Historic Preservation Commission

Within the city's local historic districts and historic overlays, design review is required for exterior alterations to properties located to ensure compatibility with the historic character of the district. The design standards do not impose a particular architectural style, but encourage compatible design and congruity, whether traditional or contemporary.

A certificate of appropriateness (COA) is required for exterior changes to a property. Approval is based on the Wilmington Design Standards for Historic Districts and Landmarks.

Major work requires review and approval by the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) pursuant to Section 18-597 of the Land Development Code.

Upcoming Agenda

Evidentiary Hearings for February 12, 2026

  1. 409 North 15th Street: New side elevation portico (MJW-47-2602)
    Case Material for 409 North 15th Street(PDF, 24MB)
  2. 708 Market Street: Rear addition and new carriage house (MJW-48-2602)
    Case Material for 708 Market Street(PDF, 84MB)

    OTHER BUSINESS

    Proposal for Local Landmark Approval

  3. Mary Etta Williams House and Property, 709 North 8th Street: Local Landmark Designation Application (LLD-06-2602)
    Case Material for Mary Etta Williams House and Property(PDF, 12MB)

Pending Items

Membership

Members can expect to commit approximately eight (8) hours per month for regularly scheduled HPC meetings, including time for preparation and/or research.

The seven (7)-member commission is comprised as follows:

  • At least two (2) Historic District residents (HD/HDR or HD-MU)
  • At least one (1) Historic District Overlay (HD-O)
  • One (1) member may be a building owner or proprietor in HD-O
  • Three (3) At Large members

Current Members

Chris Yermal, Chair
At Large
Term Expiration: 01/18/2028

Joan Keston, Vice Chair
At Large
Term Expiration: 05/08/2028

Ross Tomaselli
At Large
Term Expiration: 07/01/2026

Alison Watts
Historic Separate Use, HD-R
Term Expiration: 07/01/2026

Beth Rutledge
Historic Separate Use, HD-R
Term Expiration: 06/21/2027

Ashley Wilson
Overlay District, HD-O
Term Expiration: 05/08/2027

Stephen Sulkey
Resident Overlay, HD-R
Term Expiration: 05/08/2027

Appeals

Appeals of commission decisions are to the Board of Adjustment. Appeals must be filed within 30 days from the written decision of the HPC action.

The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) is a seven-member board appointed by City Council to "promote, enhance and preserve the character of the Wilmington historic districts." The HPC hears and decides requests for certificates of appropriateness in accordance with the Wilmington Design Standards for Historic Districts and Landmarks.

Meetings

At 5:30 p.m. on the second Thursday of every month unless otherwise noted

Upcoming Agenda
February 12, 2026

Location
Council Chambers
Skyline Center
929 North Front Street
Wilmington, NC 28401

Live Stream
GTV8

Forms & Documents

Meeting Archives

Staff Liaisons

Email Historic Preservation Staff

Ben Riggle
Planning Manager - Historic Preservation
Email Ben Riggle or call +1-910-341-3251

Alden Finholm
Planner I - Historic Preservation
Email Alden Finholm or call +1-910-772-4165

Amy Bradshaw
Planning Coordinator
Email Amy Bradshaw or call +1-910-341-3250

Tracy Manning
Administrative Support
Email Tracy Manning or call +1-910-341-4612

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