-by Ruth Little and Dana Deaton
What does the term “landmarking” mean? If you’ve ever chatted with historic preservationists, you might have heard the term used. Landmarking simply refers to the process of landmark designation for historic properties. These properties usually have historic markers posted near the entrances.
Here, in the first of our “Preservation 101” series, Preservation Raleigh delves into the world of historic designation. Our goal? To empower everyone to learn more about historic preservation and the role it plays in our communities.
Landmarking is the formal recognition of a property’s historical, architectural, cultural, or archaeological significance. This recognition can occur at various levels in North Carolina:
- Local: Designation by a municipality or county historic preservation commission.
- National: Inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places, administered by the U.S. Department of the Interior.
The designation journey and the specific benefits can vary depending on the level. However, the goal remains the same: to celebrate and safeguard our architectural heritage for future generations.
Understanding Local Landmarks vs. National Register Listing
First, let’s clear up a common misconception. Local designation is different from being listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The National Register, administered by the federal government, recognizes properties with historical, architectural, archaeological, or cultural value and helps to protect them from threats from federal or federally-assisted projects. In contrast, local designation acknowledges a historic property’s significance and provides protection from inappropriate alterations or from demolition (for one year).
While some properties may hold both designations, they are entirely separate programs with different criteria and benefits.
Either designation depends on the special significance of the property. An owner may consult with local or national representatives to see if their property is eligible.
The Power of Local Commissions
Local historic designations are spearheaded by local historic preservation commissions. These commissions, established by counties or municipalities, help identify potential landmarks, conduct research, and ultimately recommend properties for designation to the local governing board (city council or county commissioners).
The Designation Journey: From Research to Recognition
So, how does a property become locally designated? The process typically begins with the commission identifying a building, structure, site, area, or even an object with potential historical significance. They delve into the property’s history, documenting its architectural style, past uses, and its contribution to the community’s narrative. This research culminates in a local designation report.
Once the commission finalizes its recommendation, the local governing board and the commission hold a public hearing. This is an opportunity for the community to voice their opinions on the proposed designation. Following the public hearing, if the governing board approves, an ordinance is passed, officially recognizing the property as a local historic landmark.
The Rewards of Designation
Local designation is an honor bestowed upon a property by the community, acknowledging its historical significance and value. For individual landmark owners, this recognition comes with a significant perk – eligibility for an annual 50% property tax deferral. However, maintaining the property’s historic features is a requirement to retain this benefit.
Preserving the Past, Shaping the Future
A crucial aspect of local designation involves ensuring that alterations to designated properties are appropriate and respectful of their historical character. This is where certificates of appropriateness come in. Owners of landmarks must obtain these certificates from the preservation commission before undertaking significant changes, additions, or new construction. The commission reviews proposed changes based on established design guidelines, ensuring any modifications complement the property’s historic significance.
These design guidelines are a valuable resource for property owners as well. They can be used to plan renovations and discuss potential projects with the commission, fostering collaboration and ensuring historically sensitive improvements.
The Raleigh Example: Protecting the City’s Story
Let’s take a closer look at how landmark designation works in Raleigh. The Raleigh Historic Development Commission recommends properties for designation to the City Council, which then holds a public hearing before potentially landmarking a property. Raleigh designation provides a powerful tool to prevent demolition of historically significant structures while offering property owners substantial tax advantages. For this reason it is not undertaken lighting or without public input and support.
Raleigh Historic Development Commission (RHDC) designation process:
- Research & Public Input:
- The RHDC’s Research Committee gathers information about the property.
- Public meetings and hearings are held to solicit community input.
- Comments are obtained from the State Historic Preservation Office.
- Committee Review:
- The Research Committee reviews the findings and public input.
- If the designation has merit and community support, it’s recommended to the full RHDC.
- Public Hearings:
- The RHDC holds a public hearing to consider the designation report and receive comments.
- A joint public hearing is held with the RHDC and City Council for further public input.
- City Council Vote:
- City Council holds a final public hearing to vote on landmarking the property.
Why Landmark?
If you are considering landmarking your property in Raleigh, the benefits are numerous:
- Public recognition: Your property is acknowledged as an important part of Raleigh’s history.
- Tax advantages: Enjoy a significant reduction in property taxes.
- Preservation benefits: Gain access to assistance from the RHDC regarding maintenance, repairs, and rehabilitation of your historic property.
- Sense of stewardship: Become a vital partner in preserving Raleigh’s architectural inheritance for future generations.
Are you considering landmarking your property, or do you know of a property that would be appropriate for a nomination to the National Register of Historic Places?
Explore the links below or contact Preservation Raleigh and we can help connect you with the right people!
Resources:
Local designation: https://rhdc.org/preservation-services/local-historic-landmark-and-district-designation
Raleigh Historic Landmarks Primer https://rhdc.org/sites/default/files/RHDCHistoricLandmarks.pdf
State Historic Preservation Office: https://www.hpo.nc.gov/local-preservation/about-historic-preservation-commissions/local-historic-property-designations-north-carolina
National Register of Historic Places listings: https://www.hpo.nc.gov/survey-and-national-register/national-register-historic-places