Survey Project Requirements

Historic resource identification through survey can take many different forms. Much of the survey completed for projects involving DHR input consists of reconnaissance-level architectural survey. This type of survey entails documentation of building exteriors and is usually performed from the public right-of-way. DHR requires the following for each property surveyed at the reconnaissance level:

1. One (1) hard copy reconnaissance-level documentation form utilizing V-CRIS for the data entry;
2. One (1) set of 3½” x 5” or 4” x 6” color photographs placed in photo transparent sheets and labeled according to DHR’s Survey Photograph Policy (2016);
3. One (1) set of digital images saved on a CD-ROM or shared via large file transfer system as an uncompressed .JPG file, 1600×1200, at 300 dpi.  Individual digital images shall be named and organized according to the convention found in DHR’s Survey Photograph Policy (2016); and
4. One (1) site plan sketch of each property indicating the relationship between the primary resource and any secondary resource(s),rooflines and features such as dormers, porches, decks, and chimneys, the sidewalk(s), street(s), (roads), or neighboring parcel(s) bounding the property, and significant landscape features such as creeks and rivers. They must be fully labeled with the resource name, DHR identification number, and date of survey and include a north arrow. If they are to scale, an accurate scale must be included and if not to scale, the notation, “Not to Scale” or “NTS” must be provided.

Please note that these requirements may vary for projects funded by Cost Share Survey and Planning Program grants, Certified Local Government grants, or other grant funds administered by DHR. Refer to the project scope and/or check with the grant administrator to confirm project deliverables.

More information on reconnaissance level architecture survey requirements, as well as the requirements for other types of architectural and archaeological survey, can be found in DHR’s survey manual or by reaching out to DHR’s Architectural Survey Manager Blake McDonald at (804) 482-6086.

Survey Project Requirements Historic resource identification through survey can take many different forms. Much of the survey completed for projects involving DHR input consists of reconnaissance-level architectural survey. This type of survey entails documentation of building exteriors and is usually performed from the public right-of-way. DHR requires the following for each property surveyed at the reconnaissance level: One (1) hard copy reconnaissance-level documentation form utilizing V-CRIS for the data entry; One (1) set of 3½” x 5” or 4” x 6” color photographs placed in photo transparent sheets and labeled according to DHR’s Survey Photograph Policy (2016); One (1) set of digital images saved on a CD-ROM or shared via large file transfer system as an uncompressed .JPG file, 1600×1200, at 300 dpi.  Individual digital images shall be named and organized according to the convention found in DHR’s Survey Photograph Policy (2016); and One (1) site plan sketch of each property indicating the relationship between the primary resource and any secondary resource(s),rooflines and features such as dormers, porches, decks, and chimneys, the sidewalk(s), street(s), (roads), or neighboring parcel(s) bounding the property, and significant landscape features such as creeks and rivers. They must be fully labeled with the resource name, DHR identification number, and date of survey and include a north arrow. If they are to scale, an accurate scale must be included and if not to scale, the notation, “Not to Scale” or “NTS” must be provided. Please note that these requirements may vary for projects funded by Cost Share Survey and Planning Program grants, Certified Local Government grants, or other grant funds administered by DHR. Refer to the project scope and/or check with the grant administrator to confirm project deliverables. More information on reconnaissance level architecture survey requirements, as well as the requirements for other types of architectural and archaeological survey, can be found in DHR’s survey manual or by reaching out to DHR’s Architectural Survey Manager Blake McDonald at (804) 482-6086.

Data from a historic resource survey must completed in collaboration with DHR must be entered in the agency’s Virginia Cultural Resource Information System. Requirements for digital or hardcopy material submission may vary depending on the project scope.

Refer to DHR’s Historic Trades Directory for a list of individuals and firms that may be able to perform a historic resource survey. DHR provides the Trades & Consultants Directory as a free service to property owners, local governments, and state and federal sponsors in Virginia. The directory is not an endorsement by the department or a demonstration of professional competence and should not be construed as an “approved” list. Determining the suitability of the providers is the responsibility of the project representative(s).

State and federal grants can support cultural resources survey work. Most grants focus on broad-based survey of neighborhoods, communities, or localities rather than individual property surveys. See DHR’s Grants page for more information on grant program requirements and application processes.