CAPE CHARLES, Va. — The Cape Charles Historic District Review Board (HDRB) approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for new (continuing) construction plans for 542 Jefferson Avenue after a series of complications involving the property. The site, previously owned by Bad Dog LLC, was subject to an ongoing violation order from the town when the structure was illegally demolished. At the time, the HDRB had approved a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) allowing the reconstruction of the house in its original size and style.
However, construction was halted when the property was sold, causing all permits, including the COA and building permits, to lapse. While some work had been completed under the previous owner, the new owners are now tasked with resubmitting plans for approval, as they “inherited” the partially completed construction but cannot continue without renewed authorization.
The new owners are proposing to continue building within the existing framing footprint and structure, but with several modifications to the original design, including:
- Changes to window placement.
- Screening in the side porch.
- A 420-square-foot, two-story rear addition featuring a first-floor garage and second-floor living space.
- A new side entryway with paver walkways.
- Installation of a 175-square-foot rear concrete pad.

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