Living in Historic Wilmore & South End

Above is the Historic District map for Wilmore

Links for more information:

Link for the Historic Wilmore website http://www.wilmorehistoricdistrict.com/index.html

Link to the Charlotte / Mecklenburg Planning Commission Historic department - with this link you'll find the rules and procedures, meeting agendas and schedules, applications for work / projects and lots of other great info: http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/Planning/Historic+Districts/Home.htm

Link to Historic Charlotte, Inc.  A non-profit that promotes the preservation of historic properties and areas of Charlotte.  http://www.historiccharlotte.org/

Link to the Historic Landmarks Commission website http://www.cmhpf.org/

Article in The Charlotte Observer: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/05/19/1443986/city-gains-a-new-local-historic.html

Fact vs. Myth about Historic Districts:

Many myths abound regarding rules and restrictions for Historic District neighborhoods, projects, and homes.  Below are some facts about what being in an Historic District means and what you can, and can't, do with your property.

• The Charlotte Historic District Requirements are not nearly as complex or stringent as those of Charleston or many other cities.
• You are not required to make any changes to your existing property if your neighborhood becomes a historic district. You may leave your house exactly how it is right now.
• Being a historic district does not mean that you will be required to make museum-quality restorations to your house or to spend more money than you would have without the designation. The Commission recognizes that these are living, vital neighborhoods, and does not want to inhibit that spirit in any way.
• There is no rule regarding what color you paint your house.
• As long as no material or design changes are made, then you can make any repair and replacement projects to your house without review by the commission.
• You are still allowed to tear down a property and rebuild within an Historic District, but the commission will try and work out a plan to prevent tear-downs.  In the event an owner still wishes to remove / replace a property a stay of 1 year will slow the process, but at the end of 1 year from application to demolish a property owner can get a permit to do so.
• When Wilmore becomes a Historic District, someone from Wilmore will sit on the commission and represent us in all decisions that are made
• There is no rule about hanging clothes outside with a Historic District designation.
• A local historic district designation does not provide a tax credit for renovations, however, our plan is to apply for a National Registry designation which does.
• Becoming a Historic District does not increase property taxes in the neighborhood.