A Historic Wilmington Foundation plaque is on the front of the historic Chadwick-Teague House in Sunset Park. (StarNews file photo)

“The reference to the historic plaque is vague because properties with a plaque may not necessarily be located within the city of Wilmington or within a locally designated historic district,” said Ron Satterfield, Wilmington planning manager.

Historic plaques are issued by the Historic Wilmington Foundation. Without knowing the specific location of the property and the nature of the historic plaque, it’s difficult to give a specific answer, Satterfield said.

He said that generally, if a house is located in a local historic district in the city of Wilmington, the Historic Preservation Commission reviews changes to the exterior of structures.

If a house is a locally designated landmark, the HPC reviews changes to the exterior of structures and certain designated interior features.

The HPC process involves design review, Satterfield said.

If a house is located in the federal National Register Historic District, there is a 90-day notice to demolish requirement for structures located on the property.

The specific authority and procedures regarding the HPC are contained in Chapter 18 Land Development Code of the City Code and the North Carolina General Statutes 160A, Article 19, Part 3C.

For more information regarding the design guidelines for properties within the local historic districts in the city of Wilmington and the responsibilities of the HPC, visit the city of Wilmington’s website at http://www.wilmingtonnc.gov/development_services/historic_environmental/historic_preservation_planning/applications_forms.aspx

For more information regarding the Historic Wilmington Foundation’s plaque program, visit the HWF website.

Date posted: December 23, 2011

User-contributed question by:
charles