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1. What is the Historic Conservation Overlay?

The "Historic District" was created with the intent to preserve the historic character of the area and the buildings within it. Special rules in the City's Unified Development Ordinance, along with a special set of Suffolk Historic District Design Guidelines, govern exterior changes to buildings in the Historic District in order to protect their historical significance and to encourage uses which will lead to their continuance, conservation, and improvement in a manner that preserves the cultural and historic heritage of the City.

Not all buildings in the Historic District are historic. These are called "non-contributing" structures. These include structures that were built less than fifty years ago, or have been significantly altered over time and do not contribute to the historic character of the District.

2. Who Reviews Changes in the Historic District?

The Suffolk Historic Landmarks Commission (HLC) was established as an architectural review board to make decisions concerning exterior changes to historic structures. The Commission is appointed by City Council and the Department of Planning and Community Development provides staff assistance to the HLC. Minor improvements can be reviewed administratively and approval by the Planning Director.

3. What Types of Changes Must be Reviewed?

For more information visit our Building Changes that Must Be Reviewed page.

4. What Should be Included in the Review Application?

Depending on the work intended, the applicant should include some or all of the following information with a detailed narrative: photographs, color and material samples, information about surrounding buildings, architectural drawings, sample construction materials, site plans, and landscaping plans, sign design, and proposed lighting fixtures. It is important to provide adequate information in order to expedite the review process.

5. How Does the Review Process Work?

The Historic Landmarks Commission (HLC) has 60 days to review the applications, visit the site and determine if a Certificate of Appropriateness will be issued. Once a certificate has been issued, all necessary zoning or building permits can then be obtained from the Division of Community Development. No permit for any exterior work can be issued until the HLC requirement is fulfilled. If dissatisfied with the HLC's decision, the applicant may appeal to the City Council and then to the Circuit Court within 30 days after each decision.

6. What Are My Obligations as a Property Owner in the Historic District?

Please maintain your property! The Historic Landmarks Commission (HLC) has the right to notify an owner of a building in the Historic Area that is not being preserved against decay, deterioration and structural defects. The owner may be required to appear before the HLC to discuss the situation. Also, consult with the Planning Division before making any exterior changes that may require a review. Any unauthorized activity could result in enforcement action being taken by City Zoning Officials. Ultimately, an owner could be required, at their own expense, to correct any feature which has been altered and does not conform to the Historic Guidelines.

For owners interested in rehabilitating their properties the City of Suffolk also gives a partial real estate tax exemption for qualifying properties. The initial increase in the real estate assessment caused by the rehabilitation will be excused for 10 years. Contact the City Assessor's Office at 514-7475 for more information.

7. What Does It Mean If I Own Property that is Listed on the Virginia Landmarks Register or the National Register of Historic Places?

Some areas of Suffolk have also been included on the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places. These may be individual buildings or entire districts. It's an honor to own property or be a part of a district that is listed on these Registers because your property has been identified as a lasting example of our state and nation's past. This designation brings no restrictions to your property. Rather, there are benefits to being listed on the Registers! For example, income producing properties such as museums, businesses, and rental properties, may qualify for federal rehabilitation tax credits. Non-income producing properties such as private homes can be eligible for state rehabilitation tax credits. This means that if you want to fix up your property, you may qualify for a tax break on the money you spend doing it.


You can find out if your property is in a State or National Register Historic District by contacting the City's Planning Division. It is important to note that your property may be located in both the Historic Conservation Overlay District and a State or National Register Historic District.

8. How Can I Get More Information?

For more information about the Historic District or for an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness visit our Get More Information About the Historic District page.