THE PRELIMINARY INFORMATION FORM
HISTORIC DISTRICTS
The
Virginia Department of Historic Resources maintains the Virginia Landmarks
Register and makes nominations to the National Register of Historic Places.
Requests for nominations to both registers are reviewed by a special committee
of the Department, the State Review Board. In most cases, the Board makes its
preliminary determination based on the information submitted in the attached Preliminary
Information Form. The Preliminary Information Form is not a nomination report.
It is rather a means of obtaining sufficient information for the State Review
Board to judge if a district warrants more detailed documentation for
nomination as required by the National Register of Historic Places. The
Register Procedures
When
it is judged to be complete, the Preliminary Information Form (PIF) is reviewed
by the Department's Register Evaluation Team. This inter-disciplinary committee
meets twice a month and makes a recommendation regarding a district's
eligibility to the State Review Board. In order to appear on the Board's
agenda, the form must include complete ownership information. Each board member
receives a copy of the forms and a staff recommendation regarding the
eligibility of the district two weeks before the meeting. The forms are
individually reviewed at the meeting and a recommendation is made of the
district's eligibility. Such factors as the architectural integrity of the
structures within the district, its historical background and regional
representation on the register are considered by the Board in their evaluation.
The National Register and Virginia Landmarks Register Criteria for Evaluation is used in the recommendation.
If
the Board judges the information sufficient, it will act upon the question of
the district's eligibility. The Board may concur with the staff recommendation
that the property is eligible for listing, request further information or make
recommendations. Upon the State Review Board recommending a district is eligible, the owners might consider hiring a private
consultant to prepare the nomination. A list of consultants is available from
this office. Finally the Board may recommend that a district is not eligible
for registration. The Board's decision may be reconsidered if owners can
provide new information not previously presented to the Board that would
enhance the district's eligibility. Occasionally, the Board may delay action
for specific reasons. Applicants are notified, in writing, of the Board's
action following the meeting.
The
length of time for the completion of a nomination depends on the preparer and
the nature of the district. For nominations prepared by private consultants,
the time period rests with the consultant.
The
Department of Historic Resources has continually maintained high standards for
properties listed on the National Register and the Virginia Landmarks Register.
Registration is thus selective and honorific. Department staff will be happy to
answer questions regarding the register program and procedures.
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