TO: Mayor and Members of City Council
THRU: Jodi Phelps, Assistant City Manager
Dr. Gerald Newton, AICP - Development Services Director
FROM: Historic Resources Commission and Planning and Zoning Division
DATE: March 23, 2026
RE:Title
Receive the Historic Resources Commission 2025 Annual Report
Title
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COUNCIL DISTRICT(S):
Council District(s)
All
b
Relationship To Strategic Plan:
2027 Goals
Goal II: Responsive City Government Supporting a Diverse and Viable Economy
2.2: Invest in community places to ensure revitalization and increase quality of life
Executive Summary:
The Fayetteville Historic Resources Commission’s Statement of Purpose: To safeguard the heritage of the City of Fayetteville by preserving, in accordance with law, any property therein that embodies important elements of its cultural, social, economic, political, or architectural history, and to promote the use and conservation of such property for the education, pleasure, and enrichment of the residents of the City, County, and State as a whole.
Background:
The Fayetteville Historic Resources Commission (HRC), a quasi-judicial body, was established by City Council in accordance with North Carolina General Statutes. On November 9, 1999, the City of Fayetteville’s HRC was approved as a Certified Local Government (CLG) by the National Park Service upon the recommendation of the State Historic Preservation Officer.
As a Certified Local Government, the City of Fayetteville is required to file an annual report on the activities of the HRC to ensure that the standards required are being met. Each year the HRC has received a favorable review from the State Historic Preservation Office. The Commission works closely with project proponents of historic landmarks or properties in the historic districts to ensure compliance with the Design Guidelines for Fayetteville’s Historic Districts and Local Landmarks while meeting the needs of the citizens.
One of the requirements of a CLG is mandated annual historic preservation training. In order to meet that standard, two commissioners and one City staff member have the option to attend the annual statewide historic preservation conference, which covers topics ranging from the legal process to design review. Another program requirement for a CLG is an active public education program. Every year students ranging from elementary school students to college students engage in special tours of Fayetteville’s historic districts to learn about local history and architecture. Many other local groups receive the same type of guided tours.
The HRC is also involved in the review and recommendation of new properties for the National Register of Historic Places and the Fayetteville Historic Districts and Local Landmarks program. With jurisdiction on all exterior features in the historic districts and on local landmarks, the Commission is responsible for the review of new construction, demolition, and changes to existing structures, sites, and streetscapes.
Issues/Analysis:
The following represents the actions rendered on Certificates of Appropriateness (COAs) over the past five years:
• 2021: A total of 42 cases: 41 approved, 1 denied
• 2022: A total of 31 cases: 30 approved, 1 denied
• 2023: A total of 63 cases: 63 approved, 0 denied
• 2024: A total of 31 cases: 31 approved, 0 denied
• 2025: A total of 30 cases: 23 approved, 1 denied
During this five year period a total of 197 cases were heard with only three denied.
Budget Impact:
NA
Options:
This is an informational report. No decisions are required.
Recommended Action::Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council receive the annual report of the Historic Resources Commission.
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Attachments:
PowerPoint