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Historic Preservation

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Older buildings and neighborhoods in Fairfax County are part of Fairfax County’s "heritage resources" and are economic and social investments that pay dividends. However, these investments can be lost if not protected or properly cared for. This public stewardship responsibility has been recognized for over thirty years. In 1969, the Board of Supervisors amended the Zoning Ordinance to better protect those unique areas, sites, and buildings that are of special architectural, historic, or archaeological value to local residents and visitors. These heritage resources continue to be recognized as major contributors to the quality of life in Fairfax County and to its reputation as one of the major centers for cultural tourism in Virginia and the United States. This is not a new idea. In fact, the County’s heritage resources have been studied and preserved since the 1850s and, since the 1969 action by the Board of Supervisors, many have been recognized and protected by what are known as Historic Overlay Districts. Related Information Architectural Review Board (ARB) The ARB is responsible for public interest(s) as embodied in the Historic Overlay District Ordinance. Its job is to protect and enhance the resources that give a district its historic, architectural, or archaeological significance.  ARB Bylaws Cemeteries of Fairfax County Historic Overlay Districts Historic Overlay Districts provide regulations over and above the regular zoning protection. Historic Overlay District Design Guidelines Each of the county's thirteen historic overlay districts has its own set of design guidelines. History Commission The Fairfax County History Commission, established in 1969, helps identify, document, record, and preserve our county's historic past. The Commission is also responsible for listing properties on the County Inventory of Historic Sites. The Department of Planning and Zoning (DPZ) provides staff support to the History Commisssion and maintains it's website. Inventory of Historic Sites A catalog of historically significant sites within Fairfax County. Fairfax County History Commission Historical Roadside Markers This website includes county historical markers erected from February 1999, when the first marker was installed, through August 2009. Information on additional markers will be added to the website periodically. Preservation Easements Conserving open space and historic resources through easements. The Virginia Room The Fairfax County Public Library's Virginia Room maintains a collection rich in regional history and genealogy. Additional Resources The Zoning Ordinance is available in portable document format (PDF). In order to view PDF files, you will need Adobe Reader version 6.0 or greater installed on your computer. Zoning Ordinance Article 7 (PDF) – Overlay District Regulations Zoning Ordinance Appendix 1 (PDF) – Historic Overlay Districts