Commission of Architectural Review

Purpose and Duties

The Richmond Commission of Architectural Review (CAR) was established by City Council in 1957. The CAR is the City’s official Historic Preservation Body and is charged with reviewing all exterior changes to structures within the City’s Old and Historic Districts and issuing Certificates of Appropriateness for those projects that it deems to be appropriate. The CAR bases all its decisions generally on the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and New Construction; and specifically on the Richmond Old and Historic Districts Handbook and Design Review Guidelines, adopted in 1999. When a neighborhood organization or other applicable entity submits a nomination request, the CAR oversees the process for designation of Old and Historic Districts and makes a final recommendation for designation to City Council. The Commission also assists and advises City Council, all City Boards and Departments, and property owners in matters involving historic resources relating to appropriate land use, zoning, and other issues. View Map of City Old & Historic Districts View Commission of Architectural Review / Old & Historic Districts Informational Brochure

Membership Composition

The CAR is composed of nine members appointed by City Council. Five of the members are citizens-at-large while the remaining four are representatives of the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities, the James River Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, the Historic Richmond Foundation, and the Richmond Association of Realtors.

Meeting Information

The CAR holds monthly meetings in the 5th Floor Conference room of City Hall on the fourth Tuesday of every month at 3.30 p.m.

Additional Information

Both the Richmond Old and Historic Districts Handbook and Design Review Guidelines and an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness can be downloaded from the City’s web page. Both can also be obtained by visiting the Historic Preservation Division in Room 510 of City Hall between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5.00 p.m. Monday through Friday or by calling (804)646-6335. Completed Applications for a Certificate of Appropriateness are due on the last Friday of the month.