Wake County Design Guidelines

From introduction: "Historic districts and historic landmarks are an invaluable legacy, linking present and future generations with the heritage bound up in buildings, objects, landscapes, and archaeological artifacts. A historic landmark is a distinctive individual property singled out and recognized for its historic and architectural significance. Historic districts are places of singular historical character created by their streets and roads, buildings and trees, architectural design, and landscape features. Both landmarks and districts may be monumental or simple, residential or commercial, and rural or urban in character. Wake County encourages development that supports and enhances the character of its landmarks and historic districts. Local landmarks are designated under a code which provides for the design review of proposed exterior and, in rare cases, interior changes to a landmark property. Similarly, overlay zoning provides a design review process for exterior changes to properties located within a historic district. Neither designation impacts permitted uses beyond by the existing local, state, or federal zoning. These design guidelines are intended to assist owners of local historic landmarks properties or historic district properties in planning changes that are appropriate to the special character of those properties and to assist the Wake County Historic Preservation Commission (WCHPC) and its staff in reviewing the appropriateness of such changes. Wake County’s rich history has been shaped by its yeoman farmers, strong, agriculturally-based economy, its longtime commitment to education, and its prominent role as the center of state government. Recognizing the vital role historic preservation can play in contributing to the quality of life for all its citizens, Wake County has been actively engaged in preservation activities since 1988—first identifying and documenting the county’s significant historic resources and then establishing a countywide historic preservation program. The original Wake County survey and its 2005 update catalogued a wealth of historic and architectural resources spanning from colonial times to the mid-twentieth century. Approximately 2000 historic properties were documented including a variety of building types, a broad range of architectural styles, and a real diversity of settings. Their collective presence contributes to the understanding of Wake County’s unique history and, in turn, the quality of life for all Wake County residents and visitors." Project funding was provided in part by a 2011 Historic Preservation Fund grant to the Wake County (project number NC-11-019) administered by the North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office (grant number 37-11-31940) and the State, Tribal, and Local Plans and Grants Division, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Wake County, North Carolina is a Certified Local Government

Wake County Design Guidelines

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