Design Style Guides

Two design-related guides are available to help property owners plan appropriate repairs, alterations and additions to historic properties or design new construction that fits into a historic neighborhood. These guidelines are based on the U.S. Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and written to help protect the historic character of Arlington’s neighborhoods.

Maywood Homeowner’s Handbook(PDF, 22MB): Design Guidelines: A range of design options to encourage historic preservation and ensure new construction is compatible with the existing character of the Maywood Historic District are outlined in this guide. It explains when a building permit and a Certificate of Appropriateness (CoA) are required, describes the process for design review in Arlington County and distinguishes between appropriate and inappropriate design. Property owners within the Maywood Historic District must follow these guidelines and design review process.

Ashton Heights Style Guide: This guide describes the history of the Ashton Heights neighborhood and typical architectural styles. It includes design recommendations and suggestions that are helpful for addressing common problems of building maintenance and rehabilitation while preserving a home’s character-defining features. The appendix includes helpful resources for owners of historic properties, including a Preventative and Cyclical Maintenance Checklist, architectural glossary and a listing of salvage companies and local contractors.

U.S. Secretary of Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties: The National Park Service developed these standards and guidelines to offer recommendations for appropriately maintaining, repairing and replacing historic materials, and making additions or alterations to historic buildings. To be eligible for state and federal historic tax credits, these guidelines must be followed.