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1. What is a local historic landmark?

A local historic landmark is an individual property, which may be a building, structure, site, area, sign or other object, that has been designated as historic by the appropriate governing board because the property has a special character, historic or aesthetic interest, or value. Landmark designation signifies recognition that the property is important to the heritage and character of the community and that its protection enriches all the community’s residents. Generally, a property must be 50 years old to qualify for local historic landmark designation, although there are exceptions for properties with special significance.

2. How does a property obtain local historic landmark status?

An owner who is interested in pursuing local landmark designation should contact Historic Resources Commission staff. There is a detailed application to complete and a $50 application fee. Once an application is complete, it is sent to the State Historic Preservation Office for comment. It then goes before the Commission for review at a public hearing, at which time the Commission makes a recommendation to the appropriate governing board. Finally, the governing board designates the landmark by adopting a designation ordinance for the property, or denies designation. The final decision on designation rests with the governing board.

3. Would my property qualify for local historic landmark status?

Unfortunately, not all properties over 50 years old are eligible for local landmark designation. The property must have some type of special significance and retain a strong degree of original integrity. The property should meet the Historic Resources Commission criteria:

• Associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history
• Associated with the lives of persons significant in our past
• Embody the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction, or that represent the work of a master, or that possess high artistic values, or that represent a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction
• Have yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important in prehistory or history

4. What happens after a property is designated as a local historic landmark?

Two things. First, the property becomes subject to the same review process described under Local Historic Districts. Prior to making changes to any portion of the designated property (including interiors, when designated), the property owner must obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) from the Historic Resources Commission. The Commission has adopted design review standards and minor work provisions for landmark properties.

Second, under State law, the property owner may apply with the Forsyth County Tax Office for a tax deferral of up to 50% of the value of the landmark property. The tax deferral runs in perpetuity, unless the integrity of the property is lost or substantially impaired (other than by fire or natural disaster), or because the designation ordinance has been repealed. Each new property owner of a landmark must reapply for the deferral.