Consultants project roughly 30–40 demolitions a year in multifamily districts under the new code, mostly in the central city and West End. All existing historic districts carry over, and two new lighter protections — design overlays and demolition-review districts — are proposed. The Cultural Heritage Stewardship Plan heads to Council first.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 2
- Last 30 days
- 1
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 27, 2026.
Impact analysis
Pre-approved ADU designs are proposed to cut design and construction costs for homeowners.
Neighborhoods wanting to protect historic character gain new bottom-up tools.
Owners of teardown-prone properties would face additional review in districts that adopt demolition protections.
Mentions & discussions (2)
Commission of Architectural Review — October 27, 2026
Nine property owners in Richmond's historic districts needed the architectural review board's approval for work ranging from new windows to a rear garage and a front porch. Approval is required before any of the work can legally begin.
City Council — June 15, 2026
Consultants project roughly 30–40 demolitions a year in multifamily districts under the new code, mostly in the central city and West End. All existing historic districts carry over, and two new lighter protections — design overlays and demolition-review districts — are proposed. The Cultural Heritage Stewardship Plan heads to Council first.
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