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.

Agenda

Evidentiary Hearings for April 9, 2026

  1. Old Business

  2. 230 McRae Street: New house construction (MJW-55-2603)
    Case Materials for 230 McRae Street(PDF, 8MB)  
  3. 503 Grace Street: After-the-fact carport (MJW-57-2604)
    Case Materials for 503 Grace Street(PDF, 14MB)  

    New Business

  4. 16 North 16th Street: Adding a front awning (MJW-58-2604)
    Case Materials for 16 North 16th Street(PDF, 5MB)
  5. 107 South 5th Avenue: Window alterations and foundation infill (MJW-59-2604)
    Case Materials for 107 South 5th Avenue(PDF, 7MB)  
  6. 214 North 7th Street: New double porch (MJW-60-2604)
    Case Materials for 214 North 7th Street(PDF, 9MB)  
  7. 211 Polvogt Alley: Replacing fence gates with doors (MJW-61-2604)
    Case Materials for 211 Polvogt Alley(PDF, 12MB)
  8. 109 South 7th Street: Garage roof modification (MJW-62-2604)
    Case Withdrawn
  9. 410 North 15th Street: Side patio to deck construction (MJW-63-2604)
    Case Materials for 410 North 15th Street(PDF, 5MB)  

Deadlines

Meeting Date Submission Deadline
January 8, 2026 December 2, 2025
February 12, 2026 January 6, 2026
March 12, 2026 February 3, 2026
April 9, 2026 March 3, 2026
May 14, 2026 April 7, 2026
June 11, 2026 May 5, 2026
July 9, 2026 June 2, 2026
August 13, 2026 July 8, 2026
September 10, 2026 August 4, 2026
October 8, 2026 September 1, 2026
November 12, 2026 October 6, 2026
December 10, 2026 November 3, 2026
January 14, 2027 December 8, 2026
February 11, 2027 January 5, 2027

 

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

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

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.

Meetings

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

Upcoming Agenda
April 9, 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 and Development Coordinator
Email Amy Bradshaw or call +1-910-341-3250

Tracy Manning
Customer Service Specialist II
Email Tracy Manning or call +1-910-341-4612

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