Frequently Asked Questions

What is project review? Project review is the process of assisting federal and state agencies and their applicants in determining whether or not their projects will affect significant historic properties. This process allows for consideration of alternatives that may avoid or reduce any potential effect while the projects are still in the planning stages.

The process is based on two principles:

• Decisions should be based on full knowledge of all relevant information.
   
• Decisions should consider all interests. Public comment is an important part of the Section 106 review process. For more details, check out the Citizens' Guide to Section 106 Review.
  
  

What is the role of the Department of Historic Resources (DHR) in project review? DHR is charged with representing the Commonwealth's interest in protecting Virginia's significant historic, architectural, archaeological, and cultural resources. The department's role in project review is advisory and consultative, relying on practices established by federal and state law, and on the body of information gathered through DHR's ongoing survey.

What is an historic property? Under federal law, an historic property is any district, site, building, structure, or object that meets the criteria for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. The national register is a list established by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, to recognize properties for their significance in history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture.

Under state law, a historic property is any district, site, building, structure, or object designated by the Virginia Board of Historic Resources for listing on the Virginia Landmarks Register. The criteria are the same as those used for the National Register.

What standards does the department use in project review? To ensure consistency in its review of both federal and state undertakings, DHR uses The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Archeology and Historic Preservation (1983). The Secretary's Standards establish professional standards for the identification, evaluation, registration, and treatment of historic properties. The department also provides report preparation and survey guidelines to help government agencies (the project sponsors) and their consultants meet these standards.

What is DHR's expected response time? The department usually provides comments within 30 days of receipt of a complete review package. Statutory timeframe for the Section 106 review process are given on the Advisory Council for Historic Preservation Web site.


 

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To ensure consistency in its review of both federal and state undertakings, DHR uses The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Archaeology and Historic Preservation, which establish professional standards for the identification, evaluation, registration, and treatment of historic properties.



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