Historic Preservation Commission

Purpose

The Historic Preservation Commission’s purpose is to designate historic districts and landmarks within the Town of Black Mountain. In addition, this commission shall develop and recommend to the Town Council rules and regulations governing the designation and maintenance of historic properties in the Town. Members must live within the territorial jurisdiction of the municipality.

Meetings

• 6 p.m.
• The 3rd Wednesday of each month
• Town Hall
  160 Midland Avenue
  Black Mountain, NC 28711

Agendas & Minutes

Agendas are available prior to meetings. Minutes are available following approval. Archived minutes are available dating back to 2012.

To request copies of agendas, meeting materials, minutes or minutes prior to 2012 please email Jennifer Tipton or contact by phone at 828-419-9300, ext. 371.

Members

The Historic Preservation Commission consists of 5 members each serving a 3-year term:

• Walter House
  Term Expires: July 2025
• Jay Parmar
  Term Expires: July 2024
• Debra Norman
  Term Expires: July 2026
• Amy Pate
  Term Expires: July 2025
• Leigh Vidrine
  Term Expires: July 2026

The Town Council appoints membership.

Background

Beginnings

The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) was established in 2001 to preserve and raise awareness of structures that have local, state, or federal historical significance. Their work includes recommending areas to be designated as “historic districts,” or individual structures, buildings, sites, areas or objects to be designated as “landmarks.” The HPC also reviews proposals for alterations, demolition or new construction within the regulatory Downtown Historic District and educates our community on historic resources within Black Mountain.

National Register of Historic Places

From 2001 to 2004, the HPC worked to get Black Mountain’s downtown on the National Register and to develop design standards. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Register of Historic Places is a national program to coordinate efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

Owners of properties listed on the National Register, or contributing properties within a Historic District on the National Register, may be eligible for rehabilitation tax credits. Owners of private property on the National Register are free to maintain, manage, or dispose of their property as they choose provided that no Federal monies are involved and they are not part of the Downtown Historic District or are a designated landmark.

Downtown Historic District Guidelines

In 2004, the Town adopted the Downtown Historic District Standards as a zoning overlay to protect the architectural character of downtown. Prior to certain types of construction, renovation or sign permits, the HPC must review plans and issue a “Certificate of Appropriateness.” The Conservation District provides a buffer around the Historic District to provide for consultation with the HPC but is non-binding. For more information on building downtown, please refer to the Downtown Historic District Standards and to Section 4.7.3 Historic District in the Land Use Code.

Certified Local Government Program

In 2005, Black Mountain was recognized and designated as a “Certified Local Government” (CLG) program. The Certified Local Government Program is a preservation partnership between local, state and national governments focused on promoting historic preservation and is administered by the National Park Service and the North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office. When recognized as a CLG, the Town of Black Mountain became an active partner in the Federal and State Historic Preservation Program and can access grants and technical resources to promote historic preservation.

Thomas Chapel & More Added to National Register

From 2006 to 2010, the HPC completed an inventory of residential structures which is now available through the North Carolina State Archives and the Town Planning and Development Department. From that research, the Thomas Chapel was successfully nominated to the National Register and the Town received a CLG grant to develop nominations for the South Montreat Road and Dougherty Heights Neighborhoods. These neighborhoods were nominated and added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Responsibilities

All advisory boards and commissions are required to adhere to the policies and procedures set forth in the Board and Commissions Handbook which also includes the Code of Ethics. These documents may be downloaded below.