Hurricane Helene Disaster Response
Most work done to the exterior of the property needs a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) issued by the Historic Preservation Commission. In an effort to assist property owners in rehabilitating properties after Hurricane Helene, City staff condensed all materials needed into one location. You can find the link to the application here.
Normal Maintenance – NO COA REQUIRED
Normal maintenance or repair does not require a COA where no change is made to the appearance of a building or grounds. The property owner may make changes which fall into the following categories without application to the Historic Preservation Commission:
- Painting
- Replacement of window glass (but not style or type of window)
- Caulking and weather-stripping
- Minor landscaping, including vegetable and flower gardens, shrubbery, side and rear yard trees
- Light pruning of trees and shrubbery, and removal of trees less than 6" in diameter
- Repairs to walks, patios, fences and driveways as long as replacement materials match the original or existing materials in detail and color
- Replacement of small amounts of missing or deteriorated original or existing siding, trim, roof coverings, porch flooring, steps, etc., as long as replacement materials match the original or existing materials in detail and color
- Installation of gutters and downspouts as long as the color matches the house trim color
- Installation of signs that are not anchored freestanding signs or illuminated signs
- Installation of house numbers and mailboxes which are compatible with the original in style, size and material
- Repair of existing street or yard lighting
Minor Works - COA REQUIRED
Minor works projects require a COA; however, minor works can be approved by the Coordinator of the Historic Preservation Commission, or the Coordinator's designee, if the proposed work is consistent with the Hendersonville Design Review Standards
- Fences and Walls
- Landscaping Projects
- Rooftop Construction
- Installation of Mechanical and Utility Equipment
- Foundation Repairs
- Masonry Repairs
- Exterior Lighting Fixtures
- Awnings
- Removal of Artificial Siding
- Exterior Stairs, Landing, Steps and entryways
- Replacement of Missing Details
- Upper Facade Windows
- Removal of Accessory Buildings
- Accessibility for People with Disabilities
- Decks
- Other Minor Construction
Major Works - COA REQUIRED
Major works projects must be approved by the Historic Preservation Commission. In general, these are projects which involve a change in the appearance of a building or landscape and which are more substantial in nature than minor work projects. They include, but are not limited to, the following:
- New construction or additions to buildings
- Demolition of any part of a structure
- Discovery of any archaeological resource on the site
- Moving of buildings
- Installation of anchored freestanding signs or illuminated signs
- New accessory buildings
- Parking lots (other than normal driveways)
- Replacement of architectural details when there will be a change in design or materials from the original or existing details
- Changes to roof lines
- Minor works items not approved by the staff of the Historic Preservation Commission
City staff wants to assist in the application and approval process. If you would like to have staff come to your building and asses damage, or you need assistance in the application process, please contact Sam Hayes at shayes@hvlnc.gov.
Resources
The following resources have been compiled by City staff to help property owners who own historic properties rehbailitate their properties.
City Staff - Please reach out to City staff if you have any questions.
Sam Hayes - shayes@hvlnc.gov, Phone Number 828-203-0307
Disaster Recovery
State Historic Preservation Office Disaster Preparedness and Response
https://www.hpo.nc.gov/restoration-services/disaster-preparedness-and-response
National Trust for Historic Preservation - Disaster Recovery
https://savingplaces.org/disaster-recovery
Financial Resources
North Carolina State Historic Tax Credits - Owner-Occupied Residential Properties
Downtown Hendersonville Business Recovery Resources
https://www.hendersonvillenc.gov/downtown-resources/helene-business-recovery-resources-updates