Thinking about a window swap, a front fence, or a new porch on your historic Arlington home? Small exterior changes can trigger big reviews, delays, and do-overs if you miss a key rule. You want to preserve your home’s character and make smart investments without wasting time or money. This guide shows you how Arlington’s process works, what projects get flagged, and simple steps to avoid costly mistakes. Let’s dive in.
Confirm if your home needs review
If your property sits inside one of Arlington’s Local Historic Districts (examples include Ashton Heights, Lyon Village, Maywood, and Fairlington), most exterior changes require a Certificate of Appropriateness. Local designation is the trigger, not just a National Register listing. Start by checking the County’s list of Local Historic Districts and boundaries. You can review the County’s overview and maps on the Local Historic Districts page.
- Learn where local rules apply: Arlington Local Historic Districts
When a Certificate of Appropriateness is required
Arlington requires a Certificate of Appropriateness (CoA) for most exterior alterations within a Local Historic District. An ordinary building permit alone is not enough if a CoA is required.
- CoA details and deadlines: Certificate of Appropriateness
Typical triggers
- New openings (windows, doors) on visible elevations.
- Replacing visible materials with nonmatching materials.
- Additions and new construction that can be seen from the street.
- Demolition or removal of character-defining features.
- Visible mechanical equipment, front-yard fences, and certain tree impacts shown on plans.
Often not reviewed
- Routine maintenance and in-kind, like-for-like replacements (same materials and profiles).
- Interior work that does not change exterior appearance.
- Paint color changes. It is still wise to choose colors that fit the neighborhood context.
Always confirm your specific scope with County staff before you start.
How the review process works
You submit CoA applications through Permit Arlington, then follow a monthly review schedule. Plan for at least one full month between filing and a final decision, and longer if revisions are needed.
Step-by-step
- Meet with the Design Review Committee for early guidance. This informal review helps you refine plans and avoid surprises at the hearing. See the County’s Design Review Committee page.
- Submit your CoA application online with photos, scaled drawings, elevations, material specs, and tree information when applicable. Use the checklists on the Certificate of Appropriateness page to avoid delays.
- The Historical Affairs and Landmark Review Board reviews, approves, conditions, or denies applications. Appeals to the County Board are possible but add time.
Costly exterior mistakes to avoid
Arlington relies on the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and related National Park Service guidance. These emphasize repair over replacement, compatible materials, and preserving character-defining features. Explore the NPS Preservation Briefs for practical how-tos.
Windows
Replacing original wood windows with off-the-shelf vinyl is a common misstep. Original sash, muntin patterns, and casings often define your façade. NPS guidance favors repair, weather-stripping, and storm windows to boost efficiency without losing character. See NPS strategies for energy upgrades in historic buildings: sustainability and efficiency.
Siding and trim
Covering original wood siding with vinyl or composite panels that alter profiles and shadow lines is risky. Review bodies often require matching materials and dimensions or proof of visual compatibility. Inappropriate substitutes can lead to redesigns.
Porches and entries
Enclosing a front porch or swapping out columns and railings can change the home’s character and rhythm. Repair and restore where possible. When replacement is unavoidable, document existing details and match profiles per NPS Preservation Briefs.
Roofs, dormers, and chimneys
Highly visible roof changes, thin-profile shingles that read as modern, or removing a historic chimney can draw scrutiny. Keep additions compatible and place dormers so they are discreet from public view.
Additions and new construction
Large additions that dominate the original structure are frequent pain points. The Standards call for additions that are compatible, clearly subordinate, and differentiated. Massing, placement, and openings should respect street views.
Mechanical equipment and solar panels
Placing condensers or solar arrays on front elevations or highly visible roof slopes can trigger denial or require screening. Show locations and screening on your CoA plans and consider less visible placements early.
Trees and site changes
Unplanned removal or damage to mature trees can stall your project. If your work affects trees 15 inches DBH or more, include tree protection measures and plan notes in your submittal.
Paint choices
Paint color is generally not reviewed in Arlington. Still, extreme palettes may provoke neighbor concerns and complicate resale. Use context-aware palettes to complement your home and streetscape.
Smart planning checklist
- Confirm your designation: Check the Local Historic Districts page or contact County staff.
- Vet your team: Choose contractors and designers with historic experience and CoA familiarity. The County’s Making Changes to Your Historic Building page outlines process tips.
- Engage early: Schedule a DRC consult before finalizing plans. Start with the Design Review Committee.
- Document conditions: Take clear photos and measurements, and gather historic evidence to support repair-over-replace solutions.
- Prioritize repair and reversibility: Follow NPS guidance on repairing windows and porches, and use storm windows or interior panels to improve performance.
- Match materials and profiles: When replacement is necessary, match original dimensions and details, or use compatible, clearly differentiated elements.
- Protect trees: Show tree locations and protection notes in your plans if work is near mature canopy.
- Budget time: The CoA cycle can take a month or more. Build in time for possible revisions and extra documentation.
Incentives and funding to explore
Virginia offers a state historic rehabilitation tax credit equal to 25 percent of eligible expenses for listed properties, and federal credits can provide 20 percent for certified rehabilitations of income-producing historic buildings. Projects must meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and follow a multi-stage certification process. Learn more at the Virginia Department of Historic Resources: Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits.
Arlington also summarizes planning and financial tools that may apply in specific situations. Review the County’s Financial Planning Tools, and ask County staff about current programs. For specialized community properties, national grant programs may help.
Local resources to bookmark
- CoA process, submittal checklists, and schedule: Certificate of Appropriateness
- Early design guidance: Design Review Committee
- Practical how-tos for windows, porches, siding, and more: NPS Preservation Briefs
- County process tips: Making Changes to Your Historic Building
- Property research and historic house cards: Arlington Historical Society
Getting the details right upfront can save you months and thousands of dollars. If you are planning exterior work on a historic Arlington home, a calm, well-sequenced plan will help you keep the character you love while protecting your investment. If you want market-savvy guidance on what to fix, what to preserve, and how to position your home for a premium sale, connect with Diana Foster Real Estate.
FAQs
Do exterior paint colors on historic homes need approval in Arlington?
- Arlington generally does not require a Certificate of Appropriateness for paint color changes, but context-appropriate palettes help avoid neighbor concerns and ease future resale.
I am listed on the National Register. Do I still need Arlington’s CoA?
- National Register listing alone does not trigger local review; local designation in a Local Historic District does. Check the County’s Local Historic Districts and confirm with staff.
How long does the CoA process take in Arlington?
- Plan for about a month from filing to a final decision, with more time if your project needs design revisions or another Design Review Committee cycle.
Can I replace historic wood windows with vinyl for energy savings?
- NPS guidance favors repairing original windows and using storm panels or weather-stripping. If your home is in a Local Historic District, replacements need CoA review and strong justification.
What documents do I need for a CoA application in Arlington?
- Typical submittals include photos, scaled plans and elevations, material specifications, and tree information when applicable. Use the County’s checklists to avoid delays.
