Section 175-86                   CRITERIA FOR SELECTION OF HISTORIC DISTRICTS OR LANDMARKS.


Criteria for evaluating the merits of a given structure or space shall be based on architectural features as well as historic factors.  Certain buildings or areas, although not associated with an historic personage or event, may be valuable examples of the town's physical and cultural heritage.  Structures of local significance shall be evaluated, as well as those of state and national significance, and any structures individually listed upon the National Register of Historic Places or the Virginia Landmarks Register shall be designated upon the Town Register.  In addition, such evaluation shall be based on the following specific matters:

 

A.  Architectural and landscape style: The evaluation shall respect the qualities of each architectural and landscape style and shall judge a structure's merit on how well it exemplifies the distinguishing characteristics of said style.  Consideration will be given to:

    

       1. The significance of the architectural design.

       2. The scale and/or interrelationships of the structures and/or environmental features.

       3. The significant patterns of development.

       4. The quality of workmanship.

       5. The amount of surviving original fabric.

       6. The original location and use.

       7. The remaining outbuildings or dependencies.

       8. The surrounding environment; gardens, landscaping and walks.

       9. The aesthetic quality.

     10. The original integrity of the structure and its details.

 

B.  Historical and/or cultural significance:- Structures or spaces relating to one (1) or more of the following criteria will be considered historically or culturally valuable:

 

      1. Association with an historic personage.

      2. Association with an historic event.

      3. Work of the leading architect or master craftsman.

      4. Site or structure of cultural significance.

 

C. In addition, sole or infrequent surviving building types and structures not historic in themselves but adding to the character of an historic district need to be looked at as potentially deserving preservation.


(Ord. No. Z-5-92 Amended Entire Section 4-13-92-Effective Upon Passage)