The City of Virginia Beach was designated as a Certified Local Government by the National Park Service on Aug. 25, 2016. The Certified Local Government (CLG) program establishes a partnership between the local government, the federal historic preservation program and the State Historic Preservation Office, which in Virginia is the Department of Historic Resources. 

Program Goals

• Promote viable communities through preservation.
• Recognize and reward communities with sound local preservation programs.
• Establish credentials of quality for local preservation programs.

How the CLG Designation Requirements are Met 

• Having a historic district ordinance that defines district boundaries, establishes a review board, identifies actions for review, and provides for the protection of local historic resources.
• Having a review board that administers the ordinance and a preservation commission that works as an advocate for preservation in the City.
• Continuing to survey local heritage resources.
• Promoting public participation in the local heritage stewardship program.
• Reporting annually on the performance of its CLG responsibilities.
  

Surveys of Virginia Beach's Heritage Resources

• Architectural Survey: Northern Half 1992
• Architectural Survey: Southern Half 1993
• Sears Kit Home Survey 2006
• Archaeological Assessment: Northern Half 2018
• Architectural Survey: Northern Half 2018
• Architectural Survey: Southern Half 2020