Frederick County, VA Historic Preservation: Historic-Cultural Monuments (2026)

Property owners in Frederick County outside Winchester, Stephens City and Middletown who want a structure recognized as locally historically significant file an application package and processing fee with the Department of Planning and Development under § 97-1. The Department forwards complete applications to the Historic Resources Advisory Board (HRAB), which accepts applications at any time, and the applicant gets written notice of HRAB's determination within 90 days of submission. Under § 97-2, applicants submit a completed application form, photographs of each side of the structure and any relevant interior detail, and a sketch showing the structure's location on the property.

Section 97-3 requires all fees and expenses set by the Board of Supervisors to be paid at the time of application. Section 97-5 sets the eligibility bar: the structure must be at least 50 years old, evaluated as a whole rather than in parts, and judged on architectural significance (a recognized type, period or method of construction, or the work of a recognized master craftsman), historical significance (association with a locally important event or person) and physical/historical integrity across location, design, materials, workmanship and feeling.

If HRAB designates the structure, § 97-4 directs that a numbered plaque be issued and mounted on the left side of the front entrance; the plaque stays county property and stays with the owner only as long as the structure retains 75% of its historic fabric and configuration.