Rehabilitation Quick Guide Design Guide Renovation FAQs CAR Application
On April 26, 1983, the City Council of Portsmouth designated a portion of
Port Norfolk as the city’s fifth historic district. At this time, Port Norfolk, a community of
proud residents, was included under the protection of the Historic District Code of the City as an architecturally significant area.
Originally built between 1890 and 1920, Port Norfolk is an outstanding example of a turn-of-the-century neighborhood. It is both a great privilege and responsibility to reside in a historic neighborhood. Residents are charged with maintaining the character and charm of the neighborhood in order to create a vital link to our past for generations to come.
Creating and maintaining a piece of living history is not always an easy task. It requires sensitivity and great attention to detail. However the rewards of such attention are priceless.
The Historic District Code of the City of Portsmouth was
designed to help facilitate residents achieving the goal of preservation and protection of the historic buildings,
structures, and areas in the neighborhood.
To help realize the aim of historic preservation, any exterior
improvements or changes (repair, replacement, construction, demolition, fencing, painting etc) must be submitted to the Commission of Architectural Review and receive a Certificate of Appropriateness. This ensures all visible changes are conducted in a manner which is appropriate with the historic character of the neighborhood.
Applications may be submitted for review at the Planning and Zoning Office on the 4th floor of 801 Crawford Street. For questions please contact Jocelyn Terry Adumauh, at 393-8836 ext 4203. Commission of Architectural Review (CAR) meetings are held the first Tuesday of the month at 7 pm.
