Historic Districts

Winchester historic district collage

Historic Winchester (HW) District

The HW district is intended to focus attention on the architectural excellence and historic importance of certain buildings, structures, places and areas of the city; to promote their preservation, protection and maintenance; and to ensure the development and maintenance of appropriate settings and environment for such buildings, structures, places and areas.

ATTENTION PROPERTY OWNERS:

Before alterations are made to the exterior features of a property within in the Historic Winchester (HW) district, a Certificate of Appropriateness must be approved by the Board or Architectural Review or Zoning Administrator.

Ordinance Sec. 6-28. - Building permits are required for certain work in Historic Winchester zoning district.

A building permit shall be required for any construction involving the replacement of roofing, siding, or windows for structures located within the Historic Winchester zoning district. Any such permit required shall not be issued by the Building Official until all requisite zoning approvals have been issued by the Board of Architectural Review or Zoning Administrator. (Ord. No. 2016-10, 3-22-16)   Building code reference—USBC Section 108.2.


historic district aerial

National Historic District

The original Winchester National District was established in 1979 and then expanded recently to include commercial areas along N. Cameron Street.  A reconnaissance survey of possible expansion areas was conducted in 2012 (CLG project- EHT Traceries) and two main additions were proposed in 2015 for expansion:

  • Amherst Street/West Boscawen Street & South Stewart Street(Old Hospital)
  • Pall Mall Street from South Kent Street to South Washington Street

Property owners in the National Historic District are not subject to seeking a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Board of Architecture Review for exterior changes (as properties in the local Historic Winchester District are required to do). Additionally, property owners within the national district can apply for State and Federal Tax Credits for qualifying improvements.

Elizabeth Tune
Richmond Department of Historic Resources
(804) 482-6093
Email


Other Resources:


David Stewart
Planner II
Rouss City Hall
15 North Cameron Street
Winchester, VA  22601
(540) 667-1815, ext. 1413
Fax (540) 722-3618
Email