Historic Preservation Commission

Within the city's local historic districts and historic overlays, design review is required for exterior alterations to properties located in the district 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 Items

Evidentiary Hearings for November 12, 2026

  • 608 Dock Street: Back of house existing deck replacement and extension (COA-2026-0270)

Pending Items

  • 415 McRae Street: Exterior renovations; installation of an ADU (COA-2026-0279)

Deadlines

Meeting Dates: Submission Deadline by 1:00 p.m. on the following dates:
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 the Wilmington 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

Kari Williams
At Large
Term Expiration: 07/01/2029

Paul Lawler
Historic Separate Use, HD-R
Term Expiration: 07/01/2029

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

Meeting Agenda

November 12, 2026

Location
Council Chambers
Skyline Center
929 N. Front St.
Wilmington, NC 28401

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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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