This section includes applications, guidelines, and reference materials for Historic Properties Commission reviews, including Certificates of Appropriateness and design standards for locally designated historic properties and districts.
The Alamance County Historic Properties Commission’s Historic Marker Program recognizes historic resources, persons and events that are significant in the areas of architecture, archaeology, county history and traditional culture. The purpose of the program is to increase public awareness of the rich cultural heritage of the county, to encourage historic preservation, and to augment the enjoyment of local historic sites. The presence of a historic marker does not necessarily mean the property is a Local Historic Landmark; however, most designated landmarks have a historic marker that describes the landmark’s significance.
Historic markers erected through this program are placed on private property outside of the public road right-of-way and generally display the Alamance County Historic Properties Commission seal. The North Carolina Highway Historical Marker Program places historic markers on state and federal highways throughout the state; markers erected under this program display the state seal. For applications and more information on either program, click the links below.
Historic Properties Commission Ordinance
The Commission works with several local municipalities, including Mebane, Haw River, Green Level, and Gibsonville to aid in the identification and designation of local historic landmarks and districts. The Commission is also responsible for the review of applications for Certificates of Appropriateness related to any exterior changes to locally-designated landmarks or properties within local historic districts. Click on the links below for the Certificate of Appropriateness application and Guidelines.
The HPC uses the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation to decide on the appropriateness of proposed exterior changes to locally-designated properties when considering applications for Certificates of Appropriateness. The standards can be found here.
The Commission also administers an Alamance County Historical Marker program. The Historic Properties Commission has an extensive inventory of buildings, structures, sites, and areas of historical, prehistoric, architectural, and archaeological significance in the county. This inventory was initially completed in 1980 with a significant update in 2002, and includes over 700 sites. The inventory is used as a guide for the identification, assessment, and designation of historic landmarks.
View information about the surveyed properties in the Architectural Inventory.
View information about the surveyed properties in the Archaeological Survey Report 2019.
The location of historic sites can be viewed on the county GIS map.
- Click to accept the disclaimer.
- Once the map opens, click the layers menu on the right-hand side and expand the Admin Menu.
- Check the box next to “Historic Sites.”
- Next click the identify tool and click on any historic site for additional information (site names, file numbers, and status).
The inventory files are available for viewing in the Planning Department with an appointment.