The Gateway District does not apply to single-family detached houses. On residential properties, the district is primarily focused on structures immediately adjacent to the road (fences, low walls, small accessory structures). For multi-family, single-family attached (townhome), or commercial properties, the District is focused on ensuring that the appearance of new development or redevelopment is respectful of the historic character of Leesburg along the five entry corridors leading to the Old and Historic District (OHD). As with the OHD, the Gateway District does not regulate allowed uses. Certificates of Appropriateness applications include, but are not limited to:

• New construction
• Alterations to existing structures
• Site work such as patios, retaining walls, fences, and light fixtures.
• Signage
• Demolition - in whole or in part

For additional information regarding application requirements, please contact or Preservation staff at 703-771-2765.

Please visit our application page.  We accept electronic submissions via eTRAKiT. When submitting you will select the option for submitting a "project". Please ensure that the completed application form and required checklist materials are attached to your submission.

A link to the meeting schedule and application deadlines for the Board of Architectural Review can be found here. 

If you have questions regarding submission requirements and procedures, please contact our Preservation staff at (703) 771-2765.

The Town has online resources available to help you determine whether your property is located in an architectural control district and what the underlying zoning for your property may be.

Old & Historic District Address Map (Interactive version coming soon!)

Interactive Gateway District Map

Interactive Zoning Map

If you have additional questions or need assistance using our online tools, please feel free to reach out to staff by calling 703-771-2765. 

No. The Gateway District is an architectural overlay.  This means that the underlying zoning of your property is unchanged.  Instead, the Gateway District provides architectural standards and guidelines for the main corridors leading into Leesburg’s Historic District to achieve the desired goal of preserving and enhancing the special character of greater Leesburg.

No. The Old and Historic District Guidelines and Gateway District Guidelines offer suggestions about the appropriateness of certain materials and Preservation staff can work with you to help you select appropriate materials or colors for your project.  The Town does not maintain a list of acceptable or required contractors and is unable to recommend a contractor.

Please note that murals on private businesses or buildings are not permitted in the H-1 Old and Historic District. For additional information, please feel free to contact our Preservation staff at (703) 771-2765.

No. inclusion in this district does not necessarily mean your house or place of business is a historic structure.  The Virginia Department of Historic Resources defines a historic structure as one having reached 50 years of age.  So while your building may be “historic” by those standards, inclusion in the Gateway district is not the same as inclusion in the H-1 Old and Historic District.  The intensity of the review is much greater in the Old and Historic District with a higher focus on preservation of historic resources and assurance that the quality of proposed design and usage of materials will complement the historic status of the H-1 District.  There is also considerable attention given to impact on surrounding buildings.  In the Gateway District, the focus is on ensuring protection of Leesburg’s uniqueness in Northern Virginia.