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1. What is the difference between a Local Historic District and a National Register Historic District?

Local historic districts are completely different from National Register historic districts. The main difference is that a local historic district is a type of zoning district that has regulations regarding exterior changes to properties. In a National Register district, a private property owner using private funds can make changes to property without any review process. However, it should be noted that some areas are both a local historic district and a National Register district. In that instance, the regulations set out in the zoning ordinance for local historic districts must be followed.

2. What exactly is a local historic district?

A local historic district is an area designated by the governing board because it contains important architectural and historic resources. These districts are designated as part of the zoning ordinance in order to safeguard a valuable part of the community’s cultural heritage. In Forsyth County, there are two types of local historic districts:

• Historic (H) Districts, i.e. Old Salem and Bethabara
• Historic Overlay (HO) Districts, i.e. West End

3. What are the major provisions of a local historic district ordinance?

Exterior work that would change the appearance of buildings, sites and landscape features, new construction, demolition, and relocation within a district must be approved by the Historic Resources Commission. The proposed work must be found to be consistent with design review standards that are adopted for each district to preserve the unique character of the district. Before exterior alterations can be made to properties in these types of districts, a property owner has to apply for and obtain a permit, called a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA), from the Historic Resources Commission.

4. What are design review standards?

Design review standards are, essentially, descriptions of the appropriate treatment for changes to property within a local historic district. They are used as reference by the Historic Resources Commission when considering an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA).

5. How do I know if I need a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA)?

If you live in West End, Old Salem, or Bethabara, you should call the Historic Resources Commission staff before you begin any work. Historic Resources Commission staff can advise you if your proposed work needs a Certificate of Appropriateness and provide information on how to obtain one.

6. How is a local historic district designated?

Local historic districts are designated by the appropriate governing board in Forsyth County, depending on where the area is located. This is done through the rezoning process, after public review and comment. All affected property owners have the opportunity to make their feelings known well before a vote is taken. Additionally, the State Historic Preservation Office is required to comment on all local historic district designation proposals prior to the governing board vote, to ensure that the proposed district meets the criteria outlined in State law.

7. What does it mean to own property in a local historic district?

Property owners in local historic districts need to contact the Historic Resources Commission staff before beginning any exterior changes to existing structures, or prior to beginning any project involving new construction or demolition. The Commission and its staff will review the project. If it meets the terms of the ordinance and district’s standards, a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) will be issued. A building permit cannot be issued in an historic district without a COA.

8. What is required in a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) application to the Commission?

The application requirements will vary, depending on the nature and complexity of the proposed project. Historic Resources Commission staff are available to help with the application process.

9. Is there a way to deal with minor projects?

Historic Resources Commission staff can approve certain projects so that unnecessary delays can be avoided for smaller scale work. Administrative approvals are available for specific types of work, if the staff determines that the proposal follows the district’s standards.

10. What about routine maintenance?

Repair and replacement projects are not reviewed by the Commission, as long as no material or design changes are made.

11. How long does it take to have projects reviewed and approved?

Minor work approvals usually only take a few days. Projects that require full Historic Resources Commission review can take up to 30 days, since the Commission meets monthly. Sometimes a project can be continued for an extra month if additional information is needed or if a project is extremely complex. In all cases, the Commission must act on an application within 180 days after its filing.

12. What happens if I begin work without a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA)?

All property owners in local historic districts need to consult with Historic Resources Commission staff before beginning any exterior project, and receive any necessary approvals prior to commencing work. When Commission staff learn of a project that is underway without approval, the violation is reported to the Inspections Division. The local ordinance provides enforcement procedures, which are used as needed.

13. Does the Historic Resources Commission require you to restore your property?

No. The Historical Resources Commission only gets involved when you decide to begin work on your property. The Commission will not require you to initiate a project.