City Departments

Planning department

Gastonia Historic District Commission

About The Gastonia Historic District Commission

The Gastonia Historic District Commission (hereafter referred to as the "Commission") is made up of ten (10) volunteers-residents within the City Limits of Gastonia appointed by the Gastonia City Council. The Commissioners serve three (3) year terms that are staggered to provide continuity.

The Commission meets on the fourth Thursday of each month at 6:30 PM in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 181 South Street, Gastonia, North Carolina.

The purpose of the Gastonia Historic District Commission is to establish procedures for organizing the business of the Commission and processing applications for Certificates of Appropriateness for:

1. Any changes in the exterior appearance of existing buildings, structures, signs or appurtenant features;

2. Construction or erection of new buildings, structures, signs or appurtenant features; and

3. For moving or demolition of existing structures within the designated historic district.

The Commission is governed by the terms of the Historic District Ordinance as contained in Article IV of Chapter 17 of the Code of Ordinances and by Article 19, Part 3C of G.S. Chapter 160A as they may be amended or revised.

The Commission's territorial jurisdiction for requiring Certificates of Appropriateness is mandated by the City of Gastonia's Official Zoning Ordinance as delineated on the official zoning map.

Issued Certificates of Appropriateness (COA)

2011

January February March April May June August September
October November December

Designated Historic Districts

Local historic district designation is a type of zoning that applies to entire neighborhoods or other areas that include many historic properties. The zoning provides controls on the appearance of existing and proposed buildings. Designation is an honor, meaning the community believes the architecture, history, and character of the area are worthy of recognition and protection. Historic district zoning can help to improve property values by stabilizing and enhancing the neighborhood's character, and it benefits property owners by protecting them from inappropriate changes by other owners that might destroy the special qualities of the neighborhood. Unlike landmark designations, local historic district designation has no effect on local property taxes for property owners within the designated district.

The purpose of the historic district overlay district is to maintain property values and encourage compatible reinvestment in the historic neighborhoods in Gastonia. It is not the intention of the historic districts to require the restoration of individual or original buildings or to impose architectural styles from particular historic periods. When considering building alterations or new construction, the Historic District Commission encourages architectural design which is harmonious with the character of the historic district in which it is located. The Commission reviews changes to the exterior portion of buildings, any structures (including but not limited to masonry walls, fences, light fixtures, satellite dish signal transmission equipment, steps and pavement, or other appurtenant features), signs, and other landscaping features within the district. A Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) must be secured prior to constructing, altering, moving, or demolishing structures. A COA is required whether or not a building permit is required.

National Register Historic Districts

The National Register of Historic Places is a federal program administered by the National Park Service in partnership with state governments to recognize and protect properties of historic and cultural significance that warrant consideration in federal undertakings, such as highway construction and urban renewal projects, and to provide incentives for local and private preservation initiatives. National Register listing is primarily an honor, meaning that a property has been researched and evaluated according to established procedures and determined to be worthy of preservation for its historical value. Listing in the National Register does not obligate or restrict a private owner in any way unless the owner seeks a federal benefit such as a grant or tax credit. For a private owner, the chief practical benefit of National Register listing is eligibility for a 20% federal investment tax credit that can be claimed against the cost of a certified rehabilitation of an income-producing historic building. There is also a 20% "piggyback" North Carolina investment tax credit for income-producing historic properties, and a 30% state credit for non-income-producing historic properties. For more information, see http://www.hpo.dcr.state.nc.us/tchome.htm

Design Districts

In an effort to ensure that development surrounding the Center City is done in a manner that best contributes to the economic well being of the City of Gastonia as well as the welfare of its citizens, the City Council initiated the first "Center City Design District" in May 2006 specifically related to the Oakland neighborhood. The district was created to provide an opportunity for design review for new development and redevelopment within the district. Applications for exterior work on buildings, structures, fences, porches, etc. and installation of satellite dishes, aboveground utilities, signs, etc. must be reviewed and approved by a Design Review Committee appointed by the City Manager. The list above does not include all work to be approved by the committee. An approved application is required prior to the issuance of a building permit or other permits required for work.

Design District designation provides a powerful tool for regulating architectural design. The Design District is primarily intended to preserve the aesthetic quality of historic centers. With this type of innovative design ordinance it is possible to protect the distinctive character, landscape, and historic structures within the district. New development or alterations to structures within a design district are required to be harmoniously related to their surroundings, the terrain, the scale, and the architecture of existing buildings. Each design district established by City Council should have its own design regulations that reflect the character of each district. It is not to say that a design district performs the same as a historic district but rather it compliments the existing historic area.

For more information regarding development in this district, please contact Candice Owenby at 704.854.6652.

Oakland Design District Application(pdf)

Board

Appointee	Term Expires
Susan Williams	June 30, 2014
David Buchanan	June 30, 2013
Gary Patterson, Vice-Chair	June 30, 2013
Ernest Sumner, Chair	June 30, 2014
John R. Howren, Jr.	June 30, 2014
James Henson	June 30, 2013
Amy S. McHenry	June 30, 2012