Leesburg Board of Architectural Review Work Session – October 7, 2026

The Leesburg Board of Architectural Review (BAR) held a work session on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting focused on a single deferred case: a proposed addition, site improvements, and accessory structure at 9 Royal Street SE (TLHPBR2026-0019). After public testimony and board deliberation, the application was approved with conditions.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jason Miller (303 South King Street) spoke in support, citing the need to allow reasonable modifications to historic structures to keep them usable, and noting that his own property was approved for a significant addition in 2024.
• Garrett Boyd (11 English Court SW) expressed support, highlighting the applicant's previous successful work in town and the importance of new development for the community.
• Kathleen Pose (neighbor at 11 Royal Street SE) voiced concerns about the size of the addition (812 sq ft, nearly equal to the historic house) and the accessory structure (450 sq ft barn, spa, patio, etc.), asking for a clear view of what would be visible from her property. She also raised new information about a Chase Club communication advertising a pool deck, suggesting potential use changes.
• Suzanne Larkins (3 Royal Street SE) argued that the side addition remains too large to be subordinate to the vernacular house, and the accessory structure is too large and improperly oriented. She noted the non-conforming side yard setback and zoning issues, and requested deferral until those are resolved.
• Christy Murdoch submitted a written comment (received after 5:00 PM, distributed by staff Russell).

Discussion Items

• Staff Presentation: Heather Larkins (staff) reviewed the application, noting that the roof height increase (the main previous issue) had been removed. She highlighted that the addition is large (doubling the square footage) but uses mitigation strategies per guidelines: stepbacks, changes in siding, hyphen, and fenestration. The accessory structure (barn) was described as agrarian design, but its proximity to the addition raised concerns about appearing as one conglomerate building.
• Applicant Presentation: Kevin Ash presented comparisons to previously approved projects in town (217 West Market, 220 Loudoun, 227 South, 215 South, 212 South King, 303 South King) to show that similar massing and height increases had been approved. He noted that the roof pitch matches the original, and that he received 16–18 letters of support.
• Board Deliberation:
  • Chair Helen Aikman asked whether opposition was driven by use rather than architecture, emphasizing the BAR must be use-agnostic.
  • Written comments from absent Vice Chair Tom O'Neill were read, stating the application is approvable as submitted.
  • Member Julie Pastor expressed satisfaction with the roof reduction but remained uncomfortable with the accessory structure's proximity and mass, suggesting reducing it to two bays or pushing it back.
  • Member JP Andrews noted that the applicant had listened to concerns, and the project had improved over multiple iterations. He supported the accessory structure as reduced but wanted to ensure the barn length is decreased.
  • Member Lucas Mason agreed that the accessory structure is more appropriate now and requested preservation of a maple tree in the rear. He emphasized window reuse per staff recommendation.
  • Chair Aikman concluded that the board had consensus on most items except the barn size; after discussion, Kevin Ash offered to reduce the barn length by 18 inches (from three bays) to increase distance from the main structure, which the board accepted.

Key Outcomes

• Vote: Motion to approve TLHPBR2026-0019 (alterations, addition, accessory structure, site improvements) was made by JP Andrews, seconded by Julie Pastor, and passed 4–0–3 (three absences: Tom O'Neill, Rick Brown, Don Scheuerman).
• Conditions:
  1. Any changes to architectural design resulting from site plan, zoning, or building permit reviews require a revised application.
  2. All six-over-three windows will be repaired; the rear six-over-three window relocated to replace the one-over-one on the front; the right elevation six-over-three relocated to replace the six-over-one.
  3. The accessory structure length will be reduced by 18 inches (decreasing bay width) to increase separation from the main structure.
  4. All flagstone (patio, walkways) will be consistent Pennsylvania bluestone.
• Additional Notes: The board designated Chair Helen Aikman to represent the BAR if requested by the Town Council regarding the appeal of 7 Royal Street (continued from a prior hearing). Staff announced upcoming JARB awards and fall events.