Historic Districts & Design Review

An Architectural Design Control district (ADC) is a local historic district: a group of historic resources that are designated for protection through zoning.  

The goal of local designation is to identify and preserve features of historic, cultural and architectural significance. These features include but are not limited to: 

• Buildings
• Unique structures 
• Landscapes
• Settings
• Neighborhoods

There are currently eight ADC districts in Charlottesville:  

• Downtown 
• North Downtown 
• Ridge Street 
• West Main Street 
• The Corner 
• Wertland Street 
• Oakhurst- Gildersleeve Neighborhood 
• Rugby Road-University Circle-Venable Neighborhood 

Individual properties are designated for protection through zoning because City Council has determined them to be of special historic, cultural, or architectural value.  

All Individually Protected Properties are subject to review by the Board of Architectural Review (BAR) for any exterior changes including demolitions. This ensures a public notification and review process before changes can be made to a protected property. 

Click here for the official IPP list.

Individual historic properties may be recognized on the Virginia Landmarks Register or the National Register of Historic Places. A significant benefit of State or National designation is that such properties may qualify for income tax credits for rehabilitation work

Virginia Department of Historic Resources https://www.dhr.virginia.gov/ 

The “Historic Conservation District” designation is intended to protect the character and scale of the more modest historic Charlottesville neighborhoods that are facing tear-downs and increased development, without imposing excessive requirements on the current residents who may want to remodel their homes.  

Modern and sustainable, energy-efficient construction is encouraged when done thoughtfully in concert with older structures.

There are currently three Historic Conservation districts in Charlottesville:  

• Martha Jefferson  
• Rugby Road 
• Woolen Mills  

 Learn more about our city's Historic Conservation Districts.