Historic Designation
There are four types of historic designation available in Durham. Click on the links below to learn more about the benefits and protections of each.
- National Register of Historic Places
- Local Historic District
- Local Historic Landmark
- Neighborhood Protection Overlay
National Register of Historic Places
| Type of Property | individual (National Historic Landmark) and multiple (NR Historic District) |
| Qualification | 50 years old (some exceptions); integrity of historic character; significance in American history, architecture, archeology, engineering, and culture |
| Process for Designation | – Study List application to SHPO (if not already listed) – NR nomination to SHPO – approved by National Register Advisory Committee |
| Design Review | none |
| Demolition | no restrictions |
| Financial Incentive | Tax Credits (qualified rehab costs):Non-Income Producing: 30% NC tax creditIncome Producing: 20% Federal tax credit + 20% NC tax credit |
| Administration | State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), National Park Service (NPS) |
Local Historic District
| Type of Property | multiple |
| Qualification | An area of special significance in terms of its history, prehistory, architecture, and/or culture that possesses integrity of design, setting, materials, feeling, and association |
| Process for Designation | – application to DCCPO – adoption by City Council |
| Design Review | Any exterior changes, additions, demolitions, new construction. Requires a Certificate of Appropriateness (permit) from HPC. |
| Demolition | 360-day delay |
| Financial Incentive | none |
| Administration | Durham City/County Planning Office (DCCPO), Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) |
Local Historic Landmark
| Type of Property | individual |
| Qualification | A property of special significance in terms of its historical, pre-historical, architectural, or cultural importance that possesses integrity of design, setting, workmanship, materials, feeling, and association |
| Process for Designation | – application to DCCPO – adoption by City Council |
| Design Review | Exterior changes, additions, demolitions, interior changes. Requires a Certificate of Appropriateness (permit) from HPC. |
| Demolition | 360-day delay |
| Financial Incentive | Local Property Tax: 50% deferral |
| Administration | Durham City/County Planning Office (DCCPO), Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) |
Neighborhood Protection Overlay
| Type of Property | multiple |
| Qualification | A neighborhood that: a. exhibits a consistent, identifiable physical character; b. has some historical, social, or other type of significance; c. is at least 25 years old (average age of structures); d. is a minimum of 15 acres; e. has a minimum of 75% of its land developed |
| Process for Designation | – application to DCCPO – reviewed by JCCPC – adoption by City Council |
| Design Review | Review of limited exterior features, additions, demolitions, new construction by DCCPO. |
| Demolition | no restrictions |
| Financial Incentive | none |
| Administration | Durham City/County Planning Office (DCCPO), Joint City/County Planning Committee (JCCPC) |
