A COA is required for most exterior modifications within the Chesapeake Historic and Cultural Preservation District, including the South Norfolk Local Historic District. A COA is required for any alteration, modification, repair, and other work performed on a building, structure (including signs and sheds) or a portion thereof that is visible from a paved public street. See the Chesapeake Zoning Ordinance § 12-708 for more information.
A COA may be required for work including, but not limited to;
- Roof repairs and replacements
- Window repairs and replacements
- Porch, foundation, and siding repairs and replacements
- Installation or repairs to fencing, sheds, garages, and driveways
- Appurtenances and utilities such as A/C systems, solar panels, and antennas/satellite dishes
- New construction or additions
COA applications are reviewed for consistency with the South Norfolk Historic District Design Guidelines.
General Information Required for Application Submittal- Street Address of the Property or (Tax) Parcel Number
- Year the structure was built (see Real Estate Information Page)
- Clear photographs that show the element requiring replacement/repair, showing the full location and extent of conditions/damage (digital format, ready for upload).
- Proposed Color(s) selected from the Benjamin Moore-approved color palette.
After-the-fact applications: Acceptable payment method readily available (credit cards or eCheck/linked bank account)
Additional Information Required for Alternative Material Replacement- Good quality photographs documenting the range of conditions of the deteriorated feature proposed for replacement, keyed to elevationdrawing(s) or overall photo(s) of each elevation printed at a scale sufficient to show the location and extent of damage. Documentation should illustrate that more than 50% of the material per feature cannot be reasonably repaired when wholesale replacement is proposed.
- A letter from an architect, engineer, or contractor who has experience evaluating historic buildings and validates that the deteriorated feature cannot be repaired.
- Specifications sheet(s) (“cutsheets”) showing images, color, quality, dimensions, and material specifications of the alternative material proposed.
- Potential for staff or HARB site visit to examine the deteriorated features in person before its removal from the building. This is a particularly effective option when the deterioration is difficult to photograph.
- Surveyed site plan showing the proposed location of all buildings and site features proposed (fences, driveways, etc.)
- Professional, keyed, and dimensioned elevations and architectural/construction drawings showing all elevations of the proposed new construction.
- Specifications sheet(s) (“cutsheets”) showing images, color, quality, dimensions, and material specifications of primary construction materials proposed, including but not limited to roofing, windows, siding, columns/supports, doors, and lighting.
- Potential for staff or HARB site visit to examine the deteriorated features in person before their removal from the building. This is a particularly effective option when the deterioration is difficult to photograph.
If a (COA) is submitted and approved prior to any work or modifications being made to the property, the application is free to submit. However, if work is performed without an approved Certificate of Appropriateness, that application is considered to be after the fact, and the applicant will be required to pay a $250 processing fee.
If you need assistance with the online application, bring the required documents and information to the Planning Department on the 2nd floor of City Hall, and staff will assist you.
Applications are submitted online through the City eBuild portal. Additional instructions on how to submit the application in eBuild are available here.
How do I submit my application?
Applications are submitted online through the City eBuild portal. An eBuild account will need to be created, or if you have applied for a COA or other online permit before, please log in to your existing account.
What is the timeline for submitting applications?
Applications for minor actions, like repairs, (“administrative review”) are accepted on a rolling basis and are reviewed by Planning staff.
For major actions that are required to be reviewed by the Historical and Architectural Review Board, see the following calendar of deadlines. Applications submitted after the “Application Submission” deadline for each month will be considered for the following month’s meeting.
2025-HARB-Processing-Calendar-PDF (cityofchesapeake.net)
I received a Notice of Violation for working without a COA. What is the next step?
For more information about your Notice of Violation, please contact the Department of Development and Permits.
If you received a Notice of Violation for working without a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA), a COA application must be submitted and a $250.00 after-the-fact processing fee must be paid prior to the issuance of the COA.
Where can I find more information about my property and its history?
The City of Chesapeake Property Information portal includes information such as year of construction, ownership history, property improvement history, and tax information.
The 1989 National Register of Historic Places Nomination Report for South Norfolk properties includes a survey report on each property within the South Norfolk Local Historic District. The Virginia Department of Historic Landmarks' nomination reports include additional detail on original building materials and features.
Land records, such as deeds and land surveys, are physically stored and are available for public access at the Clerk of Circuit Court’s Office.
The Chesapeake Historic Preservation Commission may have additional information and resources for historic properties or districts in the City of Chesapeake.
