Historic Preservation Commission

The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) was established as a historic review board under Code of Virginia § 15.2-2306. The HPC has the power and duties under the Zoning Ordinance to review and decide on applications for Certificates of Appropriateness in the Historic Districts, to advise on the creation of new Historic Districts, and to adopt, and amend from time to time, standards and guidelines for implementing the standards established by City Council for the issuance of Certificates of Appropriateness in the Historic Districts.

Mission Statement

The Historic Preservation Commission will provide consistent deliberations on requests to alter historic structures within the historic Cradock, Olde Towne, Park View, Port Norfolk and Truxtun neighborhoods. They will be sensitive to each request and will ensure that each decision is reflective of local building standards and the Secretary of Interiors Guidelines for Rehabilitation of Historic Structures.

Properties within the designated Historic Districts are subject to the Historic District Guidelines for that specific district. Click here to find more information about the Historic Districts.

A Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) is  required for most improvements that modify the exterior appearance of a site. Review by the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) is required for COA applications that cannot be administratively approved.

Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) 2023 Meeting Schedule and Deadlines

Meetings 

  • 6:00 PM
  • 3rd Tuesday of each month
  • Meetings are held in the City Council Chamber on the 6th Floor of the City Hall Building
  • Parties wishing to provide comments on specific agenda items may send comments by these methods.
    • Fax to 757-393-5223
    • Mail to 
      • City of Portsmouth
      • Planning Department
        801 Crawford Street
        Portsmouth, VA 23704-3822
    • Email to hpc@portsmouthva.gov
  • Please provide correspondence prior to the public meeting day.

Agendas

View Most Recent Agenda

Members  

  • Sean Prince, Chair
  • Renee Schneider
  • Chris Crowder
  • Victoria Ward
  • George Brockman
  • Donna Lee Biggs
  • Jack McGinty
  • Matthew Roiz
  • Alison Cabrera-Bosque
  • Monique Doutre
Historic Sub-Districts Map