Windover Heights Board of Review
The Windover Heights Board of Review (WHBR), established by Section 18-818 of the Town Code, reviews new construction and major exterior alterations to buildings that can be seen from the public right-of-way within the Windover Heights Historic District in northwest Vienna to ensure that they are in keeping with historic architectural aspects of the district.
The Town Council recognizes that Windover Heights is a single-family residential neighborhood that has changed little since the turn of the century and is one of the original residential sections of historic old Vienna, which housed citizens who were prominent in the Town's development. It consists mostly of older homes, open spaces, and meandering streets lined with mature trees and shrubs.
WHBR reviews application within the context of this recognition and will consider the following criteria:
- Design and architectural features
- Textures and materials
- Color
- Relationship to similar features of surrounding buildings, structures, and fence; and signs for non-residential uses
- Harmony or incongruity with the old and historic aspects of Windover Heights.
Projects that are determined to be suitable for the district will be issued a Certificate of Appropriateness (CoA), indicating the WHBR has given the application permission to proceed with the project as approved. A full list of criteria as well as the Certificate of Appropriateness review process can be found in Section 18-840 of the Town Code.
A successful application reflects the architectural and aesthetic qualities of the district, including design, materials, and appropriate color palettes. Applicants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the neighborhood's historic homes, structures, and streetscapes during the design process to better understand the character and qualities the WHBR seeks to maintain within the neighborhood. If desired, applicants may request a work session with the WHBR to receive feedback on their application and to better understand the WHBR's priorities, prior to making a formal submission.
How do I know if a property is in the Windover Heights Historic District?
Applicants can use the Interactive Zoning Map or download the Windover Heights Historic District Map(PDF, 189KB) to determine if the property in question is subject to review by the Windover Heights Board of Review.
Many properties have been recognized by Historic Vienna, Inc.
How do I register my property on Vienna's Historic Registry?
The Town works with Historic Vienna, Inc. (HVI) to advise on the process of registering historic properties. Please fill out the Application Registration of Historic Structure, Site or Place by the Town of Vienna, and return to the Town Clerk's office. Once received, HVI will evaluate the application and provide their decision to the applicant. For more information about HVI, please visit their website: https://historicviennainc.org/
Application Submission
To submit a project for review, register and submit an application to the Town's online GeoCivix portal.
To submit material samples for review, mail or deliver to:
Town of Vienna
c/o Planning & Zoning Department/WHBR
127 Center St., S
Vienna, Va 22180
Meetings
The Windover Heights Board of Review meets at 7:30 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month when an application has been filed for the board’s consideration.
Meeting location
Council Chambers, upstairs at Town Hall
127 Center St., S
Agendas and minutes of past meetings
2026 Filing Deadlines
Applications to the Windover Heights Board of Review must be filed for staff review before the dates below to be eligible for a specific agenda date. An * indicates a special meeting date due to town holiday scheduling.
| Meeting Date |
Filing Deadline |
| Jan. 6, 2026 |
Dec. 16, 2025 |
| Feb. 3, 2026 |
Jan. 13, 2026 |
| Mar. 3, 2026 |
Feb. 10, 2026 |
| Apr. 7, 2026 |
Mar. 17, 2026 |
| May 5, 2026 |
Apr. 14, 2026 |
| Jun. 2, 2026 |
May 12, 2026 |
| Jul. 7, 2026 |
Jun. 16, 2026 |
| Aug. 4, 2026 |
Jul. 14, 2026 |
| Sep. 1, 2026 |
Aug. 11, 2026 |
| Oct. 6, 2026 |
Sep. 15, 2026 |
| *Nov. 4, 2026 |
Oct. 13, 2026 |
| Dec. 1, 2026 |
Nov. 10, 2026 |
| Jan. 5, 2027 |
Dec. 15, 2026 |
NOTE: Failure to respond to pre-meeting review comments or provide material samples prior to meeting posting dates will result in a failure to meet the filing deadlines, and delay in placement on a Windover Heights Board of Review agenda.
Board members
Contact
Staff Representative: Lyndsey Clouatre
Email
703-255-6316
Board Clerk: Jennifer Murphy
Email
703-255-6349