Historic Preservation Districts

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Staunton Historic Districts:

Because Staunton has a wealth of historic architecture, the City has created five nationally registered Historic Preservation Districts. The creation of the Historic districts helps preserve these valuable resources for the generations to come. The five historic districts are Gospel Hill, Beverley, The Wharf, Stuart Addition, and Newtown.

The Historic Preservation Commission, appointed by City Council, reviews and approves repairs, and modifications to homes, buildings, fences, walls, and other site details in the five districts as regulated by Section 18.85 of the Staunton City Code. Additionally, the adopted Historic District Design Guidelines provide guidance on work performed in the districts. Below are some useful links to help educate and assist in performing work within the Historic Districts.

New Permitting Process

As of May 5, 2026, the City of Staunton Community Development Department is moving to a new online permitting system. The new system allows the applicant to submit their projects online, request inspections, and view the status of the project. The process to apply for permits in the Community Development office is still available but we are encouraging citizens and contractors to use the online portal.

If your permit was issued prior to May 5th, you will still need to call the office to request your inspections or have any questions regarding your permit.

There are information guides available to sign up for a new account or applying for a permit.

Below, you can find information on each specific type of permit. This includes the application, permit fees, estimated processing times, and documents that will need to be uploaded as part of your application process.

Historic Preservation District Applications

Certificate of Appropriateness - Administrative Review

Online Application or Paper Submittal

Fee Schedule

Required Information: All information should be combined into one pdf document for submittal online. The application will not be reviewed if all requested information is not included.

1. Sketch, drawing and/or elevations showing the proposed changes or improvements.

2. Site plan or plat of the property.

3. Photographs showing the property, work in question, and areas of the proposed project.

4. A list of materials that identifies the type and quality of materials to be used in the proposed project.

Estimated Processing Time: Ten (10) business days

Administrative reviews can be completed for the following:

1. Installation of signage.
2. Screening of mechanical equipment.
3. Removal of vinyl or metal siding on a building to expose the original siding.
4. Removal of gutters to install metal, half round gutters.
5. Replacement of roofing material with in-kind material, when the repair exceeds 50 percent of the roof element.

All applicants are encouraged to submit their applications on the online permitting portal. The applicant will answer all the application questions online and upload their submittal (pdf only). The plans will be processed electronically. If the submittal requires a re-submit due to more information being required, the applicant will be notified by email. Once the permit has been approved, the applicant will receive the permit by email. At that time, inspections can be requested through the citizen portal. A final inspection is required.

Please email Historic Preservation Coordinator, Linda Nesselrodt, at nesselrodtlm@ci.staunton.va.us for any questions about historic district requirements.

Certificate of Appropriateness - Commission Review

Online Application or Paper Submittal

Fee Schedule

Required Information: All information should be combined into one pdf document for submittal online. The application will not be reviewed if all requested information is not included.

1. Sketch, drawing and/or elevations showing the proposed changes or improvements.

2. Site plan or plat of the property.

3. Photographs showing the property, work in question, and areas of the proposed project.

4. A list of materials that identifies the type and quality of materials to be used in the proposed project.

Estimated Processing Time: The Historic Preservation Commission meets once a month to review proposed projects; on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 5:30pm in the Rita S. Wilson Council Chambers. The deadline to be on the meeting agenda is the first Tuesday of the month. The applicant or representative must be present at the meeting to discuss the project. The applicant has the option to join the meeting via Zoom.

All applicants are encouraged to submit their applications on the online citizen permitting portal. The applicant will answer all the application questions online and upload their submittal (pdf only). The plans will be processed electronically. If the submittal requires a re-submit due to more information being required, the applicant will be notified by email. Once the permit has been approved, the applicant will receive the permit by email. At that time, inspections can be requested through the citizen portal. A final inspection is required. Please email Historic Preservation Coordinator, Linda Nesselrodt, at nesselrodtlm@ci.staunton.va.us for any questions about historic district requirements.

Certificate of Appropriateness - Signage

Online Application or Paper Submittal

Fee Schedule

Required Information: All information should be combined into one pdf document for submittal online. The application will not be reviewed if all requested information is not included.

1. Sketch, drawing and/or elevations showing the proposed changes or improvements.

2. Site plan or plat of the property.

3. Photographs showing the property, work in question, and areas of the proposed project.

4. A list of materials that identifies the type and quality of materials to be used in the proposed project.

Estimated Processing Time: Ten (10) business days

All applicants are encouraged to submit their applications on the online citizen permitting portal. The applicant will answer all the application questions online and upload their submittal (pdf only). The plans will be processed electronically. If the submittal requires a re-submit due to more information being required, the applicant will be notified by email. Once the permit has been approved, the applicant will receive the permit by email. At that time, inspections can be requested through the citizen portal. A final inspection is required.

Please email Historic Preservation Coordinator, Linda Nesselrodt, at nesselrodtlm@ci.staunton.va.us for any questions about historic district requirements.

The Historic Staunton Foundation, a non-profit organization promoting the preservation and revitalization of the architectural and historic resources in the City, sponsors several programs and services supporting Staunton's Historic Preservation Districts. Programs include ongoing walking tours and preservation programs as well as preservation services for residents, business owners, and developers.

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