Historic Overlay District
The Historic Overlay District (HOD) as defined in the Code of Virginia, § 15.2-2201 and the City of Manassas Zoning Ordinance promotes the general welfare, health, and safety of the public through the perpetuation of those areas of individual structures and/or premises which have been, or may be, officially designated by the City Council as having historic or architectural significance. The Historic Overlay District was created to:
- Protect against deterioration, destruction of, or encroachment upon historic or architecturally significant structures, and/or areas.
- Encourage uses which will lead to their continuance, conservation, and improvement in an appropriate manner.
- Ensure that new structures and uses within such district will be in keeping with the historic or architecturally significant character to be preserved.
Manassas Local Historic District: This historic district is the largest of the three districts and includes over 300 structures. It is approximately 2.5 square miles and composed of the traditional downtown area as well as numerous surrounding neighborhoods.
Design Guidelines
Historic District Design Guidelines (English)
Guía para el diseño de los distritos históricos (en español)
Architectural Review Board
The Architectural Review Board was created for the purposes of administering and overseeing the Historic Overlay District and advising the public in matters involving historically significant sites and preservation. The Architectural Review Board issues Certificates of Appropriateness for construction, reconstruction, substantial exterior alteration, demolition, or relocation within an historic overlay district.
If you own property in the historic district, you might need to fill out an Architectural Review Board Application before you begin any improvement project. Contact the Planning & Development Office before starting any project on a property in the Historic District.
For additional questions, call 703-257-8247, 703-257-8278 or email arb@manassasva.gov.
Additional Resources
Property Owner Guide
Guía para dueños de propiedades históricas
Historic District Brochure
Folleto de Distrito Histórico
Adopted List of Historic Landmarks
Adopted Survey of Local Historic District Structures
Zoning and Parcel Map