49-5. Participation in Historic Landmark Program

  1. Voluntary Participation. This program is entirely voluntary and participants may opt in or opt out of the program at any time. To opt-in to the program, applicants must complete the procedure below. To opt-out of the program, participants must provide written notice to the Planning Department and Tax Department.
  2. Criteria for Historic Landmarks. No property shall be recommended for designation unless it is deemed to be of historical, prehistorical, architectural, or cultural importance. It must also possess integrity of design, setting, workmanship and/or materials. The following shall be considerations for selection:
    1. Property is at least 100 years old, and
    2. Property owner agrees to terms and conditions for designation as Historic Landmark, and
    3. Property is associated with historic events that have shaped Henderson County, or
    4. Property is tied to the lives of persons who influenced the economic, social, educational, or cultural conditions of Henderson County, or
    5. Property features distinct architectural style, method of construction, high artistic values, or represents the work of a master architect or builder, or
    6. Property represents the full spectrum of historic property types in the County including but not limited to, residences, commercial buildings, churches, farmsteads, engineering features or parks, or
    7. Property yields or is likely to yield information important to the understanding of the history or prehistory of Henderson County; and
    8. Property has been accepted onto the State Historic Study list, signifying that it is considered possibly eligible for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places.
  3. The following are possible incentives for participation in the historic property designation program. The availability of particular incentives depends on financial and personnel resources and shall be determined by the Board of Commissioners.
    1. Technical assistance - the HRC may hold workshops on historic preservation, and compile a list of grant programs, preservation societies, and other useful resources for people interested in historic preservation.
    2. Promotional - the HRC may provide participants with recognition plaques, collaborate with Tourism Department, Chamber and Heritage Museum to schedule possible tours or promotional materials with listings of historic sites in Henderson County.
    3. No Fee required to submit an application to the HRC after the property is designated.
    4. Provide information regarding possible grants for rehab - HRC may apply for grants and research funds for rehab or aid property owners with needed repairs.
    5. The HRC may assist the property owner with the report that is required to receive the federal tax incentive and be placed on the National Historic Registry of Historic Places.
    6. Property Tax Incentive based on N.C.G.S. 105-278.
  4. The designation must be specific only to the area of historic significance and any area deemed historic must be proven so with objective evidence to support the determination. The order will clearly describe the designated area.