After the designation by ordinance of a historic property of a historic district, no material change in the appearance of such historic property, or of a contributing or non­-contributing building, structure, site or object within such historic district, shall be made or be permitted to be made by the owner or occupant thereof, unless or until the application for a Certificate of Appropriateness has been submitted to and approved by the Historic Preservation Commission. A Building Permit shall not be issued without a Certificate of Appropriateness. 

An Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness shall be accompanied by drawings, photographs, plans and documentation sufficient to demonstrate the material changes requesting approval.

The Commission shall approve the application and issue a Certificate of Appropriateness if it finds that the proposed material change(s) in the appearance would not have a substantial adverse effect on the aesthetic, historic, or architectural significance and value of the historic property or the historic district. In making this determination, the commission shall consider, in addition to any other pertinent factors, the guidelines adopted in the City's Historic Preservation Ordinance.

In its review of applications for Certificates of Appropriateness, the Commission shall not consider interior arrangement or use having no effect on exterior architectural features.

The Commission shall hold a public hearing at which each proposed Certificate of Appropriateness is discussed. The Commission shall give the property owner and/or applicant an opportunity to be heard at the Certificate of Appropriateness hearing. The commission may approve the Certificate of Appropriateness as proposed, approve the Certificate of Appropriateness with any modifications it deems necessary, or reject it.

To submit the Certificate of Appropriateness application, choose the online submission option or download a PDF copy to submit via email. Email mainstreet@developjoco.com or call for assistance.

Online Submission
Download PDF Copy 

How do I know if my property is located in the Historic District?

You can view the map here.

If my property is not in the Historic District, can I get a permit without Historic Preservation Review?

Yes, Historic Preservation Review only applies to the Historic District as defined by the City of Wrightsville, in order to maintain the historic character that defines the town and ensure no adverse effects on adjacent historic properties.

Does the Historic Preservation Ordinance mandate what colors I must use?

No. The Historic Preservation Review Board reviews each application on its own merits and determines appropriateness for the character of the historic district and the anticipated effects on other historic properties.

Are interior renovations subject to Historic Preservation Review?

No, unless the interior modifications effect exterior architectural features.

My design was approved by the Historic Preservation Review Board. Is that the only step before I get to work?

No, you will still need a Construction Permit for exterior or interior renovations. Historic Preservation Ordinances do not consider interior renovations, but the renovations must still pass City Code Inspection.