County Historic Districts

Historic & Cultural Conservation Districts

Loudoun County provides for the protection of historically and culturally significant areas by permitting the creation of Historic Site, Historic and Cultural Conservation, and Historic Roadway Overlay districts through the Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance. In addition to land use regulations for these districts, landowners must comply with architectural guidelines intended to protect  the historic character of Historic and Cultural Conservation Overlay Districts.

Loudoun County Historic Districts Guidelines

Chapter 5 of the Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance (PDF) provides for the protection of historically and culturally significant areas and outline the regulations of the county’s historic districts. 

A requirement of Chapter 5 of the Zoning Ordinance is a Certificate of Appropriateness (CAPP). Before any alterations to existing structures, including demolition, or construction of new structures, buildings (including fences, but excluding farm fences and bona fide farm buildings primarily used for agriculture or horticultural purposes) or signs, landowners must present plans to the Loudoun County Historic District Review Committee (HDRC) for review. 

  1. Aldie
  2. Beaverdam Creek Historic Roads
  3. Bluemont
  4. Goose Creek
  5. Oatlands
  6. Taylorstown
  7. Waterford

Loudoun County established the Aldie Historic District to preserve the distinctive character and charm of the Village of Aldie as properties and residents change over time. Most exterior changes to properties require review and approval from the Historic District Review Committee (HDRC) before the project begins. 

The Village of Aldie is an early nineteenth century linear village built along the Little River Turnpike, now Route 50. The village settlement is centered around the historic Aldie Mill.   

Town Historic Districts

The Towns of Leesburg, Middleburg, and Purcellville also have locally designated historic districts the town governments administer. 

National Register Historic Districts

Properties that are part of a National Register Historic District are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A National Register Historic District is strictly an honorary designation that recognizes the historic significance of a place, building, or area and encourages but does not require its preservation. Many of the county-designated Historic Districts are also National Register Historic Districts.