Landmark Preservation Overlay

What is the Landmark Preservation Overlay?

The Landmark Preservation Overlay (LPO) District is an overlay zoning district that requires additional development standards for a property. It is intended to encourage neighborhood conservation and foster civic pride in the beauty and accomplishments of the city’s past. Adding a property to the LPO allows property owners to promote and preserve historical, cultural, and architectural landmarks in Arlington.

Properties in a Landmark Preservation Overlay receive additional review by the Landmark Preservation Commission if changes are proposed to the exterior of the designated structure through the Certificate of Appropriateness. This review process is intended to preserve the elements of historic significance of the structure as seen from the public right-of-way (street). This designation does not impact the process for interior improvements or necessary structural repairs. 

Process

  • Interested Property Owner should submit a zoning change application, along with all required documentation, and a $100 fee.
  • Planning and Development Services staff will set up a Pre-Application meeting with the applicant as required by the Unified Development Code.
  • Planning and Development Services staff will review the application and determine completeness. 
  • The Landmark Preservation Commission will hold a public hearing on the Landmark Preservation Overlay zoning change application request. The Commission will recommend approval, denial, or modification of the application and forward it to the Planning and Zoning Commission.
  • The Planning and Zoning Commission will also hold a public hearing on Landmark Preservation Overlay district proposals. The Commission will recommend approval, denial, or modification of the application and forward its recommendation to the City Council.
  • The City Council will determine whether to adopt, modify, deny, or remand any proposed Landmark Preservation Overlay district designation.

Property owners may request the removal of the LPO designation at any time, following the same zoning change process described above.