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Historic Preservation Enabling Legislation in North Carolina The first legislation in North Carolina enabling a local government to create a local preservation commission and establish a local historic district was passed in 1965. The law has been amended several times, and in 1991, GS 160A-400.1 was enacted as the Historic Preservation Statute for North Carolina. In 2019 the General Statute was consolidated to update and clarify parts of Chapters 153A and 160 of the General Statutes. This was enacted as G.S. 160D and is included in full as the current enabling legislation in Appendix 7. Wake Forest Planning Department The Town of Wake Forest Planning Department is the governmental office that provides staff support to the Wake Forest Historic Preservation Commission. The Senior Planner for Historic Preservation (Preservation Planner) is a full-time town employee who, as part of his/ her planning duties, acts as the liaison between property owners and the Historic Preservation Commission. This Department is responsible for maintaining a current inventory of historic properties, applying for and administering grant projects, and working with State and Federal agencies regarding historic preservation issues. The Town of Wake Forest staff is committed to providing the community with the highest level of service. Wake Forest Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) The Wake Forest HPC is a board of nine members appointed by the Wake Forest Board of Commissioners. Each member is appointed to serve a three-year term and is eligible for reap- pointment for two full terms. Members must have demonstrated a special interest, experi- ence, or education in historic preservation, history, architecture, archaeology or related fields and all members must live within the Town of Wake Forest or the ETJ. The HPC elects one member to serve as chairperson to preside over the commission meetings and one member to serve as vice-chairperson. The Town’s Finance Director is the treasurer of the HPC’s finances. The Preservation Planner acts as the secretary. HPC meetings are open to the public and held monthly at Town Hall. For a COA to be considered at a meeting, property owners must submit an application to the Planning Department a minimum of thirty (30) days prior to the meeting. Please see the HPC calendar at wakeforestnc.gov, search “historic preservation commission.” Historic District and Local Landmark Designation North Carolina General Statute § 160A-400.3 states, “Historic districts established pursuant to this Part shall consist of areas which are deemed to be of special significance in terms of their history, prehistory, architecture, and/or culture, and to possess integrity of design, setting, materials, feeling, and association. (1989, c. 706, s. 2.).” The Town may designate one or more local historic districts within its boundaries in order to safeguard its heritage and preserve any areas that reflect its cultural, social, economic, political, or architectural history. In addition, historic district designation benefits the town by stabilizing and improving property values, fostering civic beauty, strengthening the local economy, and promoting the use of such areas for the benefit of Wake Forest residents as well as the State of North Carolina. Wake Forest established its historic district ordinance, Historic Preservation Commission, and local historic district in 1979. There is currently one locally-designated historic district and ten locally-designated historic landmarks in Wake Forest. Additional information about these properties is on page 133.
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